It's now been almost seven years since Quebecers have been able to use live minnows to try to fool predators.
• Also read: Passion and action on the horizon
As we can read on the ministry's website: “As of April 1, 2017, the use or possession of live baitfish, regardless of species, is prohibited anywhere in Quebec, including during winter fishing.”
I'm sure you can read and understand it just like me. In fact, it has the virtue of being clear, very clear. It even says: “The importation of bait fish, whether dead or alive, is prohibited.” »
Sightseeing features
Many followers were shocked and some still are. Others even stopped fishing altogether because of this legislation.
It's true that a minnow speared on a hook attracts the attention of predators compared to bait.
The little fish moves everywhere, it smells good and besides, you can't look more realistic than the baitfish itself. But well, we don't have the right anymore, except that…
Frustrating
I once had a lively discussion with the former owner of the Sportifs Fishing Center on the Ottawa River, Jacques Vadeboncoeur. He said to me, “How do you expect me to attract customers when right across the river, in Ontario, fishermen can use live minnows…?” »
It must be said that it was not very fair and caused unequal and unfair competition.
Especially because it was possible to get some nice live minnows on the other side of the bridge in Hawkesbury.
Exception
Two years ago, at the beginning of January, I presented you with a text about all the places where you can fish under the ice.
I have included the name of the service provider, their address, their contact details, the species caught there, the number of cabins available for rent and the types of natural bait they offer.
I remember personally being stopped at Robert's Fishing Center in Oka (Kanesatake). The person I spoke to was very nice and answered all of my questions. When it came time to talk bait, he told me that he sold live minnows to customers who visited his website.
I had him repeat it and he told me that in their territory he had the right to sell and use these small baitfish. Contacted twice, at the beginning of the winter of 2024, he gave the same speech.
There seems to be some kind of immunity near the Robert Fishing Center in Oka (Kanesatake). When there is ice and it is active, this outfitter can usually sell live minnows and their customers can use them on site as they wish without being tracked or risking harm. Get a ticket.
A wildlife officer told me on condition of anonymity that his hands and feet were tied on the matter.
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