DNR rule change allows automatic hook-setting devices

ST. PAUL Anglers in Minnesota can use automatic hook-setting devices while ice fishing this winter, provided they’re not motorized, following a rule change the Department of Natural Resources made earlier this year. The DNR also has clarified rules about multiple hook configurations and length, the agency said in a news release. “We want to make sure anglers are aware of these recent rule changes as they enjoy the last days of open water and prepare for ice fishing season,” John Dunn, DNR fisheries rules and regulations coordinator, said in a statement. “Robust public input helped guide our development of these rules, and we are excited to implement them beginning this winter season.” With the rule change, non-motorized devices that set the hook using the force of a spring device or the force of a bent fishing pole are now legal for use in Minnesota while ice fishing. The hook-setting component of any device must be non-motorized. Motorized jigging devices that are not designed to set the hook are considered legal. The device must not be capable of automatically reeling the fishing line or retrieving fish, the DNR said in a news release. The devices now allowed in Minnesota such as the JawJacker Hook Setting Tip-up are triggered automatically when a fish hits the bait. They are typically used with a “tip-up” type angling device and may reduce the number of swallowed hooks, reducing hooking mortality, the DNR said. All other fishing regulations still apply while using automatic hook-setting devices and automatic jigging devices. Importantly, as is required with all tip-up use, the angler must be within 200 feet of the tip-up and not leave them unattended. In its news release, the DNR said the new rule also clarifies that a single rig cannot have more than three hooks, and the total distance between hooks cannot exceed 18 inches measured along the line. Previously, the length could not exceed 9 inches. The increase to an 18-inch maximum length is better suited for larger gamefish and is anticipated to reduce the number of swallowed hooks and hooks that are otherwise deeply set into the fish, the DNR said, thereby decreasing hooking mortality. The new configuration is not specific to ice fishing and applies to both ice and open water anglers.
https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/northland-outdoors/dnr-rule-change-allows-automatic-hook-setting-devices