Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry media release
Four U.S. residents have been fined a total of $1,300 for angling offences on Lake Nipigon.
Cory Merschman of Numidia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty and was fined $250 for angling with a barbed hook. His fishing gear was forfeited to the Crown.
Daryl Weispfennig of Chanhassen, Minnesota, pleaded guilty and was fined $300 for angling with a barbed hook. His fishing gear was forfeited to the Crown.
Dale Wilcox of Lake Odessa, Michigan, pleaded guilty and was fined $250 for angling with more than one barbless hook. His fishing gear was forfeited to the Crown.
Troy Davies of Spooner, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was fined $500 for angling with a barbed hook.
Court heard that the anglers were contacted by conservation officers during a three-day enforcement blitz on Lake Nipigon.
Justice of the Peace Denette Maslach heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Nipigon, on August 14, 2017.
The ministry reminds anglers that only one barbless hook may be used when fishing in Lake Nipigon.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 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).
