Master Angler Non-Compliance Policy
Approved By: EMC
1. Purpose:
Effective: June 28, 2026
Revised: Reviewed:
The purpose of this policy is to define a clear, consistent and enforceable approach for addressing violations of the rules and standards of Travel Manitoba’s Master Angler Program. It establishes the process for reviewing suspected non-compliance, determining appropriate corrective actions and applying consequences where warranted. By doing so, the policy safeguards the integrity and credibility of the program, ensures fairness for all participants and maintains public confidence in the legitimacy of recognized angling achievements.
The policy is intended to empower and equip employees responsible for administering the program by providing clear authority and procedures that enable fair, respectful and consistent decision-making, while reinforcing Travel Manitoba’s commitment to a safe and respectful environment for both participants and employees.
This policy reinforces that the intent of the program is to provide a positive, enjoyable experience that celebrates angling achievements across Manitoba. It is designed to ensure that this spirit of fun and recognition is preserved by maintaining a respectful environment for participants and staff.
2. Scope:
This policy applies to all submissions to the Master Angler Program
3. Consequences for Non-Compliance
3.1 Minor Offences
Rules broken due to an honest mistake, misunderstanding, lack of knowledge and/or misinformed/uninformed anglers without any intent to violate the rules
a. Minor Offences may include:
• Photos including improper fish holds/handling
• Photo does not meet photo requirements
• Submission information is incomplete
• Evidence of dropped fish
• Submitted under incorrect species
• Measurement errors: fish is not long enough, part of the fish is cropped from the photo, measuring tape is not flat, etc.
b. Possible Penalties and Remedies:
• Rejected submission
• Educational notice informing angler of error will be provided.
3.2 Suspicious Offences
Suspected cheating and/or blatant disregard for rules/conservation.
a. Suspicious Offences Include:
• Indications of abused fish
• Repeated submissions with minor offences after receiving educational notice
b. Possible Penalties and Remedies:
• Rejected submission
• Formal warning of suspension
• Angler’s account is flagged internally
3.3 Severe Offences
Clear cheating, illegal activity, and/or inappropriate behaviour towards participants and/or employees.
a. Severe Offences Include:
• Fraud: The use of digital manipulation tools (including Photoshop, AI, or similar technologies) to alter an image in a way that changes the measured size of the fish or otherwise misrepresents the catch.
• Regulation Infractions: images showing the use of barbed hooks or gill nets
• Abuse: using inappropriate, abusive or threatening language.
• Repeated submissions of minor or suspicious offences after receiving warnings.
b. Possible Penalties and Remedies:
• Rejected submission
• Time-restricted suspension from the program
• Permanent ban from the program
• Account deletion
Reference: Master Angler Rules