Total lure length

Asking specifically for Mille Lacs, but general knowledge as well, whats the defenition of full length on a lure?

A. Tip to end of lure?
B. Tip to extended hook?

Looking over a trolling bait I have in truck waiting for next kids softball game to start and it’s 7.5″ lure, but with the back treble extended it’d be about 8.5″. Anyone know what the regulations state, went thru them just now and didn’t see it.

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After thinking about it I don’t understand the question. I don’t know of any regulations pertaining to length of the lure. Last week I trolled regular Dare Devils and also Grandma’s lures for Pike. Big is good, bigger is better.

Mille lacs night fishing is allowed with baits larger than 8″ in length only allowed on board after June 2or 3rd, but either way that’s what I’m asking about.

In that case I think they would be talking about the size of the body not including hooks.

Well the argument could be made that without hooks the actual lure itself is not really a lure at all, and in regards to what the regs do state on multiple hooks on a single line it’s tip to tip hooks no more than 9″ apart, adding to the hook theory a lil bit.

I’ll be sending an email to DNR for sure answer, but thought it worthy of bringing up if anyone knew here. I’ll post the reply I’d assume Monday with weekend upon us.

Be interesting to hear what you find out. I don’t fish Mille Lacs anymore so I don’t pay much attention to the regs there.

The rule interpretation probably depends on how the Conservation Police Officer in the field feels that day and how hard they are trying to advance up their political food chain.

Looks like only live bait needs to be over 8 inches at night.

Live bait restrictions scheduled
Only artificial bait and lures allowed in possession on Mille Lacs Lake from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 7, to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. Live bait restriction begins again at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, and continue through 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30. Anglers targeting northern pike and muskellunge may possess sucker minnows greater than 8″ in length during these restricted periods.

jwellsy wrote:

The rule interpretation probably depends on how the Conservation Police Officer in the field feels that day and how hard they are trying to advance up their political food chain.

More reason for an email to stick in a folder if an unlikely mood is ran into. Although I’ve never personally ran into that mood:???:
Last time I inquired about something Patricia Watts the enforcement policy/legal analyst of the MN DNR responded very promptly.

I’ve heard that Game Wardens have actually got a lot more reasonable the last 3 or so years. 10 – 20 years ago they went through a horrible phase where a bunch of the older guys retired and the younger guys were trying to make a name for themselves. From the reports I’ve been hearing, as long as your trying to do things right they’ve been reasonable.

Good morning, Nick –

Thank you for contacting the Minnesota DNR Info Center.

Here is a link to page 28 of the current Fishing regs, just so we’re talking about the same thing. http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/fishing/fishing_regs.pdf#view=fit&pagemode=bookmarks If you look at the green and yellow bait in the upper left corner under “Artificial Lure/Baits Examples” you would measure from the tip of the nose to the very tail, the hard body of the lure. If that back treble hook was extended, it would not count toward the length of the lure.

Set of 3 Muskie Stick Bait Lures In the case of a bait like the ones at left, where the body of the bait is exactly 8” long, the hooks still would not count in the measurement, but you must be sure that all hooks are not more than 9” apart.

If there is anything more I can do for you, please let me know. You can call us at 888-646-6367, or email us at [email protected]. We’re here from 8-8 Monday-Friday and 9-1 on Saturday, and anyone here will be happy to help you.

Have a great day, and good fishing!

Barb Hoverman

Customer Service Specialist Intermediate | Office of Communications & Outreach

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

500 Lafayette Road

St Paul, MN 55155

Phone: 651-355-0132

Fax: 651-297-3618

Email: [email protected]

I have one more email looking for clarification on the 8″ minimum is for suckers AND artificial lures.

Hi Nick –

I did some checking on this, because it all comes down to a comma that isn’t there (“..with artificial lures, and suckers longer than 8 inches,” or “artificial lures and suckers longer than 8 inches”) In later publications it does specify that both the lures and the suckers need to be longer than 8”.

Have fun!

~Barb