Commercial Fishing Business Charged with Wildlife Violations

Columbus, Ohio—The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife has charged Szuch Fishery with wildlife violations after investigators observed abuse and wanton waste of gamefish on March 31.

Investigators observed and recorded Szuch employees intentionally injure a trophy-sized muskellunge after it was removed from a net. They were also observed breaking the spines of gar, a native fish important to the ecosystem, and tossing the carcasses into the lake.

Szuch Fishery is charged with one count of causing intentional injury to a non-commercial fish species, 10 counts of stream littering, and 10 counts of disposing of dead fish. If convicted the Fishery faces maximum penalties of $55,000, and a 30-day suspension of the ability to fish. The three individuals involved each also face a maximum penalty of $750 and 90 days in jail.