A man from central Newfoundland convicted last month of netting salmon says the punishment handed down was too harsh.

Carson Tulk, of Stoneville, was also convicted of obstructing a Department of Fisheries and Oceans fisheries guardian.

Tulk was fined $6,000 and was banned from recreational fishing for life. He must stay at least 50 metres away from any inland waters for five years.

According to Tulk, the court order is proving difficult to deal with.

"I lives right into the mouth of the brook … like I said I'm only 300 feet [91 metres] from inland waters right … right on the borderline, not allowed out in me garden by rights," he said.

He said he understands the conviction, but the courts are making an example out of him to deter other people.

"They got right strict on that stuff, right? So I mean, drunk drivers get off with nothing, I got penalized for five years," Tulk said.

Tulk said he's allowed to be near fresh water if he's travelling by vehicle, like driving over a bridge, but isn't allowed on the water in a boat.