problems fishing Canadian waters....

[River Walker]

 I have now been told that the two guys that were forced to follow the CBP were on the Canadian side of the line and hadn't phoned in prior to crossing.They were taken to an unknown destination to be checked,and most likely fined/boats confiscated.I have to agree,somebody peeed off somebody in Canada recently.This could be a huge problem for TX anglers,what happens if you're co doesn't have the proper papers? You'll be forces to fish around marinas for green bass!Like I said,I launch at Mazurik and go out to Pelee,not only just in tournaments,but 2 or 3 times a week.I thought all I had to do was call the stupid number before I cross and things were cool.Now I find out that in addition to calling in,I have to have a passport to boot.Even then that doesn't guarantee that they will even allow me to fish,they could order me to some far away marina to check me out!I have made three calls to Canada since yesterday,and each time I was told the same thing-you have to call before entering,and you have to have a passport,or an enhanced drivers license with you.The enhanced drivers license is a joke also,I found out that only three states even have them,lucky for you guys that Michigan is one of them,Ohio is not.Looks like my Canadian fishing just came to a halt!

[VinceR]

An alternative to the Enhanced Drivers' License is the NEXUS Card, or CanPass. Neither guarantees that you won't have to appear "in person" to be checked in (nor does the Enhanced License), but they all may limit the amount of hassle that you might have to encounter.

It is also my understanding that they are aware of the issues surrounding tournament anglers and charter captains. They are (supposedly) looking at ways to streamline the process to accomodate anglers in these groups.

Stay tuned...

[djkimmel]

The NEXUS, CANPASS 'membership' and all the other options ONLY work if everyone in the boat has them. Something happened somewhere to kick this off with no fanfare and just a big SURPRISE!!!

I still cannot find any change in, or clear definition of arriving in Canada that mentions just crossing the border on water. That is why I'm sticking with my theory that someone has reinterpreted their law to change the meaning of arriving in Canada.

The only real good thing about this is the amount of heat they are getting for this may actually make it more like they back down to something more plausible.

[SethV]

If I am in Canadian water but have not "landed" and Canada customs tried to board me I think I would consider that piracy!  There will be quite a few "international incidents" if this keeps up!

Sure would like to know where this is coming from so we can flood them with calls and emails.

[djkimmel]

Yeah... the 'source' is the key. There has to be a source. One dude sitting in a big cubicle or small corner office somewhere...