New to fishing - quick question

[adamj098]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking to get back into fishing this year - particularly along the shores of Toronto.

I was looking at the fishing regulations for Ontario and it states for Zone 16 (where Toronto is) that Pike are closed season until 2nd Saturday in May.

If I was to go out today (April 5th) and catch a pike... could I be charged? Or is it just I can't keep it -- and if I caught one I would have to release it.

Same goes for bass... if I accidentally catch one in April I have to release asap and all is good?

Thanks.

 

[Bass Man]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking to get back into fishing this year - particularly along the shores of Toronto.

I was looking at the fishing regulations for Ontario and it states for Zone 16 (where Toronto is) that Pike are closed season until 2nd Saturday in May.

If I was to go out today (April 5th) and catch a pike... could I be charged? Or is it just I can't keep it -- and if I caught one I would have to release it.

Same goes for bass... if I accidentally catch one in April I have to release asap and all is good?

Thanks.

Hi Adam098,

Check the 2013 MNR Fishing Regulations, page 8 (open seasons) for the info your looking.

Tight lines...
GL

 

[iamnickevans]

You cannot target any species that is not in season even if you are going to release it. If you are fishing for a species that is in season and accidentally catch a different species which is out of season then it must be released quickly.

 

[apz245]

if a conservation officer catches you targeting pike or bass you'll be fined

 

[[email protected]]

if you're fishing the shores of lake ontario, that falls under zone 20, its once you move inland into its tributaries and inland lakes that zone 16 regulations come into play

even accidental catches can land you a fine, if a CO catches you landing a fish out of season, you'll get a fine. think they would rather you cut the line when you identify the fish if its OOS, rather than land it and get your lure/bait back

 

[mikeh]

If you are seen fishing the edges of weed banks with a 4" minnow crankbait in April, the CO will ask what you are fishing for, and you will have some explaining to do.

 

[BearInTheWoods]

A small fine would be getting off easy I'd hope.

 

[rich_ace_G]

I'm not sure about small fines but you can possibly lose your gear. I was carpin' (with corn) last year about this time and another dude was bouncin' worms. CO asked both of us checked our tackle. Dude next to me almost lost his gear and was sent home because he got crankbaits, spinners & his worms. his answer I believe "any fish will do" (in broken english). i only have my spinning gear. a can of corn and brown paper towels (for bombing corn). CO told me it's too cold for carp. I already have on in so he just moved along. Accidentally catching OOS fish can get you in trouble if the CO is in HIS period.

 

[Colin]

Here's a link to the fishing regulations on open seasons for all spices of fish and the different zones.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/Publication/STEL02_163615.html

 

[NADO]

As Mikeh said, if you are using a bait that obviously targets bass and pike like a crank bait then there is a good chance you will be fined. As long as you are using a rig that targets species that are in season you should be fine. If you do accidentally hook into an out of season fish it must be released immediately in the water.

I dont think you can be fined for having gear on you that would target out of season fish otherwise I would be breaking the regs quite often. I have a big plano tackle box that I take with me everywhere that contains all of my gear for all species. Im pretty sure that as long as its not on your line its fine, hopefully im not wrong as its alot easier just taking the whole thing with me rather than sorting it every time I go out.