Bait Act

Bait Acts were laws passed in Newfoundland to try to control the sale of bait. The first Bait Act was introduced in 1886, but Britain refused to give its required agreement until this act was modified in 1887. This Act and subsequent variations did not appreciably curtail the fishing activities of the French, who were able to find alternative supplies. During the 1890s and the early 20th century, Newfoundland tried to use Bait Act provisions to influence and regulate the sale of bait to Canadian and American fishermen.