OHIO — A group of anglers from Ohio and Michigan were found guilty this week for taking more than the legal daily limit of six walleye.

What You Need To Know

  • The first group involved four Ohio anglers who had to pay $210 in fines and court costs, as well as forfeit 15 walleye

  • The second group involved six Michigan residents who were charged $310 in fines and court costs, and they had to forfeit 22 walleye

  • All Ohio fishing regulations can be found here

The case goes back to Dec. 2024 when wildlife officers found out anglers at the Huron Fishing Access Boat Launch in Erie County were double tripping — a lawful practice that surpasses daily bag limits by taking multiple trips onto Lake Erie in a day, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources explained. 

In total, 10 anglers were charged in Huron Municipal Court.

The first case involved Robert Bragg, 34, of Antwerp; Brian Gerschutz, 49, of Oakwood; Noah Gerschutz, 26, of Payne; and Joshua Longardner, 27, of Payne. This group was charged with taking more than the daily limit of walleye on Lake Erie. They had to pay $210 in fines and court costs, and 15 walleye were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife. 

The second court case involved Devon Devries, 28, of Rothbury, Mich.; Todd Devries, 52, of Montague, Mich.; Gregg Zack, 58, of Whitehall, Mich.; Nathan Zack, 31, of Whitehall, Mich.; Phillip Manthei, 62, of Twin Lake, Mich.; and Jason Unger, 49, of Hudsonville, Mich.

This group was also charged with taking more than the daily limit of walleye as well as possessing fish in an unlawful form while away from a permanent residence, according to ODNR. They were ordered to pay $310 in fines and court costs, and 22 walleye were forfeited. Additionally, two of these defendants already had previous charges for taking more than the daily limit of walleye on Lake Erie.

ODNR is reminding anglers that the daily bag limit for Lake Erie walleye is six fish. All Ohio fishing regulations can be found here.

Related Stories