Fish-Hawk.Net

Just a short note to let you know that you my not fish Musky with a Conservation Fishing Licence. Was informed twice this week from Kempville that this is true.

Thanks Chaser that is true...as possesion on Musky for a conservation license is 0. Therefore if you target them you intend to possess one even if it is going to be released. Incidental catch is one thing...targeting is another...

That is contrary to the MNR website at:

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/faq.html#N10037
which reads as follows:
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3. The catch and possession limit for muskellunge is zero (0) if I have a Conservation Fishing Licence. Does this mean I can't fish for these species?
Not at all. A catch limit is the number of a species that you are allowed to catch and keep in one day. (A possession limit is the total number of a species that you are allowed to have in your possession on hand, in cold storage, in transit and so on.)
As long as you immediately live release any zero (0) limit fish you catch during the open season you may legally fish for them using a Conservation Fishing Licence.

This holds true for such species as muskellunge, sturgeon, Atlantic salmon and aurora trout. Immediate live release is the key.

However, those who fish for muskellunge with a Conservation Fishing Licence should understand and be prepared to deal with the fact that occasionally muskellunge are injured beyond being able to be successfully live released. What would you do with the fish if it could not swim away?

Or, what would you do as the angler if you caught the world record muskie (something that is quite possible in several Ontario waterbodies) on a Conservation Fishing Licence? It would have to be released.

For these reasons and others, most ardent muskellunge anglers purchase the Sport Fishing Licence. The added bonus is that their licence dollars can help improve future muskellunge fisheries.
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I do agree though, that the safe release of the fish is the prime importance, and if you are not allowed to keep them, then you shouldn't target them. However, each person must make their own decision. I just would not like to be caught with an illegal fish.

Not defending the cheap buggers out there who won't spend a few more bucks on a sport license if they intend on fishing muskie but let's not get into this...we all know what the MNR means. To what is stated above IS on the website, use it. they mean to possess for keep not to target.

Thanks LarryS..
I read it improperly I think...and it seems so do the folks in Kemptville...
at least by what I read here that you posted. I thought it was a zero catch limit on Musky for Conservation license....

Come on.....do you think that would be on the website if it was inaccurate?

And that is the Provincial website....

Um, BS was that question for me?

If so...NO, I said I read it incorrectly did not say the site was inaccurate.

Said I was wrong not the site...

Chaser, I hope that clears up the issue for you. You definately are able to target muskie with a conservation licence.

Just out of curiousity though, why was this a choice for your first post? No harm or anything, I'm just curious that's all.

Welcome to FH.Net!

TrophyMuskie will argue this one til he's blue in the face.....he says ya can......

RJ

Of course you can.

CB, No it was'nt a ??? just a general statment. When they mean possess (my opinion) is to keep. not target and hold then release. Don't think I'm attackin ya.

All I was stating was what MNR in Kempville told me. You can not fish for Musky with an Conservation Licence. Licence issuers on the St. Lawrence River will not sell a Conservation licence to anyone that is tarketing Musky. All I was doing was informing you as what I was told. I do not agree with it but that was what I was informed of.

Chaser,

A bit of background as to who you asked your question to....and where may help....

My own opinion.....Conservation licenses should not exist PERIOD...what we pay for a fishing license is a joke compared to what we get out of it....

RJ

RJ wrote:TrophyMuskie will argue this one til he's blue in the face.....he says ya can......

RJ

I know you can as everyone can see from the link above.

I am still pee pee that some people out there to this day are still passing on wrong information and some of those are people that should know.

chaser wrote:All I was stating was what MNR in Kempville told me. You can not fish for Musky with an Conservation Licence. Licence issuers on the St. Lawrence River will not sell a Conservation licence to anyone that is tarketing Musky. All I was doing was informing you as what I was told. I do not agree with it but that was what I was informed of.

You need to show them the link above that states the law and tell them that they can't refuse to sell anyone a license. I bet they make more $$$ on a sport fishing license then a conservation one.

I can't beleive folks in Kempville don't know their own laws, how the hell are we supossed to follow them.

Most of my clients fish with conservation licenses as no one is killing any muskies.