Hali and Bottom fishing in Area 123 etc.

hiroshi

Member
[V]I see that the Canadian DFO has closed off fishing for Halibut and Bottom fishing in this area for Non-Canadian fisherman. I guess they think too many Non-Canadians come over and over fish this area. Personally, I think it's the charters that do more over fishing then the recreational fisherman. I understand that if you get a paper license, one can fish for Hali. Yes, I'm a Non-Canadian that's been coming up to Canada's westside for over 20 years now. I do donate to the fisheries to help keep your hatcheries going. I bought a license and that's when I found out about this restriction. Can anyone explain to me what this paper license is and how ones to get one? I love my Hali's and bottom fish.
 
I am assuming you got your licence online (electronic licence)?
- Electronic licence conditions will be continued as follows:
"no person who is not a Canadian resident may fish for or retain halibut under this licence in management Areas 121, 23 and 123."

If you go into any store that sells fishing licence's in Canada you can get a paper license.
 
"If you are a non-resident and wish to fish for halibut in management areas 23, 121 and 123 you must purchase a paper license from a vendor in Canada. Refunds will not be issued, so please ensure your licence selection is correct before you complete your transaction."

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/index-eng.htm

Which means you must by your licence from an authorized vendor in Canada, not from the on line website.
 
Hiroshi
I have seen your past posts and see that you have made donations to our fisheries. You play by the book and we appreciate people like yourself.
I believe this regulation was set to keep charter operators from running to this area with a boat full of guests who take their limits plus the operators limit and run. No money put in to the local economy and non residents taking quota as well as running a state side business in Canadian waters. There are some past posts on this.

As stated you can buy a non-resident license in person, in Canada and still fish the area. Hope this works out for you.

Tips
 
another factor to consider hiro, is the fact that its now 1/day for hali. Not really worthwhile running to the banks for a 10-15lb chicken unless you have some other secret holes with some big ones. You'd be better off making a trip to Sooke or north island to actually make it worthwhile.
 
:DThanks for the quick reply guy, I did buy a license in Ganges at Moats. It is paper so I guess I'm O.K. It's confusing because this is written in the regulations and doesn't quite explain it very well.
 
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