The Ontario government is safeguarding fish populations and lakes by ensuring regulations for fishing and disposal of baitfish are followed.
Cameron Tucker of Sault Ste. Marie was found guilty and sentenced to 10 days in jail for failing to comply with a court order. Tucker was also found guilty of fishing without a license, unlawfully depositing within 30 metres of any water live or dead baitfish and making a false statement to a fishery officer. He is suspended from any method of fishing in Ontario until April 21, 2031. As well, he cannot possess any fishing equipment on, in or within 30 metres of any Ontario waters and cannot transport any fish taken from Ontario waters. Tucker must also not associate with or accompany any person who is engaged in any method of fishing in Ontario during the suspension.
The court heard that on March 19, 2023, conservation officers were working in Aberdeen Additional Township when they observed Tucker angling through the ice on Tower Lake. Tucker was violating a court order prohibiting him from fishing. Upon completion of fishing, Tucker was observed dumping the contents of a bait bag onto the ice. During the subsequent investigation, Tucker indicated that he was not fishing, and that he was not in possession of any fish. Two splake were subsequently located in a sleigh.
Justice of the Peace Sarah Keesmaat heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Sault Ste. Marie, on February 28, 2024.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.
