Here's why:
* Saltwater fish are adapted to a high salt environment. Freshwater fish have a different physiology and cannot tolerate the high salt content of seawater. Using them as bait can cause them to quickly die or become stressed, making them less effective.
* Saltwater fish have different feeding habits. Baitfish that are common in saltwater environments are typically small, fast-moving, and adapted to eating plankton or other small creatures. Freshwater fish have different diets and may not be as appealing to saltwater predators.
* Freshwater fish can introduce invasive species. If a freshwater fish escapes or is released, it could potentially introduce a non-native species into the saltwater environment, which could disrupt the ecosystem.
Alternatives to using freshwater fish for saltwater bait:
* Saltwater baitfish: There are a variety of saltwater baitfish specifically designed for fishing, such as mullet, shrimp, squid, and sandworms.
* Artificial lures: Lures that mimic the appearance and movement of baitfish can be very effective in saltwater fishing.
Exceptions:
* Some freshwater fish, like catfish, are known to be hardy and may survive for a short time in saltwater. However, this is not recommended due to the reasons listed above.
Conclusion:
While it's technically possible to use freshwater fish as bait in saltwater, it's generally not recommended due to their vulnerability in saltwater environments. Using saltwater-specific baitfish or artificial lures is a more effective and responsible approach to saltwater fishing.