In Ontario, fishing without a valid license is considered illegal under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act of 1997. This law, along with its associated regulations, governs fishing activities, sets seasons and limits, and establishes rules for the practice of fishing in the province. Violating these regulations can lead to significant penalties, including fines, license suspensions, and even jail time in some cases.
Types of Fishing Licenses in Ontario
Ontario offers two main types of recreational fishing licenses: sport fishing licenses and conservation fishing licenses. Sport fishing licenses provide anglers with full catch and possession privileges, while conservation fishing licenses have reduced catch and possession limits, making them ideal for anglers who want to live-release most of the fish they catch.
To legally fish in Ontario, most people between the ages of 18 and 64 must purchase an Outdoors Card and the appropriate fishing license. The Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized card valid for three calendar years and used for administrative purposes. In addition to the Outdoors Card, anglers must carry a license summary whenever they are fishing. This document lists all valid fishing and hunting licenses and can be either a printed copy, saved in digital format, or the box printed on the back of the Outdoors Card indicating a 3- or 1-year fishing license.
Exceptions to the Fishing License Requirement
While most anglers in Ontario must purchase a fishing license, there are some exceptions. Canadian residents who are under 18 or 65 years of age or older can fish without an Outdoors Card and license. Individuals, regardless of residency, who require direct assistance to fish due to a disability defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act can also fish without a license, but the person assisting them must have one if they engage in fishing.
Ontario residents who are active members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces can use their Canadian Forces Identification Card (NDI 20), Record of Service Card (NDI 75), or Canadian Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card (NDI 75) as a fishing license. Additionally, Ontario and Canadian residents are provided with four opportunities throughout the year to fish without a license: Family Fishing Weekend (February 17–19, 2024), Mother’s Day Weekend (May 11–12, 2024), Father’s Day Weekend (June 15–16, 2024), and Ontario Family Fishing Week (June 29 – July 7, 2024).
Penalties for Fishing Without a License
Fishing without a valid license is a common provincial offense in Ontario. The fine for this infraction is $200. However, this is just one of many potential charges that anglers may face for violating fishing regulations. Other offenses include fishing out of season, exceeding catch limits, using illegal gear, fishing in closed or protected areas, failing to release protected species, keeping fish outside of size requirements, and overfishing certain species.
The penalties for these violations can be severe. A person convicted of an offense under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 is liable to a fine of not more than $25,000, imprisonment for a term of not more than one year, or both. For commercial offenses or offenses committed for commercial purposes, the fines can be even higher, up to $100,000, and the jail term can be extended to two years.
Importance of Complying with Fishing Regulations
It is essential for anglers in Ontario to familiarize themselves with the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 and its associated regulations to ensure that fishing is conducted legally and responsibly. Compliance with these rules helps protect the province’s fish populations and aquatic ecosystems for current and future generations of anglers to enjoy.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for enforcing fishing regulations and has the authority to issue fines and penalties for infractions. Conservation officers may request to see an angler’s Outdoors Card and license summary at any time while they are fishing. Failure to present these documents upon request can result in additional charges.
In recent years, the ministry has implemented significant changes to hunting and fishing fines, with about 50 fines being doubled and 251 new fines being introduced. These changes demonstrate the government’s commitment to deterring rule-breakers and protecting Ontario’s natural resources.
While the vast majority of anglers in Ontario comply with fishing regulations, it is important for everyone to be aware of the potential consequences of breaking the law. By purchasing the appropriate licenses, following catch limits, and fishing during designated seasons, anglers can enjoy their sport while contributing to the sustainability of Ontario’s fisheries.