DNR: Anglers Caught With Nearly 70 Fish Over Limit

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A tip call led to fines for three anglers who caught nearly 70 fish beyond the limit, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The three fishers now face fines in the neighborhood of $3,000.

Not only did all three fishers allegedly go over the limit, but one of them -- 50-year-old Daniel Hastings of Baudette -- was also charged with fishing without a license.

DNR officials say that 50-year-old James Fleck of Hillman and 67-year-old Gerald Hatch of Milaca were also caught with caught fish exceeding the current angling limits.

The three were fishing on Rainy River along the border between Minnesota and Canada during the May 12 fishing opener.

The conservation officer responding to the tip call said that Fleck had 40 sunfish and 11 walleye over the legal limit, Hatch had 12 walleye over the limit and Hastings had six northern pick over the limit.

Also, the officer also took an amount of marijuana from Hastings' person.

The DNR reminds the public that anyone seeing a fishing or wildlife violation should contact the nearest conservation officer, law enforcement agency or call 1-800-652-9093.