Heavy Fine For Big Muskie Catch
An Arnprior man has been fined a total of $1,450 for keeping a 1.3 meter (52-inch) muskie that he caught through the ice on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River last January.
Mark W. Fabian, 32, has been fined $1,200 for transporting an illegally caught muskie from Quebec into Ontario. Fabian was also convicted of failing to produce a valid fishing licence when requested by a Conservation Officer and was fined an additional $250 on that offense. His fishing licence has also been suspended for one year.
Court heard that Fabian caught a large muskellunge while fishing through the ice on the Ottawa River January 31, 2009 and then transported the fish into Ontario. The muskie season on the Ottawa was closed at the time. Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers received a tip from the public, obtained a search warrant, and began an investigation. During the course of the investigation, Fabian refused several times to produce his fishing licence when requested.
Justice of the Peace Barry Moran heard the case June 15, 2009, in the Ontario Court of Justice in Pembroke.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact the Pembroke District office at 613-732-3661 during regular business hours. You can also call Crime stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS 8477.
