After much thought and many meetings over the winter of 05/06, we at Lake Simcoe Marine have decided that we will no longer carry live minnows. There are many reasons behind this decision including lack of dealer support by the Bait Association of Ontario, but the main reason is one you have probably heard spoken of, invasive species.

Invasive species into the waters of Lake Simcoe is an ongoing, growing problem that we have decided not to be a contributor to. Invasive fish species pose a major threat to aquatic biodiversity and local fisheries. In laymans terms this means that a species introduced to a watershed can destroy the local fish, by overtaking their habitat, starving them from their food source or destroying the eggs and hatchlings of resident fish species.

With so many great alternatives to live minnows we encourage you to talk to us or any bait dealer and see what other choices you have. If you must use live minnows it is very important to follow the guidelines as layed out by The Ministry of Natural Resources:

IT IS ILLEGAL TO RELEASE BAITFISH FROM ONE BODY OF WATER TO ANOTHER.

IT IS ILLEGAL TO POSSESS LIVE GOBY OR USE ROUND GOBY AS BAIT.

IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANGLERS TO STORE LIVE BAITFISH IN LAKE SIMCOE OR ITS TRIBUTARIES, IF THE FISH ARE NOT FROM THIS LAKE OR WATERSHED.

For more information on invasive species and the threat they present please go to the following websites:

http://www.invadingspecies.com
http://www.ofah.org  Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca  Ministry of Natural Resources