the MNR
A Thunder Bay man working as a fishing guide was fined $1,000 for having 10 over-sized bass in his possession.
Scott Baxter was charged under the Fish and Wildlife Act.
The fish were forfeited to the Crown.
Court heard that on June 4, conservation officers stopped Baxter and three people he was guiding at the Marmion Lake landing north of Atikokan.
Officers found 10 over-sized bass among the group’s catch.
Baxter claimed responsibility for all the fish caught.
In this fisheries management zone, Ontario fishing regulations stipulate that between Jan. 1 and June 30 and between Dec. 1-Dec. 31 inclusive, there is a limit of two bass and they must be less than 35 cm in length.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale-Cornell heard the case July 22 in Atikokan.
The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds anglers that it is illegal to catch and keep large quantities of fish.
An individual may not have more fish than the possession limit of that species.
Possession includes storing fish at home, at other locations, or in freezers, as well as transporting them, holding them in live wells, or having eaten them as part of a day’s meal.
For more information on fishing regulations, consult the 2010 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary before heading out to fish.
The summary also is available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, licence issuers, and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing
To report a natural resources violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
