Man Fined $1,400 For Fishing Violations During Fishing Vacation on the Steel River
A London area man has been fined $1,400 for catching and keeping “coaster” brook trout during the closed season and for having more than the legal limit of rainbow trout in his possession.
Mark Raithby pleaded guilty and was fined $1,200 for catching and retaining three brook trout during the closed season, and $200 for possessing one rainbow trout over the legal limit. In addition to the fines, Raithby is prohibited from fishing or acquiring an Ontario fishing licence for one year.
The court heard that in October 2012, Raithby was travelling east on Highway 17, returning from a fishing vacation on the Steel River near Terrace Bay. When Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers stopped and inspected his vehicle, they found the illegal fish.
A Justice of the Peace heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Schreiber, on February 4, 2013.
The ministry reminds anglers to check the special quota and size regulations that pertain to catching “coaster” brook trout in Lake Superior and its tributaries. An international recovery strategy is in place to help maintain the population and reclaim the species’ traditional range. There is also a combined limit for trout and salmon when anglers possess them both together at the same time.
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).
