Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited a Jefferson Parish man for alleged recreational fishing violations on Aug. 11.
Agents cited Keith Camper, 33 of Marrero, for possessing undersized red drum, using crab traps without required markings, violating crab trap escape ring requirements, violating recreational gear requirements and taking game fish illegally.
While on patrol in the Barataria Waterway in Jefferson Parish near Lafitte, agents observed Camper operating a vessel with several crab traps on board.
Agents made contact with Camper and found him in possession of 11 crab traps of which he admitted to fishing and emptying their contents in his ice chest. Agents also observed no visible markings on any of the traps and they only contained two escape rings.
Agents found Camper in possession of 47 blue crabs and two undersized red drum that were all caught in the crab traps. Agents seized and donated the red drum and seized and returned the blue crabs back to the water.
All crab traps, including those deemed as recreational, shall have a minimum of three escape rings. Recreational crab traps also require markings sufficient to enable agents to clearly identify crab traps including the license number of the owner of such crab traps. Recreational crab fishermen are also limited to fishing 10 traps per day per licensed fisherman. Furthermore, red drum may not be retained as by-catch and are still subject to applicable size limits.
Using crab traps without required markings, violating crab trap escape ring requirements, and taking game fish illegally each carry a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Taking and possessing undersized red drum carries $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Violating recreational gear requirements brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.