No Treble Hooks!

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Years ago all an angler had was a paper regulation booklet and the word from fellow anglers and DNR officials stating that treble hooks are not allowed in our north shore tributaries below the posted boundaries.  This should be enough, right?

Today we still have those regulation booklets and honestly they have come a long way in clarifying the dos and don'ts regarding our north shore fishery.  We also have dozens of signs along our rivers explaining the dos and don't as well as specifically stating the use of treble hooks.

If that was not enough, anglers can simply search the internet.  Heck, these days, you can search stream side right from your phone.  In fact this post will be available streamside to anyone willing to take the time to search the web or scan the UR code from our report cards that went out this spring.

Pictured above is a photo of a a crankbait that is in many o' bass anglers tackle arsenal. Heck, I have a few myself. The problem here is this was pulled out of a north shore river this spring.  This vary river has a sign program at a main path entrance point, but still an angler did not take the time to read the sign, the regulations, ask an angler, or search the internet.

So what to do.  As an angler you have options.  You can do nothing.  You can approach the angler.  You can take a photo, get a license plate number and call the tip hotline (800.652.9093).  Doing nothing is cowarding.  Do something. 
 I would be willing to bet most anglers would probably appreciate you giving them the tip that they could be slapped with a fine if caught using a lure with a treble hook. Refer them to their regulation booklet, reading will explain the area they can use a treble hook.  You can also suggest that almost every tackle shop along the north shore is sure to have single hooks that can be used to change out a treble hook. A teaching moment is usually much appreciated.   For the cranky pants out there, well, you always have the tip hotline option.  Do what is within your comfort zone.  No super hero's needed.

Fishing treble hooks within our posted north shore waters is a punishable offence.  The regulation is there for a reason, please respect it and help teach it.  Those of you who are the good stewards of our beloved north shore we thank you and ask that you keep an eye out your next time on a north shore river.  If you see something fishy on the end of one's line, do something.


Tight lines (on a single hook), DB

Comments

Rocco Beware said…
Really? You're on your snitching soapbox after seeing a plug that more than likely fell out of out of a tackle box or drifted down from above the boundary? The no treble regulation is silly anyway and does not aid the preservation of trout. If you were serious about conservation, you should promote abolishing ALL trout fishing below the boundary for 5 years. I could live with that.
9:29 PM
Anonymous said…
Wow, Rocco has all the answers.
5:20 PM
Anonymous said…
I think Rocco is just still mad because he lost his crankbait. Let it go man, let it go.

5:29 PM
Anonymous said…
Rocco was just kidding. He normally uses dynamite like all good Finns...
7:43 PM
Rob said…
I sometimes wonder if the people i see fishing these streams even know that you need a trout stamp... I caught two steelhead this spring, out of the Cross... i used my phone to look up the regulations on steelhead... both fish are swimming free today, although i doubt i would ever keep one anyway. I did see a pile of steelhead roe on the rocks by the falls... i am pretty sure the angler who caught that fish didn't resepect the catch and release rule.
10:00 AM
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