Parry Sound man fined $1,500 for spear fishing

BRACEBRIDGE — A year after being caught spear fishing, a Parry Sound area man has been fined for an offence under the Ontario Fishery Regulations.

The accused was fined $1,500 and had his spear permanently seized.

Thomas Weichel of Shawanaga, pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 for possessing a spear for the purpose of fishing.

His spear was seized and permanently forfeited to the Crown.

The court heard that in the spring of 2017, conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry conducted targeted surveillance on walleye spawning grounds in the Muskoka area.

On an evening in April, Weichel was observed at night with a spear for the purpose of fishing, along the banks of a Lake Muskoka tributary river.

Walleye (also known as pike) were found to be actively spawning in the area at the time.

The ministry reminds the public that, unless done in accordance with the regulations, spears cannot be possessed on or within 30 meters of the edge of any water body.

Justice of the Peace Donovan Robinson heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Bracebridge, on March 14, 2018.

To report a natural resource 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).