The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife’s law enforcement officers assigned to Lake Erie recently closed two cases in which anglers illegally took more than the legal daily limit of six walleye.
The Division of Wildlife enforces walleye fishing limits to prevent overfishing and protect the fishery for future use, ensuring future generations can enjoy Ohio’s outdoors.
In December 2024, Ohio Wildlife investigators Kelsey Brockman, Brian Bury, Jason Hadsell, and Kevin Good discovered anglers double tripping at Huron Fishing Access Boat Launch in Erie County, which is an illegal practice of exceeding daily bag limits by making multiple trips onto Lake Erie in a day. Huron Municipal Court charged a total of ten anglers.
In the first court case, Robert H. Bragg, 34, of Antwerp; Brian N. Gerschutz, 49, of Oakwood; Noah N. Gerschutz, 26, of Payne; and Joshua N. Longardner, 27, of Payne, were charged with exceeding the daily walleye limit on Lake Erie. Each was found guilty and ordered to pay fines and court costs totaling $210. The Division of Wildlife received fifteen walleyes in forfeiture.
Six anglers were charged in a second court case: Devon S. Devries, 28, of Rothbury, Mich.; Todd A. Devries, 52, of Montague, Mich.; Gregg D. Zack, 58, of Whitehall, Mich.; Nathan J. Zack, 31, of Whitehall, Mich.; Phillip L. Manthei, 62, of Twin Lake, Mich.; and Jason A. Unger, 49, of Hudsonville.
All six anglers were found guilty of exceeding the daily limit of walleye on Lake Erie and possessing fish in an illegal manner while away from their permanent residence. Each was ordered to pay $310 in fines and court costs, while 22 walleye were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.
Two of the defendants had previously faced charges for exceeding the legal limit of walleye on Lake Erie.
The Division of Wildlife reminds anglers that the daily bag limit for walleye on Lake Erie is six, with a minimum length of 15 inches.
More information on Lake Erie fishing can be found in the Ohio fishing regulations booklet for 2025-26, which is now available online at wildohio.gov and from fishing license vendors.
The Division of Wildlife is committed to enforcing laws that protect Ohio’s wildlife. The public’s input and concern are critical components of enforcement efforts.
Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio should contact the Turn in a Poacher hotline at 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous. Information that leads to a conviction for a wildlife crime may result in a reward.
Ohio wildlife officers have statewide authority to enforce wildlife regulations and safeguard state lands, waterways, and property. As state law enforcement officers, they help to ensure public safety in their communities and throughout Ohio’s great outdoors.
They also speak to hundreds of clubs and groups about conservation and wildlife programs, conduct fish and wildlife surveys, and offer technical advice and instruction on wildlife management, hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation activities.
