Repeat offender convicted, fined and forfeits valuable fishing rod

Central South Island Fish & Game have successfully prosecuted an angler who flouted the law while fishing at the Ōhau B Canal near Twizel in August 2023.

The angler had previously been processed by Fish & Game for fishing without a licence at the Waikouaiti River in 2017.

Michael Graeme Vince of Palmerston failed to appear in the Timaru District Court on 26 th March facing charges of fishing without a sports fishing licence. In Vince’s absence the case proceeded to a judge alone trial, presided over by Judge Steele.

Vince was convicted and ordered to pay a total of $630 in fines and costs. In addition, Vince’s fishing rod valued at $400 was forfeited.

Caption:

An angler tries their luck at the Ōhau B Canal – photo credit Rhys Adams / Fish & Game