Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 31/02) - NWT anglers may find the need to purchase a file along with their fishing gear before heading out to the lake next year.

According to George Low, a fisheries management biologist with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the federal government plans to introduce new regulations next year outlawing barbed hooks on fishing lures.

The change in policy needs to be approved by a parliamentary vote in the House of Commons -- likely this fall -- before the new regulations come into effect, but when they do, the NWT will become only the second jurisdiction in Canada to outlaw barbed hooks.

Only Manitoba has a total ban on barbed lures, although several provinces have placed restrictions on them in certain areas.

Alberta and British Columbia are also considering going completely barbless.

Unlike the provinces, the change must come before Parliament because territorial sports fishing management falls under federal jurisdiction.

"We were hopeful it would come into effect this summer, and get people used to it, but it will be in effect for sure next season," said Low.

"It will likely begin in the winter but I don't imagine there will be heavy enforcement on it until the next summer season."

Violators can expect to be given a ticket by fisheries officers, and later appear before a justice of the peace.

It is still unclear, however, how much a person could be fined for being caught using barbed hooks.

Nonetheless, Low said he expects a relatively easy transition. Comments he has heard from First Nations, fishing lodges, and anglers indicate most people are in favour of going barbless, said Low.

"A lot of sports fishermen comply voluntarily to these regulations because they realize the importance of them," said Low.

Barbless hooks greatly reduce injury to fish, said Low.

Well-known radio personality and avid angler George Tuccaro said he is completely behind the move to go barbless.

"I think it is a wonderful idea," said Tuccaro, who's been barbless for 10 years now.

"Why didn't they think of that 20 years ago?

"When you're catching fish almost every cast there's no need to use barbs."

Dale Johnson, owner of Wolverine Sports Shop, said he supports change in regulations too, but wonders why the government is being so quiet about it considering that the ban is due to occur next year.

"I think there should be consultation with the public," said Johnson. "I don't know who made the decision, the lodge owners or the government."

He also said finding manufacturers that make barbless hooks is still a problem, and when he does, they are usually considerably more expensive to buy.