The practice of employing maize as angling bait is prohibited in certain regions due to its potential negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The primary concern revolves around the digestibility of this grain by fish. When consumed in large quantities, it can lead to malnutrition or even death due to its lack of essential nutrients and the difficulty fish have in properly processing it.
The restriction on using this grain stems from efforts to maintain healthy fish populations and preserve the ecological balance of waterways. Undigested matter contributes to water pollution, decreasing oxygen levels and potentially harming other aquatic life. Historically, bans have been enacted in areas where angling pressure is high or where native fish species are particularly vulnerable.