TBPS Cruiser - Acadia Broadcasting File Photo

A southern Ontario man found with too many walleye in July of last year, is now banned for the next five years from fishing in Ontario, and must pay a combined $10,500 in fines.

On July 15th city police pulled a vehicle over for speeding and during an inspection discovered the man, a 74 year old from South Porcupine, had been fishing in the Sioux Lookout area and was in possession of a substantial amount of walleye over the limit.

Many of the fish were frozen in a way which prevented them from being counted easily, however once thawed, a total of 37 fish over the provincial limit was confirmed, prompting a joint investigation between the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

On Wednesday, Clinton Catlin was convicted under Ontario’s fishing regulations.

All of the fish and a cooler were seized and forfeited.

City police and Conservation Officers want to remind residents and non-residents to respect seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, and by doing so can help ensure our natural resources stay healthy.