What are you looking for?

Ask a CO: Is it considered a line?

A reader asks: If I cast my portable fish finder using a fishing rod, does it count as having a line in the water.

Q: I have a portable floating fish finder. If I use a fishing rod to cast the fish finder, is it considered a line in the water?

Dave Margerum, Guelph

A: Although you are using a rod and reel to cast the fish finder, it would only be considered a line in the water if the finder had the ability to catch fish in any capacity. If the fish finder has hooks attached, or could catch fish, it would be considered a line and would therefore have to be closely attended. There are some areas in Ontario where more than one line can be used. Check the recreational fishing regulations summary or Fish ON-Line.

Answer by: David Critchlow and Brenda Koenig, Provincial Enforcement Specialists, MNR

Please check the most recent Ontario hunting and fishing regulations summaries, as rules and regulations can change

Send your questions by clicking here


Originally published in the August 2024 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS

For more hunting, click here

Click here for more outdoors news

Watch on-demand videos anytime on OFAH Stream

Related Stories

Water levels in the Great Lakes have sharply declined from record highs a few years ago to below-average conditions as of mid-November.
The Jan.-Feb. 2026 digital issue of Ontario Out of Doors magazine is now available. Become a member today for your digital access.
A working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is now required on every level of any residence with a fuel-burning appliance as of January 1, 2026.
The January 2026 solunar calendar is now available! Get the dates and times when fish and wildlife will be most active this month.
Ontario Out of Doors (OOD) is a finalist in two categories, Best Patriotic Story and Best Lifestyle Article, in the 2025 Canadian Online Publishing Awards (COPA).
The 2026 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, which comes into effect January 1, is now available as a downloadable PDF.