MNR Tips line works!!!

[iJay]

This weekend we went out to Ottawa for the weekend. On our way back we had planned to stop at an East Trib, as my luck would have it. I discovered that I had forgot to pack my rod and gear when we got there.

Apon pulling up I could see the fish were in thick, but there were also ALOT of vehicles. My wife was so excited to spectate ( I was mad about forgetting my rod) so we stood at the rivers edge. Saw everything from Spoons to people with heavy weighted lines and multiple treble hooks on their lines.

To say the least I was pretty upset but wasn't prepared to say anything to anyone. I had my wife and 7 week old son with me. Really not worth the risk. After seeing a couple of guys standing on the edge of what is clearly marked as a sanctuary, literally the guy was standing below the sign and tossing their line about 30m into the sanctuary and yanking their rods back. Clearly snagging. I called into the MNR tips line, They asked that I take pictures if I could do so safely (which I was able to).

After the phone call ended we left to head back home.

Today I am sitting at work, my phone rings "Unknown" which I normally wouldn't pick up, but did for some strange reason. Person confirms who I am, then says he is Conservation officer ...... thanked me for my call, they were patrolling in plain clothes and were able to video record and charge this group of guys for a total of $1700 in fines.

I did thank him for calling back, I think its really cool and a very important part of civilians taking the time out to report these kinds of things. End of the day I am looking to preserve this fishery for my son and his friends to enjoy if they so choose to. :mrgreen:

 

[instapump416]

GOOD JOB!

 

[fisgfreek]

Now that's a happy ending , great job and thanks for taking the time to make that phone call.

 

[Joel52]

Though most of the time it feels like an uphill battle, nice to see positive results. Here's how to report:
Call 1-877-847-7667 to report any illegal activity against Ontario’s natural resources.
http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/how-report-natural-resource-violation

 

[instapump416]

I got this from Shawarma's post/link...

Question 39:
Everytime my buddy goes to the ________, he sees alot of snaggers fishing below the dam, what is the best way for him to make a report, without getting into a fight?
Asked on November 15/99


Answer from the MNR:
Your buddy has two short term options and one longer term solution. His first two options about reporting are:

1. During business hours, contact the local district office, in this case, Aurora, at (905) 713-7400 or
2. After hours call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). MNR has been in partnership with Crime Stoppers since 1993 and CS will take the call. Your friend may even be able to collect a cash reward for his information!!

 

[Alfiegee]

Been telling everyone for years. It works.
Just keep calling.
Save our resourse for the future. I plan on introducing my 5 year old newphew to fishing next spring. I don't want axes stealing from me or him.

Alfie.

 

[Joel52]

Maybe the mods can pin this thread.

 

[salmotrutta]

iJay be careful what you post online, those guys probably want to hang you.

 

[Knuguy]

how would anybody know iJay's real identity?

 

[salmotrutta]

Well I can't say, that would be giving it away to potential lurkers, but isn't it obvious?

 

[Joel52]

I think he can take care of himself.

 

[salmotrutta]

Joel52 I don't recall you posting much about steelhead and salmon fishing. Since you probably don't do much of that fishing, you should know that there are people on the tribs who will get very violent over extremely petty matters. Can you imagine what they would do to iJay if they saw him at a trib?

I'm not saying the people he helped bust are maniacs, but they could be, especially given that they were already blatantly unafraid to break a major rule.

In the excitement of the moment he shared his story. He has a young family. If I were iJay, I'd edit the details out of that post. But of course it's up to him whether he does or not, and I don't think either course of action is wrong, I'm simply stating what I would do.

 

[iJay]

SalmonTroutta- Normally Id agree with you and there are alot of things that I post and use my discretion on.

This is a story that I felt was important enough to share with the forum, alot of people (myself included) think that these calls are a waste of time as nothing is ever done. The fact that the officer called me back and told me there was an outcome was more than enough reward. Crime-stoppers and cash rewards isn't what I am after (although I could probably make a decent living from reporting). I am more or less report these guys to help maintain what we have, but also for the future of fishing.

I know there is a pic in my Avatar, however I am 100% sure the guys who I reported have no clue it was me. If they do come on here I will change my pic for security sake.

I do appreciate the time you took in looking out for a fellow member!

 

[Knuguy]

Well I can't say, that would be giving it away to potential lurkers, but isn't it obvious?

I guess you mean his avatar pic. Hard to tell anything from that---not quite like a passport pic. :razz:

 

[Shmogley]

great post and good job bud.

readings things like this restore all the lost hope caused by the shit i witness every salmon run

 

[iJay]

I heard something from a fellow fisherman this weekend as we were wading and sharing the same pool with about 20 people on shore who were all tossing heavy weighted lines and huge hooks.

"They aren't fishing, they are attempting to put food on the table" - So True.

 

[Shawarma]

That pool was a mess, iJay lol.

I did get me a 3/4 oz little cleo though from a boot passing by.

 

[Rain-Bow]

Even if they do find you here they'd have to be really dumb to try to hunt you down or something lol.

 

[Knuguy]

they'd have to be really dumb to

No shortage of people out there with those qualifications! :razz:

 

[iJay]

That pool was a mess, iJay lol.

I did get me a 3/4 oz little cleo though from a boot passing by.

That pool was 100% a gong show.

Almost every boot I hooked was decorated around the dorsal fin.

Someone could litterlally get in the water with 1 hook, last all day if they could land fish. Pulling jewlery off these fish.