Bait trap violations net Ont. angler $1,500 fine

An angler was fined $1,500 for using 22 unmarked bait traps near Espanola. Ontario rules allow only one leech and one baitfish trap, properly labelled.

An individual from northeastern Ontario has been fined $1,500 for violating bait harvesting regulations last year.

The charges stem from an encounter on May 4, 2025. On that day, a conservation officer contacted Kevin Hodgins on Panache Lake Road, near the Town of Espanola, as he was returning from checking his traps.

“A subsequent investigation revealed that Hodgins had set 20 unmarked leech traps and two unmarked baitfish traps,” the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a recent court bulletin.

Guilty plea, fines, equipment seized

Hodgins, a local resident of Espanola, later pleaded guilty in the Ontario Court of Justice to three offences: catching leeches for use as bait, using more than one leech trap and using more than one baitfish trap while sport fishing.

The court imposed a total fine of $1,500 and the illegal leech traps were not returned.

“The traps were seized as a result of the investigation,” said conservation officer Ron Arnold, in a social media video released to explain the incident.

Justice of the Peace Lori-Ann Toulouse heard the case in Espanola on July 24, 2025.

Ontario enforces conservation measures

The province has indicated that the fines and forfeitures serve as a reminder to anglers to adhere to conservation rules designed to sustain fish stocks for future generations.

Reminders for anglers

This case underscores specific regulations for anglers who harvest their own bait. Under an Ontario sport fishing licence, individuals are permitted to use only a single trap for leeches and a single trap for baitfish for personal use.

Arnold explained that the traps must also be marked with the owner’s identification.

“Failing to follow these regulations makes catching leeches for use as bait illegal,” he said.

The Ontario Fishery Regulations and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act govern fishing activity.

The ministry directs the public to the Ontario Sport Fishing Regulations Summary for complete details on legal bait collection methods.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

For more information about unsolved cases, click here.

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