Canadian Fishing License

[phil]

WC'ers:
ETT posted a response to a gentleman about vacationing in the Bass islands on Erie. ETT said something about getting a Canadian license and fishing around Pelee island.

What's the rule about launching a boat from the Ohio side and fishing over the Canadian / US border, whether by Pelee or just drifting / trolling across the border?

Do I, as an Ohio resident with a valid Ohio fishing license also need a Canadian fishing license?

Inquiring minds want to know. Wouldn't want any surprises! :o Thanks in advance....
Phil

[bob oh]

If you are fishing on Canada's side of the international border you must have an Ontario license. Likewise residents of any other state or country must have an Ohio license to fish Ohio waters. Ontario DNR folks don't accept "I didn't realize I had drifted into Ontario waters" as an excuse just like Ohio DNR doesn't accept that excuse for being in Ohio water (at least that has been my experience).

Bob

[Rabble Rouser]

I live in Michigan and buy a Ontario license every year. If you cross over the boundry line you have to have one. Also you have to fish by their rules even though the fish you have in the boat were caught on the American side. Whatever you have in the boat when you are in their waters is considered caught in their waters. Also make sure you have a bailing bucket, pealess whistle, 50 ft. of floating rope and a sealed flashlight. That is what they require for safety equipment. Don't get caught with a flare gun in the boat, it is considered a concealed weapon.

[cisco]

I made inquiries about the flare gun and was told it is NOT a weapon or handgun and that it IS legal to have one on board. We have crossed to Pelee half a dozen times and get our licenses on the island. Charter boats (which do carry flare guns) must also report to the DNR by radio that they are fishing in Ontario waters.

[Goldpig]

I believe you will also need a Remote area border crossing pass, which is about twenty bucks.

[RANGER]

A flare gun is no longer considered a "weapon" in Canada. I jumped through hoops last year trying to find out whether they were or not and got different answer. I took a chance and brought my flare gun along. Half way through the trip we were inspected by the OPP on the water and I flat out asked and showed them the flare gun. Both officers said it is legal. On the way home we stopped at a marine dealer to get bearing grease and the store had the guns for sale on shelves. My gun and those for sale are Orion, but I don't think that makes a difference.

I know this wasn't asked - but if you have a VHF in your boat you're going to need a license to operate it in Canada. No, exceptions!


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"

[Stezostedion vitreum man]

Ranger,

You are mistaken in stating you have to have a license to operate a marine radio (VHF) on your boat in Canada, unless this varies from area to area. In Onatario, it is not illegal, at least on inland lakes, to operate a marine radio. If you are referring to the Great Lakes, I'm not familiar with the regulations there, but as I said on inlalnd lakes of Onatario it is NOT illegal to operate a marine radio without a license. In Canada, however, you do have to have a marine radio with an international or Canadian broadcast band. Have a good day and good fishing.

Remember to keep your eyes open and your feet dry.

S.v.m

[cisco]

Phil was asking about crossing over to Pelee Island from Ohio waters of Lake Erie. That is done constantly and does not require a remote area crossing pass. I don't know what the law requires, however, if anglers continue north to the Ontario mainland.

[RANGER]

You are correct and I should have been more specific, or, maybe it was my confusion. When we were inspected the OPP told me NOT to use the VHF as it was illegal - BUT - I was in Georgian Bay and that is Great Lakes' water. The other time I was told about it I was in the Saint Lawrence near Kingston.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD"!

[bob oh]

There can be a customs problem - US Customs - if you touch land in Canada. Customs office in Sandusky can answer questions and tell you how to handle the requirements - 419-625-0022.
Bob

[Tracy]

You will a license to fish Canadian Waters. You can get them over the phone at 1-800-667-1940. Visa, MC, an Discover are accepted.

tracy

[Tracy]

You will a license to fish Canadian Waters. You can get them over the phone at 1-800-667-1940. Visa, MC, an Discover are accepted.

tracy