It's absolutely a Legal bait!
Cool! Glad it’s working for you. I’m guessing you don’t wanna share what your secret bait is? Fisherman and their secrets…

I’m new to all of this. Haven’t fished since I was a kid, and didn’t really catch anything then. I’m hitting Irvine for my first time this weekend and I’m fishing for catfish. Any tips for a newbie? I’m currently trying to decide between mackerel and dough bait. Also, do you know if the mackerel sold at the bait shop at the lake is “fresh” or frozen?