Youtube Fish Story Could Net Trouble

Story On WKYC's Website

Dave Summers WKYC-TV
Created: 8/15/2007 5:09:46 PM
Updated:8/16/2007 10:56:24 AM

GATES MILLS -- The video starts like an an epic journey of two friends about to begin a quest.
There is a toast, dramatic music, video effects, and the movie title "Fishing the Chagrin River in Pursuit of Rainbow Trout".

Once Ohio Department of Natural Resources rangers saw the video on YouTube, they called it poaching.

Investigators say it's a Gates Mills homeowner and his friend on the tape. On the video, they couldn't stop giggling and celebrating over their hand netted catch.

But to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources poaching is no laughing matter. It's a crime punishable by a $250 fine and 30 days in jail.

Ohio law forbids netting the steel head trout, although fishing with a line or your hands is allowed.

ODNR identified the two men but since then the homeowner has been on vacation.

Based on the tape, investigators say this happened some time last spring in a shallow area of the Chagrin River that runs behind the house.

"Oh, Philip, you make it look easy," a person video taping the expedition says.

The fishermen netted and grabbed a number of steelhead trout. The exact number isn't known.

They proudly displayed their catch, even gave it a fish kiss. But, in the end these two might be the ones on the hook.


The state is asking the men to turn themselves in.

You an help catch a poacher .If you see anyone hunting or fishing illegally call 1-800-POACHER.

Wildlife officials investigate every tip.


See the video!!!