Fishing Canadian Waters

[Mini]

Just a warning....the CBSA (Canadian Border Security Authority) has issued new lwas and regulation for fishing in Canadian waters......You must report to customs as of March 2010. See this website fro more info:

http://www.marinerscoalition.com/

[Revtro]

As of today.

NEWS UPDATE - JUNE 01, 2010

The Canadian Border Services Agency has clarified a March announcement regarding American boats crossing the border into Canadian waters. It was originally interpreted by many to require reporting to CBSA whenever a boat moved into Canadian waters for any purpose.

Close inspection of the Canada Customs Act reveals an exemption from this rule for any vessel "in transit", namely one proceeding from a country outside Canada directly to a destination also outside Canada without landing, anchoring, fishing, having physical contact with a Canadian boat, entering Canadian tributary waters or otherwise "entering" Canada.

Accordingly, there is no need for boats innocently traversing open Canadian waters to concern themselves with clearing Canada Customs. We apologize for any alarm raised by an earlier "news flash" to the contrary.

The only issue for us it seems is whether or not they will hassle fishermen.  I doubt it.  Seems like much ado about nothing.  Every year we get alarmed.  I personally won't be worrying too much about fishing in Canada.  Just my opinion.

[SethV]

There is no reason that you can't be checked anywhere in Canada, but the ONLY place I have ever seen Candian border patrol is in the Detroit river.  Never in the open waters of Erie or St Clair.  I would think they have better things to do that bother fishermen 10 miles from shore.

[huston]

I got stopped about 2 weeks ago fishing around Bob-lo Island by the Canadian Conservation Officer. He asked for Canadian license, Canadian Outdoor Card and looked in my Livewells to see what I had. He was in a 16 ft aluminum boat. I was fishing for Rock Bass at the time and had a few. Other than that, he didn't ask if I checked into customs or call anyone on me.

[djkimmel]

Revtro - what is the source for the news update you posted?

[tcmono]

That came from www.marinerscoalition.com, was posted yesterday

[Mini]

I have seen Canadian Border Patrol aall up and down the shipping channel and in the area of the weather bouy. The Musky guys open this weekend and I am pretty sure some will get checked.....

I was called by Todd Hammill this morning. I am not sure if an article on Wored2Fish will be done or not, but he has some people trying to get as much info as he can. I gave him some numbers to call.

[Mini]

As of today.

NEWS UPDATE - JUNE 01, 2010

The Canadian Border Services Agency has clarified a March announcement regarding American boats crossing the border into Canadian waters. It was originally interpreted by many to require reporting to CBSA whenever a boat moved into Canadian waters for any purpose.

Close inspection of the Canada Customs Act reveals an exemption from this rule for any vessel "in transit", namely one proceeding from a country outside Canada directly to a destination also outside Canada without landing, anchoring, fishing, having physical contact with a Canadian boat, entering Canadian tributary waters or otherwise "entering" Canada.

Accordingly, there is no need for boats innocently traversing open Canadian waters to concern themselves with clearing Canada Customs. We apologize for any alarm raised by an earlier "news flash" to the contrary.

The only issue for us it seems is whether or not they will hassle fishermen.  I doubt it.  Seems like much ado about nothing.  Every year we get alarmed.  I personally won't be worrying too much about fishing in Canada.  Just my opinion.

Ifyou fish tournaments you better be worrying. If you cross and dont report you are in violation of rules (for most tourneys) that require you to follow all laws and regulations for the water you are fishing.

Its this attitude (and I am not coming down on YOU personally) that will keep me out of tournaments that are not US waters only.

[Revtro]

Mini, I wasn't referring to fishing tournaments.  Of course I wouldn't advocate violating tournament rules.  I was talking about my casual weekend fishing. 

[Mini]

Mini, I wasn't referring to fishing tournaments.  Of course I wouldn't advocate violating tournament rules.  I was talking about my casual weekend fishing. 

I totally understand Tom and I am sorry if you took it that way. I was referring to others that may decide to roll the dice while in tournaments.

Please accept my apology.

Mini

[Revtro]

No worries bro. It's all good.

[Mini]

Thanks!

[MadWags]

I did not fish CA waters last year and do not plan on it this year either. My attitude is that the Canadian Gov. can put it where the sun don't shine. They are not getting one Obama Dollar from me.

[Bender]

I was in Ontario a couple weeks ago for work on the Bay of Quinte and thought about renting a boat until I read about the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/backgrounders-b04-m056e-1870.htm
I have not been able to figure out if you need this with a US registered vessel or not but I think you do. Does anybody know about this law to protect you from yourself?

[Mini]

I am not sure but I THINK it has to do with canadian boats or anything over 30 feet in length.