Fishing Boat Seized After Walleye Tournament Scandal Sold in Auction

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife announced that the fishing boat seized from Chase Cominsky, 37, of Hermitage, Pa., was sold through an online auction Tuesday. Cominsky and Jacob Runyan, 44, of Ashtabula, were convicted in May 2023 of felony cheating and misdemeanor animal ownership charges.
The forfeited boat, a 22-foot Ranger, was sold in an online auction that closed on Tuesday, July 23. The winning bid for the boat was $82,000 with a final price of $96,288.50 including fees and taxes. The boat was offered for sale with its motors and trailer.
With this money, the Division of Wildlife will purchase a new Lake Erie law enforcement patrol vessel for Ohio Wildlife Officers.
In 2022, the Division of Wildlife received a report of individuals cheating during a walleye fishing tournament in Cleveland. The resulting investigation seized a boat, motors, and trailer and penalties included a three-year fishing license revocation for both individuals. Read more