Heads up for the new regs

[lds]

I would hope everyone is reading the regs anyways but just a heads up to those using felt-soled wading boots. It’s no longer aloud. Last year was strongly recommended that you don’t use them so I saw it coming. Anyways if you’re like me you’re going shopping for new boots this year.

[goose slayer10]

Do you mind to post a link or a quote? I just checked and didn’t find this anywhere?

[professori]

I think this is the document the OP is referencing. http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fis...anagement.html Although it tells anglers to not use felt-soles, it doesn't go so far as to regulate the use. A very confusing article.

[pope]

Under Important Changes for 2018, which is under Ministers Message:
(I did not see it as prohibited anywhere myself)

Everyone including anglers can help stop the spread of Whirling Disease. CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY YOUR GEAR after each use. DO NOT use felt-soled waders, to reduce the risk of spreading whirling disease in Alberta.

[FishALotNot]

Originally Posted by pope

Under Important Changes for 2018, which is under Ministers Message:
(I did not see it as prohibited anywhere myself)

Everyone including anglers can help stop the spread of Whirling Disease. CLEAN, DRAIN, and DRY YOUR GEAR after each use. DO NOT use felt-soled waders, to reduce the risk of spreading whirling disease in Alberta.

Agreed. I believe this is just general guidance, not an enforceable regulation yet. A quick scan for the words felt or sole turned up zero hits on the relevant provincial and federal regulations for me. And there is nothing listed in the Prescribed Offences and Fines to the Alberta Fisheries Regulations yet.

[Stryker2]

By the looks of the Fishing Hole's big sale and clearance on felt soled wader boots I'm thinking they're on their way out!! ...Just sayin'

[Pikebreath]

Originally Posted by professori

I think this is the document the OP is referencing. http://www.albertaregulations.ca/fis...anagement.html Although it tells anglers to not use felt-soles, it doesn't go so far as to regulate the use. A very confusing article.

Confusing,,, most definitely!!!!

But I am going with the "not mandatory" interpretation!

[goose slayer10]

Strongly recommended but not yet required by the regulations is my interpretation. If it was required it would be in the general regulations section I believe.

[EColenutt]

I think this is similar to the "Never Cull Fish" statement in the regulations. The regs explain how culling and felt soles can hurt fisheries, but later stipulate at the end of the culling section that "Culling is unlawful if the practice occurs beyond a person’s legal limit."

So more of a "Please don't do this".

[stob]

Here is one of the answers:

New Product Review: Svelte - An Alternative to Felt on Wading Boots ...
https://www.fieldandstream.com/.../n...ve-felt-wading...
Mar 3, 2011 - We all know that the days of felt soles on wading boots are numbered... at least in some places. Citing felt's role in the transport of invasive species that can harm fisheries, wildlife agencies are encouraging (and in some cases mandating) the use of non-felt boots. Thing is, the jury is still out on the grip and ...