Very disappointed to see…

Very disappointed to see such a broad regulation on using live bait for fishing in Northern Ontario. I organize a group of 8 to 15 fishermen (depending on the year) to fish on Long Lake. This lake is located just outside of Charlton Ontario. We organize numerous trips throughout the year. We fish and use live bait responsibly. We purchase our bait from a local resort where the operator is a licensed bait dealer and sells bait that is indigenous to the area. The policy that you are suggesting appears to be excessive and too broad sweeping. I am deeply concerned about the negative impact that the Ministry's over reaching regulation will have on sport fishing in Northern Ontario and that it will in fact have very little impact on deterring invasive species.

As a fisherman I believe that a more appropriate call to action would be to direct more resources toward public education and stiffer fines and sentences on those who use invasive species as bait as opposed to creating a policy that penalizes responsible spot fishermen.

Thank you for your consideration

[Original Comment ID: 209880]