Salted Minnows

[adempsey]

I just want to clarify something.  I am not allowed bring salted minnows from Ontario into Quebec?   If that's true, anyone have some suggestions on where to purchase them on the way to Laniel?

[Jay Thomas]

Here's what the current Quebec Sport Fishing Main Rules state:

The importation of dead or live baitfish is prohibited.

Since the current rules expire 31 March 2016, Quebec authorities will have to release new Sport Fishing Main Rules soon.

While its not on the way to Laniel, you might be able to purchase dead minnows at Kipawa Bait.

Jay

[adempsey]

Thanks Jay.   I will check out Kipawa Bait.   

I noticed the dates in the current regulations.  I assume nothing will change for the upcoming season.

[Jay Thomas]

I'm not so sure about no changes to the Main Rules. I'm expecting to see a new walleye harvest slot limit for Lake Kipawa - maybe 14 to 21 inches. Everything else goes back.

Jay

[adempsey]

I'm not so sure about no changes to the Main Rules. I'm expecting to see a new walleye harvest slot limit for Lake Kipawa - maybe 14 to 21 inches. Everything else goes back.

Jay

Hopefully that's true.

[Greg]

Last year, I bought frozen minnows at the fishing/outdoor equipment and outfitter place right at the corner by the Auberge hotel... if you do buy frozen/dad minnows anywhere in QC, the owner there warned me that I MUST keep the receipt on me in the boat at all times as proof I purchased them in QC.  He also initialed the receipt and circled the Minnows row on the receipt.  Serious stuff...

Greg

[adempsey]

Last year, I bought frozen minnows at the fishing/outdoor equipment and outfitter place right at the corner by the Auberge hotel... if you do buy frozen/dad minnows anywhere in QC, the owner there warned me that I MUST keep the receipt on me in the boat at all times as proof I purchased them in QC.  He also initialed the receipt and circled the Minnows row on the receipt.  Serious stuff...

Greg

Thanks Greg,   You know, I would have never thought of doing that.  I am glad you chimed in.

Anyone know if frozen Herring is considered a baitfish?  Was thinking about bringing some to still fish for Lakers.

[Greg]

Not sure of the exact regulation, but as it was explained to me, I believe it is risky to "bring anything" from outside the province... I would just avoid it... there are plenty of ways to catch Walleye, lakers, perch and pike on Kipawa.  We have even used plastic baits at the end of our gang-trolls and caught lakers.

In 10 or 11 trips in the last 10 years to Kipawa, I have been checked (by the game wardens) on the water, and at the outfitter and at the dock leaving once - that is a pretty good ratio - I just wouldn't want to deal with the fines... it would put a downer on the trip! 

BTW - each time the wardens were very cooperative, nice to deal with and as long as you were open, friendly, up front and honest, they did what they had to do, we were all good and respected the laws, then when finished, they shook hands and they said stay safe.   I watch one guy start to argue with one warden about interrupting his vacation and the warden reached down and unsnapped his holster (in case he needed access to his gun).  They guy's attitude changed pretty quick.

Greg

[adempsey]

Ya, I'll just get what I need in Quebec.   I will stop to pick up my bait at Pronature or head to Kipawa Bait & Tackle on my way in.  I rarely fish with real bait, but I figured I'd try a few new things.     I've never still fished for Lakers before and wanted to give it a try.