Too many walleye proves costly for Cochrane-area men

MNR News Release

********************

Three Cochrane-area men have been fined a total of $2,000 for having more fish than legally allowed.

Vital Larche of Smooth Rock Falls pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for being in possession of too many walleye. He also received a two-year fishing suspension.

In a separate, unrelated incident, Guy Marchand of Smooth Rock Falls and Cliff Campsall of Matheson pleaded guilty and were fined $1,000 and $500 respectively for being in possession of too many walleye.

The court heard that on July 9, 2011, Larche was returning from a day's fishing trip on the Mattagami River, north of Smooth Rock Falls, when he was checked by conservation officers. Larch was found to be in possession of nine walleye, five over his legal limit. The court took into account that Larche had several previous fishing convictions, including a previous fishing suspension, when passing sentence.

The court also heard that on July 18, 2011, Guy Marchand and Cliff Campsall were checked by a conservation officer as they returned from a day's fishing trip on the Mattagami River, north of Smooth Rock Falls. They were found to be in possession of 19 walleye. It was also determined that they ate an additional four walleye on the river, putting them 15 fish over their limit.

Justice of the Peace Jean Marie Blier heard the cases in Ontario Court of Justice, Smooth Rock Falls, on October 14, 2011.

The ministry reminds the public that an individual cannot possess more fish than the daily catch limit of that species. You are considered to possess fish if you are storing them at home or at other locations, storing them in freezers, holding them on stringers, or eating them as part of a day's meals.

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).

********************