dnr-LOGO-thmbIt’s not uncommon for fishermen to exaggerate, but two men from northern Iowa are facing charges for their alleged “fish tale.”

Twenty-three-year-old Aaron Lauber of Clear Lake and 25-year-old Jason Schuttler of Manly took part in a state-sponsored fishing tournament at Clear Lake on February 8. The pair turned in the winning entry of 50 fish and claimed a prize package valued at $1,500.

 Acting on a tip that some of the fish were caught outside the four-hour length of the tournament, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources launched an investigation. Lauber and Schuttler are now facing charges of theft by deception.