Use of stingers.

[Siouxland Rich]

I've been hearing conflicting statements about using stingers. The bottm-line question is, are they legal or not? "Depends on where you are" seems to be the general response, but I hate quessing each time I try a new area. This year, I will be vacationing on Rainy Lake, and am wondering if they are legal up there. Can anyone help in keeping me legal? Thanks in advance - Rich.

[Juls_WI]

This thought came to mind...
call a baitshop on the lake and find out if they sell them. If they do, then it would be reasonable to think that they are legal. The people who work in the baitshop would have the correct answer for you too. Then there would be no doubt in your mind.

I have never heard of them being illegal to use anywhere, but heck, I have been wrong on more than one occasion..LOL

Good luck on your fishing trip!

Juls

[Siouxland Rich]

Thanks Juls, I'll remember that when I get to town....I have been told that they are not legal on Vermilion last year, while vacationing there, and ceased from using them once told by the resort owner. Never checked into verifying his claim - my bad I guess.

[gary]

You can use stingers up here as long as they are in tandem with a jig,lure etc...personally I dont use them but occasionally will set a client up with one if they are having a hard time hooking fish.Who told you they were illegal?
good fishing..www.garytheguide.com

[cisco]

The ability to purchase something is NOT a good measure as to whether it is legal to use. A couple quick examples are fireworks and ammunition. Bizarre as it may seem, it is legal to purchase fireworks in various places where it is illegal to use them -- and, it's legal to purchase lead shot shotgun shells, but better not use them for waterfowl. There are other examples, too.

Best bet is to check the regs. Call the DNR if you can't find the info in the regs.

[gary]

You can use stingers as long they are with a jig,lure,etc...I only use them for clients that are having a real hard time hooking fish.Who told tu they were illegal?
good fishing..www.garytheguide.com

[gary]

I didnt see my reply posted so here goes again!!!You can use them as long as they are with a jig,lure,etc...I dont use them except for a client who is having a roug time hooking a fish.Who told you they were illegal?
good fishing..www.garytheguide.com

[Juls_WI]

That's true. But, the people working the baitshops should know the the regulations for their area, or will be able to provide the regulations booklet to the customer.

We are talking stinger hooks here not dangerous weapons, and if they were not allowed in the area, there is a good bet that a baitshop isn't going to sell something that won't sell. Can't make money on something that will sit on the shelf. See my point? ;-)

Juls

[Juls_WI]

Gary, it is posted three times now...heheh
you need to hit "refresh" after you hit "send" sometimes to see your new post. ;-)

Juls

[cisco]

Asking questions is one thing -- buying items is another. YES, one should ask, but it's amazing how often people fail to ask the important question.

In my part of Minnesota it's possible to buy spear heads in sport shops (bait and tackle included) all over the area. But, you had better not go out and start spearing fish. Glo-sticks (cyalume) can also be purchased in areas where they are not legal for fishing.

All I was trying to convey was the fact the safest bet is to confirm regulations with the DNR. You can buy trolling motors all over Wisconsin, but you had better know on what lakes you can use one to actually troll.

[gary]

Juls.
Thanks,its obvious I should be doing something else ,this is all real new to me!I fish alot better than I communicate on this net stuff,man am I glad of that!
good fishing..www.garytheguide.com

[Juls_WI]

Now I see YOUR point..;-) Your absolutely right. Just like I said in my first post. Ask the employees. But, on the other hand, I know first hand some employees don't give the correct answers, so contacting the DNR is probably the correct avenue to take here.

Thanks Cisco!

Juls

[cisco]

You are very welcome. To my knowledge, I've only stopped at your bait/tackle shop once, at a time when I was searching any tackle shop I could find for Cisco Kid plugs (before the newer ones were put on the market). I'm sure your customers get good info on lots of matters -- BUT, we're not so lucky throughout Minnesota. I've talked with bait shop folks who don't even know the species available in their area lakes. Bait shops are great places, but I'm not willing to stake a citation for illegal angling on the word of a stranger selling me minnows. No offense intended.

Keep sending us info and good luck in the tourneys.

[Mud]

Stinger hooks can be used in Minnesota in conjunction with an artificial bait (jig, etc), but not with a single plain hook. The Mn DNR website says that an angler can use a single hook. An artificial lure is considered one hook, even though it may have more than one treble hook. A treble hook by it self is considered three hooks and no good. A jig (whether tipped with live bait or not), or a spinner harness for worms (2-3 hooks or?), or a quick-strike rig with a spinner blade are all considered to be an artificial lure. Any questions, check the DNR website or email them for a clarification.

[THUMPER]

Ontario rules are as follows;

Hooks and Lines

An angler may use only one line, except for ice fishing, or unless otherwise stated.

A fishing line must not have more than four hooks. On an artificial lure, a gang
containing up to three hooks is considered to be one hook. In all other situations, a
double hook counts as two hooks; and a treble hook counts as three hooks.

Be sure to take old fishing line to tackle shops for recycling.