Although he lost his record, since no financial gain was involved he was not criminally charged, as were two tournament fishermen in 2022.

They stood to take home a $28,000 prize in a Lake Erie walleye tournament until suspicious officials discovered their fish had been loaded with lead weights. They were charged with fraud, fined and sentenced to jail.

License reminder

With prime fishing season at hand and spring turkey season opening next month, fishermen and hunters are reminded to purchase new licenses if necessary. Holders of lifetime licenses are obviously exempt.