Michigan men have fishing licence suspended for being over the limit

MNR News Release

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Four Michigan residents received high fines and fishing licence suspensions for possessing a large over limit of lake trout.

Joseph Cruzen of Brighton, Michigan, William Drenning of East Pointe, Michigan and Peter Cockram of Spring Lake, Michigan were all found guilty during a trial in their absence.

Timothy Cumings of Grandville, Michigan pled guilty at an earlier court appearance.

They each received a $1,250 fine plus a one year fishing licence suspension.

The seized fishing equipment will be returned once their fines have been paid.

Court heard that on June 23, 2011, a Conservation Officer checked the four men while they were fishing north of Elliot Lake.

The anglers in one boat were fishing with too many lines and did not know how many fish they had in their possession.

Back at their cabin, the four men produced a large number of filleted lake trout and took responsibility for having 30 lake trout over their limit.

In determining the high fines, the court heard that in the northeast region, lake trout limits have been reduced and a size limit put in place to protect mature breeding fish.

The lake the anglers were on was also a sanctuary with a shorter open season designed to further protect the natural lake trout populations.

Justice of the Peace Laurie Anne Toulouse heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Elliot Lake, on December 21, 2011.

To report a natural resource 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).

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