Three individuals from Windsor have been fined a total of $600 for the following fishing violations:

The first individual pleaded guilty to catching an overlimit of baitfish and catching yellow perch and brook silverside with a dip net. He was fined $300 and is prohibited from possessing an Ontario fishing licence and engaging in any fishing activities in the province for six years.

The second and third individuals pleaded guilty to illegally possessing the fish. They were fined $150 each and are both prohibited from possessing an Ontario fishing licence and engaging in any fishing activities in the province for six years.

In addition, the illegally caught fish, dip net and fishing equipment were seized and forfeited to the Crown.

The Ontario Court of Justice heard that on April 14, 2025, a conservation officer received a complaint from the public regarding individuals illegally catching fish with a dip net from the Detroit River shoreline in the city of Windsor.

Through an investigation, the conservation officer located three individuals in possession of 6,198 emerald shiners, 58 yellow perch and six brook silversides that were caught with a dip net.

Under the Ontario Fishing Regulations, an angler with a fishing licence is permitted to catch 120 emerald shiners, which are considered baitfish, with a dip net. Yellow perch and brook silverside are not considered baitfish and therefore are not permitted to be caught with a dip net.

Justice of the Peace David J. Auger heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Windsor, on December 1, 2025.