Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three men for alleged recreational fishing violations on Sept. 24 in Lafourche Parish.
Agents cited Alec Galliano, 30, of Galliano, Winston Hohensee, 76, of Larose, and Bo Boura, 31, of Galliano, for over the limit of speckled trout and possessing fish that weren’t kept intact while on the water. Galliano was also cited for not possessing basic and saltwater fishing licenses.
Agents were on patrol in Tidewater Canal near Leeville when they stopped a vessel with the three men on board to perform a creel and license check. Agents noticed a handful of ice chests in the boat and found bags full of filleted fish inside.
Agents found a total of 478 filets of speckled trout, which put the men in possession of 239 speckled trout. Since there were only two licensed fishermen on the vessel, the men were only allowed to possess up to 50 speckled trout while on the water. It is also a violation to possess speckled trout that are not kept intact while on the water.
Agents seized the fish and donated them to a local charity.
Failing to keep speckled trout intact while on the water brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Possessing 50 or more speckled trout over the limit carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to possess a basic and saltwater license each brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
The men may also face civil restitution for the illegally possessed fish totaling up to $7,000.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. Joseph Arnaud and Senior Agent Richard Bean.