Frog leg trade, salamanders used as fishing bait

[findiviglio]

I would like to ask your opinion if I may. I am sure you have plenty of experience since you have worked in the field for so long. I recently caught three tree frog tadpoles and I think I have them identified, but I am not sure. I will post a pic of my biggest one for you. I am trying to get a less fuzzy image to post, sorry about that. Thanks for your help!

Hi....except for some very distinctive species, i.e. Am Bullfrogs, positive ID is usually not possible via photo...depends upon tooth structure and similar details. Habitat, geographic locale, time of year can sometimes narrow down the possibilities. Sorry I could not be of more help, best, Frank

[Bombina Bob]

Ive always used worms or crickets as bait when fishing, NEVER sallies.

[MsBlueRose]

Hi....except for some very distinctive species, i.e. Am Bullfrogs, positive ID is usually not possible via photo...depends upon tooth structure and similar details. Habitat, geographic locale, time of year can sometimes narrow down the possibilities. Sorry I could not be of more help, best, Frank

Thank you for the reply anyway, Frank. I appreciate the help. I did compare the info you listed with what I see on our little ones, and I am pretty sure they are Grey's. But we shall see, lol. Looks like I may have my first test on identifying a species from the field on my own, lol. It will prove to be good practice! I really cn't wait to see what they are?! The one in the pic I posted already has back legs growing so it should not be too long before I know for sure what I have found. Thanks again. I will post pics again when he/she morphs. Ttys.

[Ted]

Im a fly fisherman and tie my own flies,I havn't used live bait in over 40 years.the other side of the story are careless beer drinking fisherman who after the day is finished,just toss their leftover leeches,minnows and salamanders right in the lake without any thought at all,I've witnessed this before.this is a big problem getting invasive species,and this type of behavior is very hard to monitor and correct.if you want to catch more fish,,learn to use artificial lures.

[MsBlueRose]

I believe you are right Ted... I have seen it myself as well. People just don't understand what they are doing to our ecosystems when they so carelessly discard live bait...! Even though we have wild life fish and game, even they can't be there to stop every instance of carelessness. We can only pray that enough people learn how to handle this situation properly and stop this behavior when they witness it (and share their knowledge about what kind of harm it can - and does - cause). I know I share my knowledge when and where ever I can to help our environment.