Ohio DNR closes two big walleye over-limit cases on Lake Erie

Columbus — 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 unlawfully took more than the legal daily limit of six walleye.

In December 2024, Ohio Wildlife investigators Kelsey Brockman, Brian Bury, Jason Hadsell, and Kevin Good discovered anglers at Huron Fishing Access Boat Launch in Erie County were double tripping, an unlawful practice of surpassing daily bag limits by taking multiple trips onto Lake Erie in a day. In total, 10 anglers were charged in Huron Municipal Court.

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 for taking more than the daily limit of walleye on Lake Erie. Each was found guilty and paid $210 in fines and court costs. Fifteen walleye were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.

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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, Mich.

All six anglers were found guilty of taking more than the daily limit of walleye on Lake Erie and possessing fish in an unlawful form while away from a permanent residence. Each was ordered to pay $310 in fines and court costs, and 22 walleye were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.

Two of the defendants had previous charges for taking more than 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 fish, with a minimum length requirement of 15 inches. You can find more information on Lake Erie fishing in the 2025-26 Ohio fishing regulations booklet, which is now available online and at fishing license vendors.

Walleye fishing limits are enforced by the Division of Wildlife to prevent overfishing and protect the fishery for sustainable use, ensuring future generations may enjoy Ohio’s outdoors. Input and concern from the public are integral to those enforcement efforts.

Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call the Turn in a Poacher hotline at 1-800-POACHER (1-800-762-2437). Reports are kept anonymous. Information that results in conviction of a wildlife crime may result in a reward.