Manitoba sport anglers want to see some changes to fishing regulations for tournaments

Manitoba’s competitive fishing community has some concerns about the new regulations, which went into effect in early April, and their impact on the sport.

Under the new rules – announced by the province in February – year-round fishing of certain species has now been allowed, license changes have been enacted and size limits have been put in place for certain species to determine whether or not they are allowed to be kept.

“I was reasonably okay with some changes to the (regulations). A lot of it was good and should protect our fishery in some way,” said Dino D’andreamatteo, owner of Walleye Mafia Bait and Tackle and also a fishing tournament organizer in Manitoba.

He said his only concern is that if fish over a certain length were caught during a tournament, anglers would have to take a picture of them and then release them.

“Anglers used to catch these fish, take good care of them and bring them back at the end of the day and weigh the fish.”

This deliberation process is no longer possible, which he believes creates additional hurdles for tournament organizers.

“It’s a big deal and a lot of that will be lost through the new rules and they will affect things.”

He said organizers tried to adapt by using apps to take photos and videos of the fish caught, but he added they had their limits.

“You’re fishing in low service areas so you may not have internet service and if you do it’s very slow. At the end of the day, when all the tournaments are (over), anglers submit their photos and videos.” It’s up to those apps and tournament organizers to step in and download all that information and review every picture.”

D’Andreamatteo said he would like some leeway or compromise from the province on some rules when running tournaments.

“Each tournament should be looked at individually,” he said. “We need to look at these special exceptions.”

Another concern of D’andreamatteo is that these rules, when applied to tournaments, could result in fewer people participating.

“Many anglers choose to attend tournaments in Saskatchewan over Manitoba if they are held on the same weekend.”

In a statement emailed to CTV News, a provincial spokesman said the regulations are all about improving the sustainability of Manitoba’s fisheries.

“The new angling regulations provide an opportunity for (competitive angling events) to showcase Manitoba’s exceptional fisheries by allowing a greater variety of fish to participate in events through the use of catch-photo-release,” said the spokesperson. “Additionally, through the use of new and innovative technologies, CFEs can diversify and promote new events that support Manitoba’s economy and local tourism. The department works with CFE organizers and provides support to help the industry transition to using catch-photo-release.”

D’andreamatteo said anglers in the province are passionate about preserving Manitoba’s fisheries and caring for fish throughout the province. He hopes some changes can be made so Manitoba anglers can show their care and respect to others across the country and around the world.

“Sport anglers, they want to protect our fishery and make sure it’s among the best in Canada and the world. We want Americans to come. All the rules and regulations that have been changed have not all been bad, we support many.” “But we would really like the government to look at exceptions or a procedure for doing so,” D’andreamatteo said.