Top Bass Tournament Owner Fined and Banned from Tournaments

Ministry of Natural Resources $5,000 Fine and Two-Year Ban for Walleye Tournament Offences 

NEWS December 16, 2013 

An Aurora man has been fined and banned from the organization, financing, promotion and administration of walleye tournaments for a period of two years. Teodore Gallone of Aurora pleaded guilty and was fined $5,000 for failing to comply with the conditions set out in a licence to transport live fish. The court heard that the Town of Bobcaygeon retained Gallone to manage a live release walleye tournament on Sturgeon Lake on June 9 and 10, 2012. 

Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted an inspection of Gallone’s live release vessel. It revealed that Gallone neither checked nor monitored the water temperature and oxygen levels in the holding tanks during the tournament. Of the 497 walleye caught over the two-day event, 72 died before release, and an unknown number died shortly after. Justice of the Peace Jason Mariasine heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Lindsay, on December 6, 2013. 

Anglers are reminded that live release boats used in competitive fishing events must be licensed to transport the catches of multiple anglers. The licence sets conditions for holding, handling and release that promote the successful live return of fish to the water. 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 anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).