Horwood Lake Anglers Fined $5,600 For Over-Fishing
A party of four anglers has been fined a total of $5,600 after pleading guilty to possessing an over-limit of walleye.
Claude Gauthier of Timmins, William Kaake of Alliston, Edward Meggett of Richmond Hill and John Chadwick Skelton of Barrie all pleaded guilty to the offence under the Ontario Fishery Regulations.
Court heard that on June 17, 2009, during a routine vehicle stop, a Timmins District conservation officer discovered an individual in possession of 45 walleye. Further investigation revealed that the fish belonged to four individuals, who had caught a combined total of 29 walleye over the legal possession limit. The men had been camped on Horwood Lake west of Timmins and were attempting to stockpile the fish at a residence on Star Lake.
Justice of the Peace Jean Marie Blier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Timmins, on February 4, 2010.
The public is reminded that it is illegal to stockpile quantities of fish over the possession limit for the species. Possession includes storing fish at home or other locations, in freezers, in live wells or stringers. Fishing limits are in place to maintain a sustainable fishery so that anglers and other users may enjoy the resources in the future.
For information regarding fishing limits, please consult the 2010 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary available from licence issuers, ServiceOntario/ Government Information Centres and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
James Abbott, Timmins District, 705-235-1351
Kyle Morrison, Timmins District, 705-235-1347
