Did you know that the Old Cut Boat Livery is the only licence issuer on Long Point Bay? Due to changes to the licensing system, buying a fishing or hunting licence is not as easy as it used to be. The number of issuers has dwindled. But we’ve got you covered.

You can also purchase your fishing or hunting licences and outdoor cards online at https://www.huntandfishontario.com/.

The new 8.5″ x 11″ paper licence that you are required to carry may be a pain. But the ministry has also agreed to allow hunters and fishers to carry their licence on their smart phone. Here’s some important information you must know if carrying your licence electronically.

1. You MUST carry the original document. It cannot be a screen shot or a photo of the licence. Either keep the original email on your phone or save the PDF file to a place on your phone like iBooks (for apple users).
2. If your phone dies, you will need to provide a hard copy.
3. Hunting tags cannot be sent or displayed electronically, it must be a hard copy.
4. You can get a copy of your licences from an issuer or online at any time.

Remember – your outdoors card is valid for 3 years. Even though your card is still valid, this does not mean your licence is.

We highly recommend if you are in need of a new card, that you buy yourself a 3 year licence at the same time. This way, your licence and card expire at the same time, and you will not be required to carry a full page of paper around once your new card is issued to you.

If you have questions or need to verify your licence is active, you can do so online at https://www.huntandfishontario.com/ or stop by and see us, we will be happy to help.

A Fish Sanctuary has been established by Regulation on part of inner Long Point Bay. It is now necessary to refrain from all fishing between May 15th to the fourth Saturday in June (opening day of bass season) – in the area labelled NO FISHING AREA below.

The Sanctuary is to protect the bass fishery during the spawning period.  But there are still plenty of areas to fish along the shores of Long Point Bay and out into the outer bay to Turkey Point, Pottahawk, Bluffs Bar and more.

The number of anglers fishing in Inner Long Point Bay during late May and June is increasing – resulting in increased stress on the bass.

Even an accidentally hooked (and returned) bass guarding its nest can mean the loss of its reproduction effort for the year…and that means fewer bass in the years to come.

Your cooperation will help the bass – and protect your sport. 

Ice fishing is a favourite winter past time here in Norfolk County.  It seems like it’s been years since the ice was safe enough to venture out onto.  This winter looks like a great one for some serious ice fishing.

If you’re planning to go ice fishing this winter, we want to make sure you stay safe and have fun.  Here’s a few tips to make your ice fishing trip enjoyable and safe.

1.   If ice fishing is new to you, hire a charter.  Jimmy Riggin’ in Long Point offers charters out of the Old Cut channel (Dickinson Creek).  Bayside Ice Fishing and Granger’s Ice fishing offer charters out of St. Williams. The daily rates includes your ride to and from the hut and more.

2.   Always be aware of thickness and quality of ice.

3.   Park all vehicles, sleds etc facing shore and carry a compass.  Once on the ice, make sure you leave yourself some sort of sign as to which way shore is.  Should a storm blow up it is very easy to get disoriented, especially if you have been inside a hut all day.  Knowing which way to travel to get home safely is key.

4.   Never travel on the ice in non-day light hours. 

5.   Fish with a buddy.  Avoid going alone to ensure rescue is an option.  It’s also a great way to ensure safe return to shore.

6.   Dress in layers.  This winter has proven to a cold one, setting record lows already.  To avoid hypothermia or frost bite, dress in layers.  Your hut may keep you warm, but travel to and from can be bitter.

7.   Spread out!  If there are too many people too close together it can drastically change the strength of the ice.

8.   Carry safety equipment.  Ensure you have some sort of communication – cell phone or radio.  Your cell phone, which likely has GPS abilities is a great way to ensure safe returns.  If you can’t find your way, you can send your location to local authorities to help find you safely.  Carry a throw rope, ice picks, wear a life jacket and bring a change of dry clothes.

9.   Be aware of your surroundings.  Watch for flowing water, holes and large cracks.  Listen to whats happening around you.  The first sound of bad ice is cracking.  Though minor cracking is normal (you will get used to these noises), cracking is a sign to move to another spot on the ice.

10.   Before you leave tell someone.  Make sure that someone at home knows your plans; where you are going and when you plan to return.