Live Bait - Crawlers & Leeches

[limacharley]

Ministere des Forests, de la Faune et des Parcs in Temiscamingue
(819) 627-3335

Ask them your crawfish question John.

[T-Bone]

Yea we always transported them in buzz bait but if we can't transport at all legally we will figure something else out.
Joe

I'll say this; if the COs that we got lectured by at the border had searched our car and found bait...it would have certainly been confiscated and maybe had a fine tacked on to it; not worth the risk IMO.

[NortonJoe]

Thanks everyone!  So recommendations of places in NorthBay, Temiscaming or Kipawa we can get nightcrawlers?

Joe

[Chazz]

Trapper Joe's on 63 between North Bay and Temiscamin

[RHYBAK]

Again???
You're suggesting an out of province provider.
Just asking for trouble.

[RHYBAK]

Thanks Luc
I called that number and the gentleman was very helpful.

No crawfish allowed as they are considered fish.
No shrimp allowed as Bait.
Frogs are allowed as bait BUT you must have a license to catch frogs in order to use them as bait.

[Chazz]

Rhybak if it's legal to bring leeches and worms across Provincial border Ontario into Quebec what exactly would be the problem and why would that be asking for trouble.

[NortonJoe]

I'll figure it out...thanks.

[RHYBAK]

Sorry Chazz
I was under the understanding that it was illegal to bring bait into Quebec from Ontario but I just called the Quebec MNR and they confirmed that Leeches and worms CAN be brought into Quebec without problems.
I do apologize.

[JigginFool]

But it does look like crossing the boarder from the US to Canada is different.  Years ago we would by nightcrawlers from a local distributer that packs them in Canadian Peat and stamps them and say it's ok to take across, I called them today and they said the same.  I called customs this morning and their response was no, you can't do it.   I also found on line that it looks like you would need a permit to take across the boarder.
https://inspection.canada.ca/plant-health/invasive-species/directives/imports/d-12-02/appendix-1/eng/1433209372739/1433209373489#a3

[Chazz]

Rhybak no apology necessary better safe than sorry

[Calicofishing]

Does any know the cost of a flat of crawlers at Kipawa this year?

[T-Bone]

I'll figure it out...thanks.

Hey Joe...we have stopped/shopped at Billy Bob's located just west of Hwy 11 on Lakeshore Drive...just on the south side of North Bay. Really easy to get to/out of and they had good quality leeches and crawlers. Nice selection of fishing gear as well if you forgot something from home. Have also used Trapper Joe's as well...decent place if it's still standing when you get there...it's like a hermits cave...no tackle or goods here though.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Sports---Recreation/Billy-Bobs-Bait-Tackle-459854847516897/?_rdr

I drove through Norton a couple weeks ago. Are they ever going to complete that construction? Sheesh!

[limacharley]

This comes from the Ontario Fishing regulations...

FMZ 11 is part of the Northeast Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. See bait for more details.

Either the Ontario MNR or Quebec fish cops could likely set up a checkpoint on the bridge and confiscate your bait. Why take chances?

[Chazz]

I read it and to me areas 8, 10, 11 are exceptions to that rule.