Banning the use of minnows…

Banning the use of minnows/leeches in areas where there are no natural barriers such as waterfalls or rapids and also where there are no manmade barriers such as dams or electric barriers is nonsensible as the minnows /leeches native to these waterways can move uninterrupted into and from such areas as flatwater rivers and lakes. There are many such areas in the north and one example can be seen with the "Englehart river fine sand plain waterway provincial park" as it is a flatwater lake/river system with no barrier to prevent the natural movement of native minnows/leeches which are harvested within the local area/waterway. This decision to ban the use of live bait heavily impacts the local businesses such as fish camps, hunting outfitters and cottage renters who survive on the revenue garnered as a result of their providing hunting/ fishing, camping, outdoor and boating opportunities to a clientele willing to spend their money on a northern outdoor experience. Many of these camps/outfitters are located within the boundaries of some of the designated boundaries. An unwillingness to come to these places will result from the knowledge that one does not have the freedom or ability to use bait. Another blow to the people who own property within the proposed boundaries will also be the loss of property values, especially lake frontage as fishing is a big part of the cottage experience.

[Original Comment ID: 209728]