Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited two men for alleged fishing violations in Catahoula Parish on March 30.
Agents cited Hunter D. Book, 22, and Shawn J. Breland, 34, both of Jonesville, for taking game fish illegally and violating recreational gear license requirements. Breland was also cited for angling without a recreational fishing license.
Agents received a tip about several hoop nets located in Larto Lake. Agents found the nets and observed them full of game fish on March 29. The following morning an agent observed the two men running three of the hoop nets and keeping all of the game fish. Agents made contact with the subjects after they loaded the fish into a Utility Terrain Vehicle.
Agents seized 65 crappie and three bluegill and donated them to a local charity.
Taking game fish illegally brings up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail. Angling without a license and violating recreational gear license requirements brings up to a $50 fine for each offense. Book and Breland may also be assessed civil restitution totaling $365 for the replacement value of the illegally taken fish.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. Chad Watts, Sgt. Richard Heinold, Sgt. Charlie Ferrington, Corporal Cole Cupit and Senior Agent Raymond Davis. |