Dipnetting Catch, Photograph and Release

[Brent T]

I am a heavy user of iNaturalist.  After six years of use I have uploaded over 7500 observations on over 2000 species on that platform. 

After 14 years of owning the ROM guide Freshwater Fishes of Ontario, I have decided to start looking for fish more actively.  My brother-in-law and nephew are dipnetting for minnows, molluscs and other things.  My nephew was thrilled recently upon finding a baby snapping turtle.  My brother-in-law was stunned to see how fast a Two-lined Salamander scurried away.  So I have been joining them on these excursions and have photographed their catches for posted on iNaturalist. 

I want to dipnet for minnows and other small fish, photograph them (in a temporary container filled with water) and release them.  I bought a cheap kids D-shaped net in which I will lengthen the handle Does this activity require a fishing license?  It seems silly to purchase a conservation fishing license and not keep fish ever.  The cost of the license isn't much of course and I'm willing to buy one just to protect myself of course.  With a bit of effort I may encounter about 20-30 species of fish easily.

I will be reading up on the regulations on where I can't fish (e.g. fish sanctuaries) and when.  I also understand I should destroy invasive species should I encounter them and in time I will be able to recognize them on sight.

Who knows, I may even take a chance with my underwater camera (OM TG6), and photograph fish underwater.  I use the camera for its outstanding macro capabilities, and am reluctant to use it underwater ...

Cheers,
Brent

[mitch seguin]

Non-angling methods of capturing fish

Ontario and Canadian residents and non-Canadian residents with a valid recreational fishing licence may fish with one dip net, one seine net, one spear or a bow and arrow for the species and during the periods outlined below. If the Zone is not identified below, then there is no open season
for that species.

Dip nets: may be no more than 183 centimetres on each side if angular, or 183 centimetres in diameter if circular.

Seine nets: may be no more than 10 metres long and two metres high.

[CrowMan]

14 hours ago, Brent T said:

I want to dipnet for minnows and other small fish, photograph them (in a temporary container filled with water) and release them...

Does this activity require a fishing license?  It seems silly to purchase a conservation fishing license and not keep fish ever. 

Sounds very interesting and educational !

Even though you are releasing the fish, you still require a fishing license to capture fish using angling or non-angling methods. I know a number of anglers that never keep anything...they are strictly catch and release. That doesn't exclude them from having to purchase a license.

In the regulations, there is a specific list of the species of minnows that can be legally retained to use as bait. I also do believe that once you catch a fish and put it in some type of "container" (even temporarily) that it is considered "retention" under the regulations. You certainly wouldn't legally be able to temporarily retain and photograph a species that was out of season, or out of the slot size.

My advice would be to contact the OMNR and speak to an Enforcement Officer for clarification on the legalities of the activity you wish to pursue.

 

Edited 8 hours ago by CrowMan

[dave524]

Dip netting is not a legal means of angling for most sport species , usually just legal bait species, smelt and coarse fish, there was an actual season that it was permitted as well. You really need clarification from a C.O.

[Brent T]

That's what I thought.  I will purchase a licence and get clarification.

Cheers, Brent