COLUMBUS, OH - Forty-five individuals in 13 counties were cited on Saturday for the illegal taking and selling of game fish, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. State wildlife investigators may file additional charges.
The illegal taking and selling of game fish exploits a public resource, said Mike Budzik chief of ODNR's Division of Wildlife. We cannot allow a public resource to be abused for personal gain.
Wildlife officers charge the individuals involved were illegally removing game fish, most of which were catfish, from Ohio streams and illegally selling them to commercial, recreational fishing operations.
Ninety citations have been filed for violations including the purchase of game fish, selling of game fish, selling bait without a bait dealer license, aiding an offender, possession over the limit and illegal method of taking game fish. Investigators expect to file as many as 100 additional charges once the seized records are examined and follow-up interviews are conducted.
Wildlife officers have been building the case they dubbed "Operation Mudcat " for several years. Most of the charges are fourth degree misdemeanors and concern the illegal sale and purchase of game fish. Penalties for illegally taking and selling game fish include a $250 fine, 30 days in jail and loss of fishing privileges. The investigation covered 13 counties including Brown, Butler, Clark, Clermont, Hamilton, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Montgomery, Pike, Preble, Scioto and Warren.
For Further Information Contact:
Tim Schalter, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(937) 372-9261
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882