Bit of an odd question

[drsmooth]

A friend of mine who came here from Australia (Scuba Diver) asked me today if spear/ bow fishing was legal underwater in Ontario? In particular with scuba gear on?

I told her that from shore in certain areas coarse fish can be targeted using these means. Although even that, I am not totally sure about since I don't spear/bow fish, and haven't read the regs regarding that in years.

Anyone know?

[little cleo]

I'm going to say no it is not legal.

But that's just a guess.

On a related topic.. Is Catfish Grabblin legal here? Anyone done some noodling on the grand lately? It's probably prime time for it right now.

[Erik.T.]

I'm going to say no it is not legal.

But that's just a guess.

On a related topic.. Is Catfish Grabblin legal here? Anyone done some noodling on the grand lately? It's probably prime time for it right now.

noodling is probably legal

[Chrisb]

from the fishing regs

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 spring loaded device

which sets 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.

Possess a spear for the purpose of fishing on or within 30 m (98 ft.)

of the edge of any waters except when fishing in accordance

with the regulations (see Non-angling Methods, page 11)

Non angling methods allowed

Residents and non-residents with a valid fishing licence may fish

with one dip net, one seine net, one spear or a bow and arrow for the

species outlined below.

Dip nets may be no more that 183 cm (6 ft.) on each side if square, or

183 cm (6 ft.) in diameter, if circular.

Seine nets may be no more than 10 m (32.8 ft.) long and 2 m (6.5 ft.) high.

Spears cannot be possessed on or within 30 m (98 ft.) of the edge

of any waterbody except when fishing for carp and white sucker as

described on this page. Northern Pike spearing is not allowed.

Bow and arrow: includes all longbows and crossbows.

Species allowed are bowfin(bow and arrow), carp(bow and arrow,spear, dip net) , smelt(dip net), white sucker(bow and arrow,spear, dip net) , lake whitefish(dip net) and lake herring(dip net).

[drsmooth]

I will be sure to tell her.

Although the

"Catfish Grabblin" might be her sort of thing!