drinking while fishing

[bigtimeelectric]

going to lac seul was concerned about being able to have beer in the boat. just wondering if anybody has any experience with the law and this subject near ear falls

[Hemlock]

Well, the law forbids any open alcohol in the boat. My experiences on Lake of the Woods, we always tell customs we have a beer for each of us for shore lunch and never had a problem.

Not recommended to have a beer on the go while boating/fishing.

[iffwalleyes]

Quote:

---

going to lac seul was concerned about being able to have beer in the boat. just wondering if anybody has any experience with the law and this subject near ear falls

---

There is a group of us heading to Lac Seul in two weeks and from everything I have read or heard it just isn't worth it to even chance being caught with it. I have heard that they won't even allow it for short lunch. I was told that you can have beer in the boat it you are heading to your camp but it stays there. I mot sure wish I could have some beers while fishing but I don't think we will be taking a chance with it.

[bigtimeelectric]

yeh, it sounds like them canadians take that kind of thing pretty seriously.guess I've kind of gotten in the bad habit of drinking while fishing from going to outposts were you have the whole lake to yourself.I've always taking it pretty easy but a cold beer just tastes so (Contact Us Please) good on a hot day on the water.guess its going to have be root beer this year. thanks and good luck.

[Boomer]

We went up to Lac Suel earlier in the year and we were told by our host that every cooler going out has beer in it. They said the DNR can't do anything about it unless they have a police officer with them. We didn't see anyone including DNR, but I guess it's up to you wether or not you want to do it. Common sense is a good approach. I wouldn't be over the limit that is for sure - felony.

The fish bite so fast you barely have time for a beer anyway!

Have fun - it's unreal up there.

[BobT]

What concern is that to the customs agent? It has been my understanding that alcoholic beverages are forbidden in the boat. Best not to take any chances.

Bob

[iffwalleyes]

Quote:

---

What concern is that to the customs agent? It has been my understanding that alcoholic beverages are forbidden in the boat. Best not to take any chances.

Bob

---

I agree just not a chance I want to take myself. I can live on dew and copenhagen for a week.

[WB make the CUT]

Been stopped three times on Lac Seul the last question I always have asked is " can we have beer in the boat?"

They all tell you in a differnt way, but bottom line it is not worth it.

Dont get me wrong I luv a frosty, but it makes you lazy while you fish anyway.

I agree with Hem

[Cheers]

Ontario Conservation Officers have more authority than police or customs and thay certainly can become involved in liquer violations if they decide to. Acording to a c.o. they can enforce more laws than any other enforcement agency in the land, it seems to be a judgement call wether or not they will! My guess is that your actions will make that call for them in most cercumstances

[Abrams]

Why would anyone run the risk?

Drink when you are done fishing!

[Northlander]

Exactly.

[Mudcutter]

I agree. Seems to me that the DNR offical in the winter on LOW or Mile Lacs barring into a fish house has some serious rights to his/her job also. I think the DNR officers in MN probably have more pull than we think, especially the ones that carry a sidearm.

Muddy

[BobT]

I don't fully understand some of the anymosity I hear toward our conservation officers. Aren't they there for our benefit? By doing what they do, they help protect the very resources we enjoy.

Personally, I have never had a bad experience with any officer of the law, including COs. They have been cordial and respectful. I have never had a CO barge into my fishing shelter. They have always announced themselves, knocked on the door, etc.

I think they do a great job considering they are under staffed.

Bob

[Abrams]

I don't think they are understaffed or hidden in Ontario. I've been checked that last 7 years on Abrams/Pelican/ Minitaki etc. My advice would be to have yourself in order before you hit the water in Ontario . . . you'll most likely be checked.

[MuskyBrian]

It must depend where you go...I have been going to the Vermilion Bay area for Years and the next time I get checked will be my First...Not trying to justify drinking in the boat by any means, I'm just saying this is what I have experienced

[Wild Thing]

FYI, the rule in Ontario is no drinking in any public place. Period. That means on an island, on the ice, etc. Doesn't matter if you are in a motor vehicle or not. You can only have open alcohol on/in private property. Only boats with beds count.

That said, it is almost never enforced. So, you decide.

Me, well.....

[Lakeside]

"Almost" never enforced is the key. We got nicked several years ago on LOTW. Actually ticketed for having empty, cans in the boat after shore lunch (if we had littered and left them on the shore we would have been OK). It was an expensive lesson.

We have fished Lac Seul 10 of the past 12 years. Four ears on the west side (McKenzie Bay) and the past six at Chamberlin Narrows. Never saw the MNR at McKenzie Bay, but have been checked the past three years in a row.

As we are very careful about following all regulations we never have had a problem. The Ontario COs have been always very courtious and professional, and we respect the job they do protecting the fishery we love.

Having said all that, we won't risk a ticket with beer in the boat. Beside it leaves more in the cooler for after fishing activities.

[bajafisher]

This was an interesting event concerning alchohol in the boat while fishing. Quite a bunch of us from Fargo were up at Quesnell Lake in Manitoba..about 250 miles northeast of Winnepeg. There were 5 boatloads of us guys fishing that remote lake..at least back then it was remote...this was 1978.

One day a official-looking pontoon helicopter flew low all around the lake and then lands near the lodge. It was full of conservation guys who took some lodge boats to cruise the lake checking for alcohol in all the boats. Thankfully none of our group had any, as we all knew and had talked about the strict enforcement of the no-booze-in-the-boat law. (My Dad and I had made our own agreement many years previous to not have alcohol in our boat. We saved it for the camp or lodge. Just our own decision for safety.)

Some Canadians fishing there were not so lucky that day and they were ticketed. Just goes to show you..better not to take the chance..for a lot of reasons. A chopper may just come out of nowhere!