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Abstract
Characteristics of the 1979 bait-fish industry in Ohio and West Virginia were assessed via a mail questionnaire to 201 retail dealers and a telephone survey of 17 wholesale dealers. The 60% response from the mail survey indicated 85 of 219 license-holders (39%) in West Virginia and 720 of 956 (75%) in Ohio were active dealers. Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and shiners (Notropis spp. and Notemigonus crysoleucas) were the principal bait fishes sold. More than 90% of all 1979 sales in the two states occurred in Ohio. On the average, retail dealers in Ohio sold 550 lb of bait fish, paid $3.66 per lb, were active for 6.6 months, and grossed $5,194. The average West Virginia retailer sold 374 lb, paid $4.46 per lb, was active for 6.4 months, and grossed $4,304. Retail sales in the two states exceeded 400,000 lb and $4 million. Wholesale dealers consisted of importers (who received bait fish primarily from Minnesota and Arkansas and reside in Ohio) and jobbers, who distributed bait fish to retailers. The Ohio industry grew 3.2% annually during the 1970's. Future expansion of the industry seems likely because demands for bait are great and retail dealers have plenty of holding capacities.