Boat involved in walleye tournament cheating scandal sells for almost $100,000

June and July are hot times to catch walleyes on Lake Erie, and Capt. Keith Eshbaugh of Dutch Fork Fishing Charters is here to share some insights on how to reel in these prized fish. With the summer months heating up, walleye fishing on Lake Erie becomes even more exciting as these fish become more active and plentiful.

One recent event that caught the attention of many anglers was the cheating scandal during a Lake Erie walleye fishing tournament in 2022. Two men, Chase Cominsky and Jacob Runyan, were caught cheating during the tournament, leading to their disqualification and subsequent legal consequences. The boat they used for the tournament was recently auctioned off, with the proceeds going towards funding a new Lake Erie patrol craft.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources conducted the auction of the seized boat, a 22-foot Ranger, which fetched a winning bid of $82,000. The final price, including fees and taxes, amounted to $96,288.50. This money will now be used to purchase a new law enforcement patrol vessel for Ohio Wildlife Officers patrolling Lake Erie. It’s a fitting end to a scandal that rocked the fishing community and serves as a reminder of the importance of fair play in fishing tournaments.

The cheating incident during the walleye fishing tournament on Lake Erie involved the winning anglers, Runyan and Cominsky, who were charged with felonies such as cheating, attempted grand theft, possessing criminal tools, and unlawful ownership of wild animals. The cheating was uncovered when tournament officials discovered lead weights and prepared fish filets hidden inside the walleye caught by the pair. This led to their immediate disqualification and subsequent legal proceedings.

After pleading guilty to the charges in March 2023, Runyan and Cominsky were sentenced to 10 days of local incarceration and one and a half years of community control. Additionally, their fishing licenses were suspended for three years, and they were required to forfeit the boat used during the tournament. The legal consequences serve as a stark reminder of the repercussions of cheating in fishing tournaments and the importance of upholding the integrity of the sport.

As anglers gear up for the summer months, the focus shifts back to the thrill of catching walleye on Lake Erie. With the waters teeming with these prized fish, now is the perfect time to head out on the lake and try your luck at reeling in a big one. Capt. Keith Eshbaugh’s insights and tips can help you improve your chances of success and make the most of your fishing experience on Lake Erie.

In conclusion, while the cheating scandal during the Lake Erie walleye fishing tournament was a dark moment for the fishing community, the auction of the seized boat and the funding of a new patrol craft serve as a positive outcome from a negative situation. As anglers continue to enjoy the summer months on Lake Erie, it’s essential to remember the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in fishing tournaments. With the right techniques and a bit of luck, catching walleye on Lake Erie can be a rewarding and exciting experience for any angler.