Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited an Abbeville man for alleged fishing violations on July 20th in Vermilion Parish.
Agents cited Viet Nguyen, 63, for possessing over the limit of Red Snapper, possessing undersized Red Snapper, intentional concealment of fish, and failing to keep fish intact.
Agents received an anonymous tip about an offshore vessel coming into Vermilion Pass dropping off several bags of Red Snapper on the bank and leaving. Agents responded to where the Red Snapper were dropped off and setup surveillance on the area.
Agents then observed Nguyen get out of a vehicle and went straight for the Red Snapper on the bank. Agents made contact with Nguyen after he retrieved the Red Snapper and was walking back to the vehicle.
Agents found Nguyen in possession of 24 gutted Red Snapper and nine sets of Red Snapper fillets, which put him 29 over the legal limit. Of the 33 Red Snapper, 29 of them were under the 16-inch minimum size limit.
Agents seized the Red Snapper and donated them to a local charity.
Possessing undersized Red Snapper and over the limit of Red Snapper brings up to a $350 fine for each offense. Intentional concealment of fish carries a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to keep fish intact brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Nguyen may also face civil restitution totaling $768 for the replacement value of the illegally possessed Red Snapper.
Agents participating in the case are Corporal Michael Treadway and Lt. Beau Robertson.