Catch Limits Note

***A Note on Fishing Licences and Catch Limits at MACO Matches***

Due to the changes to Ontario fishing regulations in 2008, we have been receiving questions from anglers regarding reduced catch limits for previously unregulated fish. MACO Committee is providing this note to clarify our standing on this issue and to explain the club practice during weigh-ins at MACO tournaments.

One of the venues where anglers are likely to experience first-hand the impact of the changes to the regulations is at the NET Camping Resort. The venue can produce large numbers of channel catfish and carp. There is no limit for carp but there is a catch limit for channel catfish. Sport License holders can catch up to 12 fish and Conservation License holders may only catch 6. Swapping smaller fish caught earlier for bigger ones is against Ontario fishing regulations and is not permitted at MACO events.

2008-2009 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, Page 9:

"Generally, daily catch limits include all fish that are retained for any period of time and not IMMEDIATELY released."

We are all bonded by the regulations, and Club officials will enforce these rules at all MACO events.

NO SWAPPING!

Anglers have to make a decision during the match to keep or to release smaller fish with hopes of catching a bigger one later. Culling or swapping of fish once they’ve been in your keepnet is not allowed!

SPORT AND CONSERVATION LICENCE LIMITS

To avoid any complaints regarding legal limits for competing anglers, MACO tournament organizers will ask all anglers to show their license when they pay the tournament fee. License type will be recorded and checked by the judges during weigh-ins.

OVERLIMIT

The new Ontario rules may have been a surprise to some, and although we must enforce Ontario and Club rules, we do not wish to be excessively harsh on those who make an honest mistake. The Committee has agreed to adjust MACO rules, and there will be no disqualification in case of an honest error. However, a penalty for going over the permitted limit would still apply, and no fish of over-the-limit species will be weighed.

For example, if a Conservation license holder attempts to weigh-in 7 or more channel catfish (6 is the limit), all channel catfish in the angler’s possession will be released without weighing. Any other fish species within their legal limit will still be weighed.

Until 2008, the implications of selecting a license type for tournament competitors had, for the most part, been insignificant. It remains the angler’s decision which license to buy, and as a result, it is their personal duty to observe legal limits. It would seem that due to the new regulations, a full (Sport) license would make more sense. This will be recommended for future license purchases. We hope that the new restriction will not cause too much inconvenience and will be understood and accepted by all anglers.