MNR issues $1,000 in fines to angler

A Northern Ontario man has been fined a total of $1,000 for catching and keeping too many brook trout and providing misleading information to a conservation officer.
Michel Begin of Marathon was fined $750 for unlawfully possessing fish that did not comply with the sportfishing size limit and $250 for knowingly making a misleading statement to a conservation officer. His fishing equipment was seized during the investigation and forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that in August 2010, Begin was observed catching and concealing three undersized coaster brook trout along the banks of the Prairie River. When checked by a conservation officer, Begin attempted to mislead him about having fish in his possession.
Justice of the Peace Liette Hunter heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Marathon, on December 14, 2010.
Anglers are reminded to carefully check the special quota and size regulations for catching brook trout in Lake Superior and its tributaries.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).