View Full Version : Trailer hooks in MN?
morriscode
03-29-2002, 09:31 AM
I was hoping someone could clarify the law on stinger/trailer hooks in Minnesota. I have been told that a fireball jig and stinger hook is illegal in MN....Whats the deal? How is it legal for me to use a double or even triple hook crawler harness, but i cant trail a hook from my jig? Maybe a dumb question but I dont understand! Thanks Fish ON
Dryfly
03-29-2002, 09:46 AM
From the 2002 regulations:
"Anglers may use only one hook. An artificial lure is considered one hook. A treble hook, when not part of an artificial lure, is considered three hooks and is not legal." By reading this your double and triple hook crawler snells would also be illegal.
morriscode
03-29-2002, 09:54 AM
How Can Bait Stores sell these harnesses 100ft from a lake and yet they are illegal for the whole state? How does Northalnd Tackle in MN make Fireballjigs with stinger hook in one package and yet they are illegal. Leave it to MNDNR to come up with an absolutely ridiculous law like this. Thanks Dry fly for somewhat clearing this question.
mbrandt
03-29-2002, 10:31 AM
Yes, but is the crawler harness actually condidered "one" lure? IMHO yes it is. I would also venture to say that the stinger would be considered part of the lure. What they don't like is a 3 way with 2 jigs ala the Des Moines rig. I don't live there so I can't say for sure, but from what I gather, both stingers and harnesses have been used and sold for years.
Mark
Schnauzer
03-29-2002, 10:48 AM
My understanding of this is the same as yours, mbrandt.
whitetips
03-29-2002, 11:02 AM
Yes, I agree also on your view.
MnWalleyeKiller
03-29-2002, 11:20 AM
Fire Balls and crawler harnesses are absoutely legal. Thanks Dry fly for your expertise on the regulations. I cant believe that you would would think that the rule implies to harnesses and stinger hooks. Sting em up morris code!
morriscode
03-29-2002, 11:33 AM
Thanks MNWalleyekiller, I knew you could clear this up! Dryfly hope you learned something.
Dave in Mpls
03-29-2002, 11:50 AM
While stinger hooks on jigs and crawler harnesses are legal in MN, the rule is vague, at best, and open to interpretation. The question becomes "What constitutes an artificial lure". Does tying a piece of yarn to a treble hook make it an artificial lure? I say yes, but some COs say no. So, thank you for your expertise on the subject.
I have talked to quite a few wardens on the subject, and the question boils down to the definition of a lure.
Basically, it really implies that - if you have something other than a plain hook, you basically have a lure.
i.e. - if you add a single bead in front of a hook, then the bead and hook define a lure.
If you have a three hook crawler harness, with a series of beads, spinners etc - everything from where the first deviation from the line occurs - is the beginning of the lure. As long as there is a consecutive series of "stuff" the lure continues.
In the case of the fireball jig - with the stinger hook, the lure begans with the lead head - whether it is plain lead, or colored, and ends at the end of the stinger hook or series of stinger hooks.
That is why - if you want to use a quick strike rig - for pike, which bacically constitutes of 2 - 3-5 inch lines - each of which have a treble hook - need to have a bead and or spinner at the juncture of the two lines - to make the quick strike rig - legal in MN.
If you have a plain quick strike rig - with the simple tying together of two treble hooks on a single line - you have an illegal rig in MN. Add one bead - to the juncture of the hooks, and you have a legal rig in MN.
Take care
REW
wouldchuck
03-29-2002, 08:22 PM
The way it was explained to me was that nightcrawler harnesses and stinger hooks are legal in MN as long as you have only one bait on it. If you put a minnow on each hook of the Fireball Jig it is then illegal.
eye_guide
03-29-2002, 09:34 PM
During early season here on Devils Lake, ND I use a treble hook with a twister on one hook. I then put a split shot about 18" above that. It gives it a great helicopter motion and the fish love it. I do accidentally snag one on occasion but always throw them right back when I do. The wardens here have never had a problem with this setup but I have seen some guys do similar things when the only thing in mind is snaggin. So there can be two sides to darn near everything. As long as you're using it in a sporting fashion and its not giving you an unfair advantage I say whats the difference. I'm also a guy who only keeps a meal of fish once a month so I'm mostly in it for the experience of it all.
Very tired here. If I rambled off please excuse me, lol.