Hi, my name is Brendan and I…

Hi, my name is Brendan and I do no support the proposed bait management changes, put forward by the MNRF for many reasons. I live in Northwestern Ontario and I feel this proposal is far too strict for our area.

First the bait management zones restrict my fish-ability. I live in BMZ "C" and fish in BMZ "B". I will not be able to buy bait from my normal bait shops any more with these changes and will have to drive an hour past my camp to the nearest bait shop, which I will not do, loosing bait harvesters and shops money. The proposed zones also hurt many fishing resorts and tourism in the north. Many Americans buy bait in one zone and then travel to resorts in others. They will be in the same boat as me and not drive way out of their way to get bait. loosing American tourism dollars and also again hurting bait shops. Bait harvesters are not helped in this proposal. Many of the Thunder Bay bait shops get their bait from outside of their BMZ, this will severely hamper the bait supply for the harvesters, bait shops, and customers. The Conservation Officers time will be wasted inspecting boats and anglers for "illegal" bait when the could be searching for poachers and other more serious infractions. The two week bait expiry time is incredibly wasteful. If I can keep bait alive, why is it hurting anything? The proposed Personal Bait Harvesting license is also a waste of money and time for anglers, for years we have been able to trap our own minnows. This just feels like a money grab by the MNRF. I strongly do not support this proposed bait management plan, but I also do agree something should be changed to stop invasive species. There should be a much different plan for Northern Ontario. Thanks, Brendan

[Original Comment ID: 209873]