$5,000 in fines for illegal fishing

News Release
MNR

Four Manitoba men have been fined a total of $5,000 and are suspended from angling in Ontario for one year after pleading guilty to fishing violations on Shoal Lake, which has a protected walleye population.
Rheal Vermette and Garry Chaput of St. Jean Baptiste, Donald Hildebrandt of Morris, and Nikolas Tessier of St. Pierre Jolys were fined $500 each for angling for walleye during a closed time. Vermette and Chaput were fined an additional $1,000 each for keeping two walleye; Hildebrandt was fined an additional $500 for keeping one walleye. Tessier was also fined $500 for abandoning a trophy-size pike and allowing its flesh to waste. The boat and fishing equipment seized from the men will be returned upon payment of fines.
The court heard that on August 13, 2011, conservation officers checked the four men angling on Shoal Lake. Further investigation revealed that during August 12 and 13, Vermette organized a small fishing derby for the men that included a prize for the biggest walleye. Due to a sensitive fish population, the lake is closed to walleye fishing year-round.
The ministry reminds the public that species-specific closures are in place to protect the fishery and it is an offence to angle for those species of fish during the closure. This includes targeting those species for catch and release.
Justice of the Peace Robert McNally heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on December 20, 2011.
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).