GREAT NEWS FOR ANGLERS IN MANITOBA!
For years anglers have been wanting more simplified angling regulations. Over the last couple of years the Manitoba Fisheries Department has been seeking to make those changes. They developed a Manitoba Recreational Angling Strategy which they then took to the public forum.
Stakeholder organizations that represent over 10,000 anglers participated in 15 engagement meetings and events. In addition, over 1,440 responses were received through EngageMB.
“We’ve heard from Manitobans that they want angling licences to be modernized. Our government has listened, and we are taking concrete action.” Those words from Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt last week. “As part of Manitoba’s Recreational Angling Strategy, modernizing regulations will further improve the vibrant recreational angling opportunities in the province while enhancing the protection of valuable fish stocks.”
Those proposed changes include simplifying the angling license to one yearly license, along with the addition of a one-day license. Manitoba resident seniors, active military and veterans will no longer require a license in hand. Angling licenses will also go digital with no signature required.
SIZE AND LIMIT CHANGES
There are significant changes in the protection of our fish species. These include no retention of walleye over 55 centimetres and a limit of four province wide. Anglers will also be able to fish year-round for several species, including northern pike, smallmouth bass, crappies and catfish.
Other regulation changes include:
- introducing increased protection for large spawning fish and for certain species to protect high-value fish;
- amending ice fishing shelter requirements; and
- creating consistent residency definitions for anglers, hunters and trappers.
For more information about angling in Manitoba, visit: http://manitobafisheries.com.