Cheating fisherman’s boat sold at auction, funds a good cause

When two fishermen were caught cheating at a fishing tournament, the boat they were using was seized as evidence. It sold for $82,000.

When two fishermen were caught cheating at a walleye fishing tournament in Cleveland—they put lead weights into the walleye they caught—the boat they were using, along with its trailer, was seized as evidence.

Chase Cominsky, 37, and Jacob Runyan, 44, were ultimately convicted in May 2023 of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership charges. They were fined $2,500, spent 10 days in jail and lost fishing privileges for three years, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

But what happened to the 2022 Ranger 622 FS Pro Bass Boat owned by Cominsky, since he was forced to forfeit it?

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced that it was sold in an online auction. The winning bid was $82,000 with a final price of $96,288.50, including fees and taxes.

And what will that money be used for? Perhaps fittingly, it will benefit law enforcement.

“With this money, the Division of Wildlife will purchase a new Lake Erie law enforcement patrol vessel for Ohio Wildlife Officers,” the ODNR stated.

Photo courtesy of Ohio Department of Natural Resources.