Man fined for fishing out of season

An Oshawa man has been fined $1,000 after taking a walleye and a whitefish from Lake Simcoe after the season was closed.
Constantine Sokolowski, 58, pleaded guilty and has his fishing licence suspended for six months. Sokolowski is a repeat offender, according to a Ministry of Natural Resources press release.
Court heard that on March 23, 2006, during a routine inspection of a group's catch of yellow perch, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers found a large female walleye and a whitefish hidden in a box on their van.
The season for walleye and whitefish had been closed since March 15.
Mr. Sokolowski admitted the illegal fish were his.
Whitefish, lake trout and walleye season all end each year on March 15 to coincide with the removal of fish huts from Lake Simoce. Perch can be fished all year round.
Justice of the Peace Philip N. Soloman heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Oshawa Thursday.
The ministry reminds you closed fishing seasons are designed to protect fish populations in Lake Simcoe during vulnerable periods, such as spawning.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).