EAR FALLS – Fishing is a fun and enjoyable pastime. However it is also important to follow the regulations so that we all can enjoy the resource. An angler may not have more fish than the possession limit of that species. Possession includes storing fish at home or other locations, as well as transporting them and holding them in live wells.
An Ear Falls man was fined a total of $6,000 for having too many fish in his possession. Jocelyn Huot pleaded guilty under the Ontario Fishery Regulations to having more than the legal limit of walleye and northern pike.
The court heard that in June 2010, conservation officers received complaints from the public regarding an angler who fished in the same spot below the Ear Falls hydro dam several times a day over a one-week period. On June 17, 2010, Huot was contacted by a conservation officer at the Ear Falls dam. Huot had with him his limit of walleye and one northern pike. As a result of the public complaint, the officer questioned Huot about his recent fishing activities. It was determined that Huot had more fish at his residence. A search of his Ear Falls residence revealed an additional 31 walleye and 16 northern pike. Huot was licensed to possess only four walleye and four northern pike.
Justice of the Peace Marjorie Pasloski heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Red Lake, on July 26, 2011.
