I saw this story about a virus that is putting cricket producers out of business. I believe this is the same cricket that is used as bait. Might make them scarce for fishing.
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I saw this story about a virus that is putting cricket producers out of business. I believe this is the same cricket that is used as bait. Might make them scarce for fishing.
It's always something. Wish you could feed them to the Asian carp and get rid of them. Bluegill fishermen will probably being paying more this spring. Hopefully they will get the problem worked out. Sounds like our ecosystem is constantly being tested by a virus of one kind or another.
CatFan you are correct about the species. A. domesticus is the one commonly used for bait. Guess that'll make panfishing this summer interesting. Better stock up on the Gulp Alive crickets.
I went to check the URL out and the article was not available, so I am "Shooting In The Dark" on this one
As far as I know from days gone by the cricket growers I have kown have all ways had trouble with a cricket virus .. I am talking about back in the 60's when I first heard about it ... They Clean & Disenfect everything and get started all over again.
wow,that doesn't sounds good for some fishing ppl.i don't use live bait much anymore for panfish.i'll even get by with artificials for catfish sometimes.i don't think i have ever acually used crickets for bait,but i have used grasshoppers i've caught and worms.
Boy I sure hope this doesn't jack up the price, heck I'm already paying a buck a dozen the way it is:(. I thought about raising my own crickets, this might just give me a reason to.
On the other hand a good kiptail jig tipped with a crappie nibble works just as good :p