Although born in CT we moved to the Buffalo, NY suburbs when I was young. I grew up (questionable) hunting and fishing in the Great Lakes region. I fished USA and Canadian waters frequently on Lake Erie, Ontario, Niagara River above and below the Falls, etc...buying both USA resident and Canadian nonresident licenses.

Canadian laws were no joke, and followed what Sweetchuck wished for. As an USA resident if I didn't buy a Canadian license and if I drifted into Canadian waters fishing or with possession of fish aboard the Canadians would rightfully confiscate my boat, rods/reels and all tackle used in the crime. If I happened to launch from Canada they would also have the right to confiscate my trailer and tow vehicle. ALL of my possessions confiscated would then go to PUBLIC auction, and if I wanted them back I would have to buy them back if I won the high bid at the auction!!! It was tough law, but it WAS a deterrent that worked and was utilized.

Canadians also had a law were it was illegal to have an open continer in public. My father went on a fishing trip with his work buddies and they rented a Canadian fishing cabin/cottage. As they were unloading their gear from their vehicles one of the guys grabbed a beer from the fridge, cracked it open, and went back out to the vehicle to continue unpacking. Canadian Mounties happened by, saw him with the open beer at the vehicle, and cuffed him. He asked the Mounties if he could tell the other guys he was going to jail, they said no and hauled him off. My father and the other guys were in the cabin saying, "anybody know where Mel went?!" Mel used his 1 phone call to call the guys back at the cabin, and they bailed him out.

Tough Canadian laws...so be aware.