Warning - Bringing bait to Canada

[Gone Fishing]

Well guys, looks like our friendly MNR buddies across the border are enforcing the law that they haven’t enforced since its conception (on LSC). They are handing out expensive tickets (I heard over $300). If anybody here has received a ticket, Free Press sports writer Erik Sharp would like to hear from you. 313 222-2511. Also, please take the time to contact the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425 and let them know of your displeasure after buying that expensive license. It would be one thing if minnows were readily accessible over there but they are not. Edgewater bait in the Detroit River and possibly Bass Haven in Mitchell’s Bay are the only places on the lake that I’m aware of and they don’t always have minnows. Running to either of these spots would easily add an extra $100 per trip in my boat. If you take crawlers over, I’m pretty sure they can not be in dirt, they have to be in some type of moss or something on that order. Also, be careful if you like to have a cold one while out on the water. No alcohol allowed and they are enforcing it!

[Canuck136]

Read something similar on another site John. What a shame.

[AL D.]

One other reason I would just rather fish in the US................. Al :chillin:

[John]

Ya, I heard that on lakesides fishing report the other day. I treid calling Fred today at the MNR station on my lunch, but there was no answer. But I plan on letting him know how discusted I am with this law.

Maybe we should all dump our minnows on the american side of the shipping channel and let them swim across, lol :lol::lol:

[just ducky]

Actually I believe the law was changed several years ago...maybe 5 or 6 back? We take an annual May trip to northern Ontario, and we used to catch our own minnows using our traps. During the week trip, we often go through 10 dozen a day :yikes: Several years ago they banned non-residents from trapping minnows, and began licensing minnow trappers/dealers. I recall this because that year at the border at the Sault, they specifically asked us if we were bringing any minnows in, which we were not. They didn't explain why they were asking. But I was told by the lodge we go through that the reason was two-fold...to avoid disease being transferred to their waters, and also to increase income for licensed minnow dealers by stopping non-residents from trapping their own. I have a friend who also goes to Ontario each spring, and that same year they were stopped by a MNR officer way up near Hornepayne, who checked their minnows, asked for a receipt to prove where they were purchased (they actually bought them in Ontario), and since they had no receipt, he made them dump them.

[greelhappy]

Most people, including myself, always got the feeling that Canadians did not like us to much. But we were tolerated. Now that their dollar has caught up to ours, they don't even tolerate us. They come down and they come down hard on Americans who even give a hint that something is amiss. I don't travel to Canada as often as I did before, but when I do, I try to abide by all of their laws to a tee. I ALWAYS have a sense of relief when I return to the good ole USA.

[Bruce William]

Wonder if you simply froze the 3 dozen you were going to use, would they still ticket you? I have had days that once we got them going it did not matter.

[Neal]

Also, please take the time to contact the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425 and let them know of your displeasure after buying that expensive license.

Will do, John

[MUSHY1]

Yeah, someone from Harsens got a Ticket, and it was $300.00. Thanks John, I forgot to mention that, my bad......



Mushy

[Contender]

John

A friend of mine got popped for minnows last week. They had a receipt from the Michigan store bought from. However, they HAVE to be bought from a store in CANADA. As he learned.

MNR told him there are 3 stores on LSC Queensland to buy minnows, and you named 2. Think the other was stated to be in Belle River.

Wrote them up, and the ticket was $360.

Told them this IS one of the top priorities this season for the OMNR. Watch out you perch guys. Oh...last thing, another buddy, got a ticket for NOT calling in to Canada Customs, while anchored fishing over there. $150.00

[Ed Stringer]

Thats why I have boyscoted Canada.

[huntingmaniac45]

What would happen if you had a minnow net on board and you just say, you got them in Canada, right out of the lake?

[michhank]

You can’t bring a little dirt with your worms when you go fishing in Canada.

[Slick fishing]

It's seems Canada wants less and less people to buy Canadian fishing licences:yikes: nothing like running off fisherman with these kind of fines.. Cya Slick

PS..I know John this will make your perch fishing tuff

[Frogman]

Do the force you to pay on the spot? What happens to an American if they don't pay (assuming they don't make you pay on the spot)? Will they come looking for you? I'm not saying that you shouldn't pay, but how will they collect if you don't want to give them the money? I know that here, the state can flag that kind of infraction on your drivers license, but what can the canadians do to ya?

Frogman

[ggoblue]

You can’t bring a little dirt with your worms when you go fishing in Canada. But they can bring tons of garbage into Michigan everyday and mess up our ground water.:mad:



how about them 'canadian nightcrawlers' they sell at meijers? do they gotta pass customs to go home? the whole thing sounds like a nafta violation.

[just ducky]

What would happen if you had a minnow net on board and you just say, you got them in Canada, right out of the lake?

As I said in my earlier post, several years ago they made it illegal for non-residents of Ontario to trap, net or otherwise catch their own minnows. So you'd be screwed that way too.

[just ducky]

how about them 'canadian nightcrawlers' they sell at meijers? do they gotta pass customs to go home? the whole thing sounds like a nafta violation.

:lol::lol: good question. Kinda like if I buy a six of Labatt blue, and carry it back over to Ontario...do I pay duty on it? :dizzy:

[Contender]

I do not recommend the 'not pay' method. Know a person who tried this, and it burned them later. Fines are much bigger the second time around, especially if you are outstanding. (Unless you NEVER plan to enter Canada again, for anything)

Years ago, MNR violations would fall off the books after 1 year. So in essence, your record started clean, 12 mths after your last offense.

Today, the mighty computer, has eliminated this feature.

Little story to share...I was with a friend last season, and we were checked for rods. (may have had an x-tra one in) They asked us, if we had ever had a Canada violation before, we both said yes & yes, thank god, too. The MNR pulled off to the side, and were looking at some sort of PDA device. Came back a while later, and said thank you for being honest. Angler 1 - you had a ticket while perch fishing 3yrs ago in Mitchells Bay, and Angler 2, you had too many rods fishing over in Erieau. IF you had lied, we'd throw the book at ya...but you were honest...Have a nice day, and go home."

[D and L]

I have heard about the crack down on minnows too, :( but the tickets for anchoring without calling customs are even more troubling!!!! As I understand, when entering Canada, you have to call customs, BUT you cannot call from a cell phone. Correct? So if I want to anchor in Canadian waters, how would I report to customs? First, go all the way to land, call, then proceed out to the middle of the Lake???
Looking for a little info on THIS dillema, but in the meantime I will be calling the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425 to make my voice heard re: the minnow regs. Hopefully, others will do this to!!!! BTW: be calm and factual, ok guys? :chillin:
Laura

[MiketheElder]

I think it's time to troll for perch. Why not! They bite pretty good at the Firecracker. Put your crawlers in shredded newspaper, don't anchor and wave at the nice Canadian Mounties as you troll past their boat.

[Slick fishing]

I think it's time to troll for perch. Why not! They bite pretty good at the Firecracker. Put your crawlers in shredded newspaper, don't anchor and wave at the nice Canadian Mounties as you troll past their boat.

Thats about they way your going to have to do it mike not a bad idea, but to think there are laying out these tickets like this is crazy even when you have disease free minnows is crazy:dizzy:.. I may just buy the three day licence when I go to Simcoe next year, because I always buy a Canadian licence for myself and the wife but that may change next year.. Cya Slick

[MUSHY1]

This could also just be a GUNG-HO MNR officer that just joined up and want to make a name for himself. Remember guys, this LAW has been on the books for quite some time, how long, I dont know. Im sure some of our Canadian Bretheran can pipe up and give the time line of this law. So dont get your Panties in such a bind so quick........We will be fishing with Minnies bought in the States this year......

Mushy

[explodingvarmints]

All I can say is I hope your right.... do you know something I don't????

"So dont get your Panties in such a bind so quick........We will be fishing with Minnies bought in the States this year......"

Mushy[/quote]

[MUSHY1]

All I can say is I hope your right.... do you know something I don't????

"So dont get your Panties in such a bind so quick........We will be fishing with Minnies bought in the States this year......"

Mushy[/QUOTE]

A little mouse told me, actually a big Canadian.!!!!!!!:lol::lol:

Mushy

[salmonslammer]

I sure hope thats the case....

Thats an asinine law....I can uderstand not transporting to an inland lake but LSC and any other border lakes need to have exceptions....

They changed the number of rods u can troll with....no reason they cant change this too

[Gone Fishing]

I really don't think that is the case. I talked with a friend last night that was ticketed and he was told by the MNR officer that enforcing this law will be a high priority for them this year. I'm pretty devastated at this point. All my spots are pretty much in their waters. :(

[Slick fishing]

I hate to say it John but what about Gulp alive??? I havent tried it yet but we have to be able to catch them one way or another I hope because running to Canada to get bait is out of the question..Cya Slick

[MiketheElder]

Maybe I'll try the raw shrimp again. I tried the cocktail shrimp once but they just crumbled on the hook.

[D and L]

Hi again. I just put a call through to Fred at the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425. He was out for the afternoon, but hopefully he will call back tomorrow....
Meanwhile, I think it might be a good idea for as many of us as possible to give him a respectful call and see how to go about getting Lake St. Clair exempted from the live minnow law. Let's not just harp about it. Let's do something? :chillin:
Best regards,
Laura

[roger23]

I was told that the Canadian bait shops business has been slow and they have complained about all the people fishing Canadian waters and not buying bait,,,who knows

[Gone Fishing]

Hi again. I just put a call through to Fred at the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425. He was out for the afternoon, but hopefully he will call back tomorrow....
Meanwhile, I think it might be a good idea for as many of us as possible to give him a respectful call and see how to go about getting Lake St. Clair exempted from the live minnow law. Let's not just harp about it. Let's do something? :chillin:
Best regards,
Laura
I agree!

I hate to say it John but what about Gulp alive??? I havent tried it yet but we have to be able to catch them one way or another I hope because running to Canada to get bait is out of the question..Cya Slick

I have a tub ready to go but you know how I feel about Gulp vs the real thing. I'm positive they will not work anywhere close to live Emeralds.

[Slick fishing]

I have a tub ready to go but you know how I feel about Gulp vs the real thing. I'm positive they will not work anywhere close to live Emeralds.

I think your right John, I think if lake Saint Clair was as deep as Simcoe is you would be alright, but I dont know what else is diffrent about them two bodies of water other then depth.. I know this law has got to be hard on ya, because it's your favorite way to fish for fish that you actually get to eat, I do hope we can find a solution to this bait problem and Canada..Cya Slick

[ICEGUY]

I was told that the Canadian bait shops business has been slow and they have complained about all the people fishing Canadian waters and not buying bait,,,who knows

Just wait till nobody buys the license anymore,,,they are losing more money on not selling license compared to bait sales I would think. Me, my dad and brother and buds are all bummed out big time over all this. seeyainMichiganwaters

[Gone Fishing]

I get my wife, son and myself licenses. Only problem is we still need them for Erieau so not getting them is pretty much out of the question. All we can do at this point is make the call and see if they will back off on enforcement as they have in the past. Same thing with calling in to customs from a land line. I've never had a problem but I'm concerned they might ticket for that offense as well. :(

[andy capp]

Since the us dollar is weak, and the canadian dollar is at par or worth more, there really is no reason to go to their casinos anymore.

And the trash thing, dont get me started on that. And they wonder why nobody recycles water bottles. Still trying to figure out why it takes a 10 year plan to stop the convor of trucks that have destroyed the roads leading to the landfills.

I have yet to see a canadian fishing vessel in our waters comercially fishing so I cannot comment on that.

It sucks for sure cause ALOT of people down here perch fish the canadian side of the detroit river. With the prices of fuel added into the mix, I may not be fishing there too much more anyway. I bought the liscense in Jan and can count on one hand how many times I have went over there side and fished. I am going bass fishing tonight to change pace since there is not a walter on my side withing miles.

[fishinthed]

On an even more Kafkaesque note, I've heard that they'll even ticket people for poaching if there are too many rids rigged, but only one is in the water.

I like to keep different rigs at the ready for whatever I may go for.

I don't fish with live bait, nor do I drink alcohol on the water, but I've been known to pick up beer cans left floating by slobs.

Sod it. I'll just continue to stick to U.S. waters when on LSC/DR.

[D and L]

This is why I for one am not going to sit and moan :chillin: I am going to do what it takes to respectfully try to change this legislation (with some help from my freinds, HUH? :)
Laura

Typical perchin trip on the queens side: Also see Gone Fishings gallery.SWEET !!!!


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/533/medium/fall_perch_002.jpg

[salmonslammer]

Well theres some incentive!!!
I'm with ya laura

Who else can we call besides poor Fred....anybody call eric sharp yet?

He might know some peeps..

[Neal]

Does any have connections with the MOMC? Those guys may have some influence over there.

[Gone Fishing]

Does any have connections with the MOMC? Those guys may have some influence over there.

Not sure how much influence they have but yes, Contender that already posted on this thread is the current head of the MOMC. I'll make contact with him and the past board members although I know this is going to cost me MOMC member dues. :)

[profish]

it is against the law for non residents to trap minnows in canada no way around it

[D and L]

I just got done listening to Captain Dan's fishing report from Lakeside tackle (586)777-7008 in St Clair Shores and he is requesting that anyone who has been ticketed in Canada and has a US reciept for minnows, bring the ticket to Lakeside!!!! He is working with the MNR to try to work something out with them. Hard to hear his report but that was the jist of it.... Sounds like the squeeky wheels are working :) But please call Fred at the Chatham MNR too!!!
Laura

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Just incase you guys are wondering, YES, you can use US. bought crawlers. This is according to their CO Fred.

Keep calling and leave a message. Maybe this will be resolved soon.

[wallywings123]

10:20P.M.-Just called and left a message for Fred. Hopefully we can get this resolved quickly as this is rediculous.

[Splitshot]

Thanks John it is information like you provided that could save the rest of us a very unfortunate experience.

[Ed Stringer]

As of yesterdays word Bass Heaven can't get minnows. And who knows how the dude at the foot of the bay gets his.??????????????

[jlcrss]

I am headed to a fly in around the middle of August in Ontario. So I guess I can't bring the minnow nets or any crawlers EYH.

http://www.dreamagic.com/roger/canadianBacon.gif

[mrymar]

Well guys, looks like our friendly MNR buddies across the border are enforcing the law that they haven’t enforced since its conception (on LSC). They are handing out expensive tickets (I heard over $300). If anybody here has received a ticket, Free Press sports writer Erik Sharp would like to hear from you. 313 222-2511. Also, please take the time to contact the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425 and let them know of your displeasure after buying that expensive license. It would be one thing if minnows were readily accessible over there but they are not. Edgewater bait in the Detroit River and possibly Bass Haven in Mitchell’s Bay are the only places on the lake that I’m aware of and they don’t always have minnows. Running to either of these spots would easily add an extra $100 per trip in my boat. If you take crawlers over, I’m pretty sure they can not be in dirt, they have to be in some type of moss or something on that order. Also, be careful if you like to have a cold one while out on the water. No alcohol allowed and they are enforcing it!

I used to have an email from one of the OMNR guys stating that it was OK for me to bring over Spottails for bass fishing. It was a few years ago, and now I cant find the email.

this must be comming down from one of their higher ups. Every year when I get a chance, I ask the OMNR guys how they will enforce this at some of the spring fishing shows. They always used to say that as long as you are civil when they check you, the bait is a native species, and you are not break any other laws, that they would look the other way.

This just creates more headaches. Now you have to spend the fuel to get your bait, and creates more of a customs issue as you have to touch shore.

[D and L]

Hi guys I just wanted to post and give you a little info I gleaned from my conversation with Fred just now. BTW: Very nice guy!!! He reiterated that this law has been in effect for app 10 years in an effort to protect Canadian waterways from the spread of disease.....In the past the MNR was using discretion for anglers in Lake St. Clair. He said that this year though, it is pretty much zero tolerance! They were issuing *warnings* last year with this in mind.
Ok, here is an informative note from him: LIVE minnows, NO. Dead minnows (bought at BP or Lakeside etc... put on ice or belly up in your bucket, no problem.... Preserved minnows are fine too....Hey its a small concession...for now....:chillin:
Nightcrawlers are FINE to use in Canadian water, I suggest you have them in anything but dirt, and most local bait stores sell them with that moss now anyway...
Meanwhile, two avenues to persue to get this legislation changed to exempt LSC would be to contact the DNR who would hopfully in turn make recommendations to the International Joint Commission. He said one helpful thing he thought the DNR could do is find a way to demonstrate that anglers can certify that their bait is disease free. I told him that local bait stores are already issuing reciepts with this verification but Fred stated that Canadian scientists are saying there is no surefire way to determine this....and their recent mindset is basically to shut down the transport of any outside minnows till further research can be done. He also ask me "who certifies the minnows here? which was a good question because I personally do not know !!! The DNR, the bait supplier? Anyone know ????
Anyway, the second avenue to get our voices heard would be through Lake Erie Management Commission....
Well, this is my take on our conversation so far....I have not "exactly" quoted him, but please do call him and also call the DNR and see what they say....The squeeky wheel gets the...... jumbo mamma's....

BTW: on a final note, he did conceed that this ban was pretty absurd (my words) for Lake St Clair due to the nature of the connected water. ;)
Best regards, off to strangle some minnows now....
Laura

[wallywings123]

Fred returned my call this and told me the same things he told Laura. I also asked him about anchoring and not calling customs. He said he couldn`t comment as that is a federal issue. He stated it`s all a constant work in progress. I guess I`ve bought my last Canadian license, for now.

[ted stehney]

Well it is interesting that they choose to inforce the minnow regs. now after so many season without enforcement. Us Americans are allowed two rods this season so they have lost the revenue from too many rods in the water, so maybe write us Americans up for something else to make up for the short fall?

[symen696]

I have heard about the crack down on minnows too, :( but the tickets for anchoring without calling customs are even more troubling!!!! As I understand, when entering Canada, you have to call customs, BUT you cannot call from a cell phone. Correct? So if I want to anchor in Canadian waters, how would I report to customs? First, go all the way to land, call, then proceed out to the middle of the Lake???
Looking for a little info on THIS dillema, but in the meantime I will be calling the Canadian MNR Chatham office at 519 354-1425 to make my voice heard re: the minnow regs. Hopefully, others will do this to!!!! BTW: be calm and factual, ok guys? :chillin:
Laura
From what they told me about checking in with canadian or american customs, you only have to do it if you set foot on soil which includes the soil on the bottom of the lake (anchoring). That is EXACTLY how both countries explained it to me.

[fishinthed]

The simple and obvious solution is to certify bait shops on both sides for specific bodies of water.

[ted stehney]

Certified bait for Great Lakes and connecting waterways does not make a whole lot of sense. These waters are already infected with the VHS virus. I can understand if the bait is being transported to inland waters. The rules have been relaxed for tournament transporting fish accross boundries within a common system. I would think that that would also include bait fish? (There I go thinking again.) Anyhow we will see how this plays out this coming weekend. I may just push my luck and try for some more Queensland perch.

[mrymar]

Lakesides hotline is asking anyone who got a ticket to make a copy of it and come to the shore. I think they want to work it out somehow with the OMNR.

[zfishin]

I'm skipping simcoe, and canada waters from now on until they relax their rules. I fish for the pleasure, don't need the stress from them.
if i really wanted fish to eat, i'd go to the market.
if i really want to catch a "limit" i'll go to a fish pond :D
i'm keeping my $ over here in the USA!

[Down Lowe]

I'm skipping simcoe, and canada waters from now on until they relax their rules. I fish for the pleasure, don't need the stress from them.
if i really wanted fish to eat, i'd go to the market.
if i really want to catch a "limit" i'll go to a fish pond :D
i'm keeping my $ over here in the USA!


that's vary patriotic of you -

Also, you must be going to the market for fish a lot

[zfishin]

that's vary patriotic of you -

Also, you must be going to the market for fish a lot

Yeah, I've been fishing with you too much :evil:

hopefully, we can sneak out when we're up north :fish:

[mrymar]

I know that the OMNR states

It is illegal to bring any live fish, crayfish, live leeches or
salamanders into Ontario for use as bait.

But I can not find anywhere in the OMNR regs that state that you have to retain a receipt.

In the US you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. I would think it would be the same in Canada. Would they not have to prove that you brought the above into Canada?

It seems like this ticket is more of that you are guilty and you have to prove your innocense.

[KI Jim]

Hmm, let's see....

US Waters/LSC/DR or Erie Day trip to Mitchell's Bay
Gas to get there $19 $50
Launch 0 14
License for me and 1 son 0 40
Food 5 15
Bridge Tolls 0 16
Bait 7 7
Boat Gas 10 10

Total Cost $36 $152

Hours invested for 4 hours fishing US:6 Mitchells Bay 10
Potential Hassle from Govenment: US almost nil Mitchells Bay Maybe

Where is the fishing better-Mitchell's Bay-maybe-maybe not.

So, I can take 4 US trips for the cost of one trip to Mitchell's Bay, spend less time, not get hassled and have the satisfaction of spendiing my food & bait money in the US. Seems like a no brainer for me!

Jim

[MUSHY1]

Hmm, let's see....

US Waters/LSC/DR or Erie Day trip to Mitchell's Bay
Gas to get there $19 $50
Launch 0 14
License for me and 1 son 0 40
Food 5 15
Bridge Tolls 0 16
Bait 7 7
Boat Gas 10 10

Total Cost $36 $152

Hours invested for 4 hours fishing US:6 Mitchells Bay 10
Potential Hassle from Govenment: US almost nil Mitchells Bay Maybe

Where is the fishing better-Mitchell's Bay-maybe-maybe not.

So, I can take 4 US trips for the cost of one trip to Mitchell's Bay, spend less time, not get hassled and have the satisfaction of spendiing my food & bait money in the US. Seems like a no brainer for me!

Jim


Good Call Jim! Unless we can find a way around this bait issue
:evil: Im working with some Influential minds......;)

Mushy

[Ed Stringer]

Plenty of fish on are side. Boycott is still on until furter notice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Canajun]

I really wanted to buy their expensive license next year, but I think I'll stay over here, especially if americans aren't welcome or ticketed to death :rant:

Trust me, I'm Canadian and have lived over here for 9 years--while it is true that many people in eastern Canada are anti-American, this is just a case of whitey trying to keep down the workin' man. Just like Granholm's new MBT, driver responsibility fees, I-68's, Canadian's having to have passports to get across the border....

I have to drag my kids butt's out of bed first thing in the morning to go to Algonac to get I-68's so that I can drive my boat to my parent's house for the weekend and get back into Canada, it's stupid, it makes no sense, but if I don't do it, I get harrassed. Same deal.

[Gone Fishing]

Back to the top. I'm sure it goes both ways between the US and the Canadians but we need to try to get it back the way it was if at all possible. Please send an e-mail or make the call to the MNR. It can't hurt!

[BIRD DOG]

The michigan DNR states, DO NOT BRING BAIT IN FROM OUT OF STATE, so what makes you think you can bring bait to another Country. And yes drinking alcohol in a boat is a NO NO, and thats the law. To many alcohol related accidents and deaths. Us as Canadians must obey them, so should visitors to our Country. Folks, think of the message your sending our youth our future. Mother nature is throwing us a lot of curve balls and we need to re-act in her best interest of our natural resources, not what is more convenient for a few. I hope to enjoy our hunting and fishing resources for the rest of my life, and I am willing to do my part to ensure that future generations have a chance to do the same.

[The_Don]

The michigan DNR states, DO NOT BRING BAIT IN FROM OUT OF STATE, so what makes you think you can bring bait to another Country. ....

When the minnows were take from the very same river, doesnt make much sense does it?

[Slimshady]

I can understand them not allowing minnows from the US into an inland lake in Canada. However, when we are allowed to use the exact same minnows on our side of the lake, what difference could it possibly make? Unless they plan on building a huge wall down the middle of the lake, the minnows we use on our side, will end up on the other side no matter what laws they put in place. This is almost as stupid as the transfer of live fish law that screwed up the tournaments last year. At least they finally put a waiver in place for the Great Lakes and connecting waters for that one. It is pretty obvious that whoever writes these laws has never even seen the lake, let alone fished on it.

Why does it seem like people go out of their way to create laws that defy logic?

[cpr]

After reading this thread its hard to see why folks are NOT targeted from the ontario mnr. its slanted thoughts FU.,./ canada create disturbing thoughts. if the minnow thread is that hard pressed to create perch fishermen hardships maybe canadaians dont appreciate the attitude immigrating to canada. its another country folks, not a conquest.

[Gone Fishing]

After reading this thread its hard to see why folks are NOT targeted from the ontario mnr. its slanted thoughts FU.,./ canada create disturbing thoughts. if the minnow thread is that hard pressed to create perch fishermen hardships maybe canadaians dont appreciate the attitude immigrating to canada. its another country folks, not a conquest.

You are absolutely correct. I started this thread in hopes that if enough people made contact with the MNR, that just possibly they would relax the enforcement as they have in the past. I’ll try to clean up the negative comments.

[Splitshot]

I have spent a good deal of time fishing and visiting Canada. We even used to go to Toronto every year to do our Christmas shopping. Mostly we have been treated well in Canada, but over the years the attitude has changed more and more over the years.

The number of stories we have been hearing from other citizens is obviously on the increase as well. Since the spring bear hunting problems a few years ago, the laws slanted toward Americans are becoming more and more cynical. This minnow law is the most ludicrous one and everyone knows it. The only purpose of enforcing this law on Lake St. Clair is to either discourage Americans from fishing Canadian waters or just out of spite. Many think it is the latter.

Everyone who fishes Canadian waters knows how important it is to be overly courtesy to any person in authority or suffer the consequences. It is like they have this big chip on their shoulders and are just waiting for an excuse to prove how insufferable they can be.

If it weren’t for John, I would not have visited Canada or fished Canadian waters going on 12 years. I agree with him that losing your temper will only hurt your cause so if you make the call be courteous. In the meantime myself and a growing number of sportsmen and women will look for outdoor opportunities in the good old USA.

I just talked to a friend two days ago about perch fishing and we decided to check our Devils lake in N. Dakota. We plan on car pooling to Chicago and take the perch express to Devils Lake.

The train from Chicago round trip is $128.00 gets in at 6am and leaves at 11pm so all your days are full ones. Guided service for 4 days is $875.00 or $675.00 for 3 days. All meals included as well as all other gear including new Vexilar fl20's and thermal fish traps. If you need to go to town the hotel will even let you use one of their vehicles. Perch fishing has been excellent the last two years and the walleye fishing is also some of the best in the country.

Looks like about $1000.00 per person and a thousand miles from Lansing but I would rather spend the extra money in this country than spending less in a country where they don’t seem to appreciate us as people but only tolerate us.

[MUSHY1]

Ive said it before, and i will say it again.......We need a 51st State......Bad!!!!!!

Mushy

[Big Daddy Benelli]

I used to fish over-rated Simcoe, but it just became to much of a pain, and they were more strick on US folks.I agree, w/splitshot & Mushy!:lol: My only question is were can we send that STUPID Governor too than?:D Mexico? :idea:

[cpr]

GONE FISHING.. you are correct it does no good to pit sportsmen against each other. sharing border waters is a fact. just maybe we could all gather our thoughts. was it not shipping companies that brought all of north america into this fine mess. invasive species, diseases.?

[KEITH207]

Ive said it before, and i will say it again.......We need a 51st State......Bad!!!!!!

Mushy


:yeahthat:

[cpr]

you can have kwame for a door prize.

[MUSHY1]

you can have kwame for a door prize.

No they cant, Hes in JAIL!!!!!!:woohoo1::woohoo1::tsk:

Mushy

[Big Daddy Benelli]

CPR, their both a joke, don't talk about him he is a small piece of the puzzle. Grandholm screwed the whole state!:rant: Please don't get me started on her....:evilsmile