PORT CLINTON – Minnesota anglers were caught exceeding the walleye limit on Lake Erie by 31 fish.
On April 17, Ohio Department of Natural Resources state wildlife investigators caught two boats from Minnesota double-tripping their walleye catch near South Bass Island. The investigators observed two boats, each with three anglers, making two separate fishing trips on the same day.
“This is pretty common, especially with walleye during the summer,” ODNR Wildlife Communications Specialist Sarah Schott said. “Double-tripping is essentially going out and catching the limit of fish in the morning, going back in with the fish and then heading back out to fish again later in the day.”
Exceeding the daily limit when hunting, also called over-bagging, is a misdemeanor, but it can escalate to felony charges, especially in commercial situations.
The groups were contacted after their second fishing trip and the officers found the six individuals took 31 walleye beyond their daily limit, for a total catch of 67 walleye.
The anglers pleaded guilty to third-degree misdemeanors in the Ottawa County courts for taking more than the daily limit of six walleye. Each angler received a one-year fishing license revocation, a $150 fine and court costs of $132. The anglers also paid a combined $1,550 in restitution.
For non-residents, a one-year fishing license is $76.96, a one-day license is $27.04, and a three-day license is $52.
Contact Roger LaPointe at 419-332-2674.
This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Walleye double-trippers from Minnesota fined by ODNR
Reporting by Roger LaPointe, Port Clinton News Herald / Port Clinton News Herald
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