Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

This is where it's all going on. One can ask for advice or general information or simply chew the fat about fishing tackle, tips, and locations.
Post Reply
User avatar
JeffintheBay
Participant
Participant
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2017 1:38 am

Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by JeffintheBay »

Hey folks,


I've mentioned my household is trying ice fishing for the first time this year. I was talking with some of the lads at the legion about gearing up and mentioned that a couple jawjackers found their way home. Some debate followed with the group if they are permitted. After some research, it appears they are permitted ( the most succinct statement I read was "A rod bent under tension is not considered a spring under Ontario law." ) but I thought I'd run this past the FH'ers and see whatcha think.

The regs (from page 8 of the summary):
Possess a spring gaff, snagger or spear gun within 30 m (98 ft.)
of any waters. A spring gaff includes any device which uses a
mechanical spring, other than the fishing rod under tension, to set
the hook for an angler. No person shall take fish with a gaff, snare,
snagger or spear gun. A gaff, other than a spring gaff, may be
used to assist in landing fish caught by lawful means.


The jaw jacker:
http://www.jawjackerfishing.com/

Some research:
http://www.oodmag.com/community/showthr ... in-Ontario
User avatar
Maple
Bronze Participant
Bronze Participant
Posts: 287
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 10:19 am
Location: Ottawa / PEI

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by Maple »

Somewheres back they must have modified the regulations, 'cause they used to be illegal.

Never have seen the explanation as detailed as you've presented, and they sure snuck them in.
User avatar
lape0019
Gold Participant
Gold Participant
Posts: 1817
Joined: Fri May 10, 2013 8:54 am

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by lape0019 »

Judging by the research you did, I would assume they are legal. im willing to bet that turning to FH is going to get you the same results you already have. I would consider going to the MNR for clarification. That is the only real way you're going to get confirmation.

Maybe even compose an email so you can keep the response just in case. I know some CO's don't always agree with what other CO's say so it would be good insurance.
User avatar
Out4trout
Gold Participant
Gold Participant
Posts: 1746
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:38 pm
Location: Eastern Ontario

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by Out4trout »

As Eric said, call the MNR...

An excerpted response below from the MNR... (albeit a few years ago)
JawJacker is the modern version similiar to the earlier Automatic Fisherman.
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.
User avatar
Doeun_k
Bronze Participant
Bronze Participant
Posts: 273
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2008 10:17 pm
Location: ottawa

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by Doeun_k »

A CO seen me use mine he thought it was neat, all i know is that it cant be triggered by a spring.
User avatar
JeffintheBay
Participant
Participant
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Jan 14, 2017 1:38 am

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by JeffintheBay »

Thanks for the responses. I have followed the suggestion to contact the MNR directly so that I can provide a solid answer to all. I expect to hear from the Kemptville office, hopefully in short order.
User avatar
Canmoore
Bronze Participant
Bronze Participant
Posts: 233
Joined: Fri May 16, 2008 7:18 pm

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by Canmoore »

Jaw Jackers are the same mechanism as a down rigger! So if they are illegal, than so are downriggers!
User avatar
Out4trout
Gold Participant
Gold Participant
Posts: 1746
Joined: Mon Oct 29, 2007 5:38 pm
Location: Eastern Ontario

Re: Jawjacker legal in Ontario?

Post by Out4trout »

Just read this in the 2017 regulations... looks good for the JawJacker.
GENERAL PROHIBITIONS – IT IS ILLEGAL TO:
Possess a spring gaff, snagger or spear gun within 30 m (98 ft.) of any waters. A spring gaff includes any device which uses a
mechanical spring, other than the fishing rod under tension, to set the hook for an angler. No person shall take fish with a gaff, snare, snagger or spear gun. A gaff, other than a spring gaff, may be used to assist in landing fish caught by lawful means
https://dr6j45jk9xcmk.cloudfront.net/do ... nglish.pdf
Post Reply