Production, distribution and selling cocahoe minnows as live baitfish will be the focus of a workshop hosted by the LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Louisiana Refuges office, 61389 Hwy. 434 in Lacombe.
The program will focus on pond and tank culture. Topics to be covered include: history of cocahoe aquaculture; fish diseases; advantages and disadvantages of captive breeding; brood stock and reproduction methods; proper holding, handling and transportation of live minnows; infrastructure considerations; and culture system diversity/scenarios.
Live bait for saltwater angling in Louisiana is a seasonally available commodity, due to the reliance on wild-caught stocks. The cocahoe minnow, Fundulus grandis, is widely used to lure redfish, speckled trout, flounder and many other species. Cultured cocahoe minnows could help supplement the wild-caught baitfish supply and serve as a valuable revenue source for growers.
The workshop is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact LSU Extension Associate Sunny Brogan at (225) 765-2848 or sbrogan@agcenter.lsu.edu.
