Ontario Fishing Regs: No Spring loaded Hook Setting devices

[icejunky]

while returning from the BPS last night, Chowder_Head and I browsed the updated Ontario regs (updated march 2009). On page 11 there was a blurb that said while ice fishing you could not use a spring loaded device to set the hook....as some one who occassionaly uses a slammer or of sorts, i wondered if this was included in this new reg...it is not spring loaded, it is rod laoded, but just did not want to get caught out on the ice being in the wrong...any hear about this

the website does not have the updated blurb 

[TGF]

Can you call the local enforcers (conservation officers) or do you just get a machine. They are quite helpful out here.

[Stump Puller]

I better find out, I bought 2 Slammers last year and haven't had a chance to use them yet, and it looks like I may never get the chance to.

[bucketmouth]

I have one I made with an ultralite rod and although I haven't bothered bringing it out in the past couple seasons, it used to kick butt on active 'eyes... let me know what you find out Rob.

Don

[Woodsman]

Last year I remember seeing a report from a CO from the Peterbrough area IIRC stating they were OK. I'll see if I can find it.
Like anything else, each CO may interpret the reg differently.

[Woodsman]

Found it in my laptop.

Hi

I have received several inquiries regarding the legality (use and
possession) of several ice fishing tip ups.

One is called the automatic ice fisherman and can be found at:
http://www.automaticicefisherman.com/index.html
If you view the video on the web site you will see that the Tip up holds
the rod in such a way that the rod is tensioned similar to a downrigger
rod, when the fish takes the bait a release mechanism is activated and
the rod is released indicating a bite, the angler can then grab the rod
and set the hook. This type of set up does not meet the definition of a
spring gaff - "spring gaff means a spring-operated device for impaling
or hooking a fish and includes sping-loaded hooks that are triggered
when a fish bites the bait" and therefore is legal for use and
possession within 30 meters of any water.



A second piece of ice fishing equipment is called the Hook Set Tip Up
and can be viewed at http://hooksettipup.com/
If you view the video on this site you will see that this tip up
contains a spring that is "loaded" when set. When the fish hits the
bait and triggers the release the spring mechanism sets the hook, and a
flag is released. This set up falls within the definition of a spring
gaff as noted above, and is therefore not legal for use or possesion
within 30 meters of any waters.
If you have any questions regarding this gear or any other type that you
encounter please do not hesitate to contact me.

Derrick Humber
a/Enforcement Specialist
Peterborough
705-755-5186

ENFORCEMENT BRANCH MISSION: To safeguard the public interest by leading
and delivering professional regulatory protection of Ontario's natural
resources.

[icejunky]

thanx Woodsman, that answers my question

[Stump Puller]

I can breath a little easier now, thanks Woodsman, I don't have to sell my stuff.