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58 Pa. Code 63.5 "It is unlawful to use a method for taking fish from this Commonwealth, including boundary lakes and rivers, unless the method is specifically authorized by law or this part."That's the direct quote from the regulations. So the relevant question is not "Where are jawjackers prohibited?" The relevant question is "where in the law or regulations are they 'specifically authorized'"? They are not specifically authorized, so under this regulation they are unlawful. It sounds as if PFBC folks have mostly not gone out of their way to enforce this, but if you get written up, they can make it stick.
I emailed the PA Fish and Boat Commission this is there response...Unfortunately, “Jaw Jackers” may NOT be lawfully used in Pennsylvania waters. This electronic mechanical device manipulates the ice fishing rod and physically sets the hook on the independently held rod. Current regulatory language contained within the Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations pursuant to ice fishing precludes the use of any mechanical and/or electrical fishing device that independently manipulates the fishing rod .SERGEANT ANTHONY BEERSPennsylvania Fish and Boat CommissionNorthwest Region Bureau of Law EnforcementCell: 570-406-4046Office: 814-337-0444
these days, PA doesn't want to do anything the way NY does it. Just saying.
Ok, now I am REALLY confused! This is the response I got: The Commission has determined that the use of this device, or similar devices by other manufacturers or under different brand names, are NOT authorized for use in the Commonwealth. Although the regulations do not list all unauthorized devices it does state “It is unlawful to use a method of fishing for taking fish from the waters of the Commonwealth, including boundary lakes and rivers, unless the use of the method is specifically authorized by law or regulations set forth in this part.” The regulations specific to ice fishing state “All rods, lines and tip-ups used by a person engaged in ice fishing shall be under the immediate control of the person using the same.” LtCol Thomas J BurrellPA Fish & Boat CommissionBureau of Law Enforcement717-705-7866“not under my control?!” My JawJackers are under my control as much as your tipups or deadsticks! Somebody please help me understand!
Please forgive me if this had been previously mentioned in the previous 5 pages of responses but how does a jaw jacker differ from a down rigger. In both cases the kinetic energy is loaded in to the rod. In both cases a triger is set. And in both cases the kinetic energy is released driving the hook(s) into the fish after THE FISH sets off the trigger. Just saying it is practically the same thing.
What is immediate control? arms length? 5 feet 5 yards 5 miles?
if you have but in most cases 2 arms and 2 hands why do you need 3 rods for open water/ but 5 for the hard top? there are times I cant even handle 1 rod.
You're not able to cover much water when ice fishing so having 5 devices increases your odds of catching something.
Just an FYI, I saw a petition making it's way around Facebook on the "PA ice conditions + ice fishing swap" group to make Jaw Jackers legal in PA.