Fishing Rules and Regulations - Why Bother?

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What constitutes breaking the rules?

This weekend I had an opportunity to film something that happened right in front of our cottage. I was observing a gentleman fishing by himself in a boat. I gave him credit for the fact that it was raining and he must be a real trouper to be out there.

However, upon watching him I realized that he was going back and forth from the front to the back and he was actually fishing with two fishing rods. Although you are entitled to fish in some major waters with two rods you are Not allowed to do it in the majority of lakes and streams within Ontario. Purchasing a license and asking the questions would have been a great idea before he decided to head out and fish.

In Canada we have very strict regulations that seem somewhat confusing at times and it is very important to not assume that your regulations are the same as other areas. (A good example would be in Ontario -- If you are going to be fishing North of Hwy 7 then you would find that your season actually opens one week later then if you fished South of Hwy 7. Although the difference is only a week it could result in the loss of your boat for the season and heavy fines.)

You should always know what the local regulations are on the lakes that you will be fishing. There are many local tackle and bait shops that are usually able to define the regulations and give you a quick yes or no if you are not positive of what the rules are for the area.

If you are a visitor to Canada and your planning a fishing trip or a quick run to a local stream you are encouraged to make sure that you know the rules. Licensing is required and will differ in price according to where and how long you will require it. Remember if you do not find out what the regulations are you may find the consequences could be a very big unexpected expense in your vacation.

Licensing provides all of us the opportunity to make sure that we have future species stocked in our lakes. Rules and regulations although they sometimes seem like they are not necessary, they actually ensure that we do not over fish or disturb the natural habitats.

Fishing with two rods... well that is just plain stupid. When we told the gentleman with the two rods that we had him on tape he immediately put one rod away. He didn't even question if there was a rule not to do it. It sure makes you think that although he was aware of the rule He just simply thought he was above it.

It's our responsibility to find out the regulations that govern where we fish. Don't assume they are the same as home.

Remember today we have Video and You Tube so it's not worth breaking the rules - Our Fish count on it.