Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: wjlz on July 20, 2013, 11:03:38 AM

Title: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: wjlz on July 20, 2013, 11:03:38 AM
Hi All,
 
Today I went to White Rock pier to dig worm. When I left the beach, two fisheries stopped my asked license. I did have fishing license with me. Nothing was wrong. They let me go. It was a surprise for me. I asked "digging worms needs license?" The officer answered "yes". Really?
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: clarki on July 20, 2013, 11:44:16 AM
Page 41 of the Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide states "Shellfish includes all aquatic invertebrates". So since you need a license to fish for shellfish, and since marine worms are invertebrates and considered to be shellfish, ergo you would need a license to harvest worms.

Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: jimmywits on July 20, 2013, 10:36:07 PM
Page 41 of the Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide states "Shellfish includes all aquatic invertebrates". So since you need a license to fish for shellfish, and since marine worms are invertebrates and considered to be shellfish, ergo you would need a license to harvest worms.
Here's an example of taking things to the nth degree, I would really rather see fisheries/DFO apply themselves to more severe poaching transgressions!!
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: wjlz on July 21, 2013, 08:56:50 AM
clarki,

Thank you for your reply. Good to know.
The whole paragraph is:

Shellfish includes all aquatic invertebrates including crabs, clams, mussels,
scallops, oysters, cockles, sea urchins, prawns and shrimp. Squid, sea
cucumbers, and octopus are also managed as shellfish in British Columbia.

Interesting.
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: clarki on July 21, 2013, 09:35:07 AM
Or, I could be wrong! :)
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: BNF861 on July 21, 2013, 10:01:16 AM
I would really rather see fisheries/DFO apply themselves to more severe poaching transgressions!!

They were most likely there to make sure people were not keeping female and undersized crab and just happened to check you.
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: jimmywits on July 21, 2013, 10:25:24 AM
They were most likely there to make sure people were not keeping female and undersized crab and just happened to check you.
Hope so !!
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: noobfisher on July 21, 2013, 11:15:30 PM
Glad to here fisheries is out there.  The op was not aware he needed a license so that's proof enough they are out there doing the right type of enforcement.  I love people complaining about wanting to see enforcement but then complain about the type they do.

Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: zabber on July 22, 2013, 09:37:04 AM
Or, I could be wrong! :)

My interpretation is that the list is providing examples (i.e. "includes [but not limited to]:"). Worms living in the sand of the beach could be considered to be aquatic invertebrates.
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: StillAqua on July 22, 2013, 10:08:13 AM
My interpretation is that the list is providing examples (i.e. "includes [but not limited to]:"). Worms living in the sand of the beach could be considered to be aquatic invertebrates.
That's correct Zabber.
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: jettabambino on July 22, 2013, 07:01:27 PM
I don't think they were worried about the fact that you may have been digging worms.   I think if you didn't have a license they would of asked what are you gonna do with the worms.. (most likely fishing) 


But once again.... I have fished for nearly 20 years and been checked once... its good to seem them out and about
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on July 28, 2013, 08:53:11 AM
They don't know what you're up to till they ask. 
Also You need a license to fish/harvest whether you're productive or not.
(lots go fishing without catching 8) and they require a license just as much as the folks who do catch)

invertebrates = No backbone
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: Drewhill on July 28, 2013, 10:41:53 AM
Also worms must be grabbed by the head or head area. Any foul grabbed worms, like in the belly or back, must be let go. If you see anyone trying to snag worms by carelessly ripping them out of the sand please call the Report a Worm Poacher hotline.
Title: Re: Digging worms needs fishing license?
Post by: jimmywits on July 28, 2013, 01:33:03 PM
Also worms must be grabbed by the head or head area. Any foul grabbed worms, like in the belly or back, must be let go. If you see anyone trying to snag worms by carelessly ripping them out of the sand please call the Report a Worm Poacher hotline.
x2 well said!!