Kim Fundingsland/MDN Fishing the Souris River within the city of Minot seems to become more popular every year and this year has been no exception. Fishermen are reminded that a valid North Dakota fishing license is required before making a cast.

The cost of fishing can go up dramatically if an angler doesn’t follow the rules. The most basic rule is to have a fishing license, something two men fishing within the city limits of Minot have learned the hard way.

David Smith, 28, Minot, was fishing in the Souris River near the 8th Avenue SE bridge on April 19 when approached for a compliance check by a warden from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. According to a Game and Fish report, Smith initially told the warden he was not fishing and had only stopped by the river to “check it out.” When told by the warden that he had been under observation and that the warden had witnessed Smith catch a walleye, Smith agreed and said he did not have a fishing license.

It was not Smith’s first encounter with a game warden. He had received a citation in February for failure to carry a license on his person while fishing through the ice at Crooked Lake. On that occasion, Smith purchased a license a few minutes later.

In District Court this week in Minot, Smith pleaded guilty to a charge of license to fish required of a resident. Judge Douglas Mattson assessed Smith a total of $350 in fines and fees.

A similar assessment was handed down by Mattson to Sean Kuenzinger, Fresno, Calif. Kuenzinger was fishing in Minot’s Oak Park on April 17 when checked by a game warden. According to Game and Fish, the Minot State University student said he did not know he was required to have a non-resident fishing license. Kuenzinger pleaded guilty to the charge.