Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two Metairie men for alleged recreational fishing violations on Sept. 16 in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents cited Jorge Cabrera, 26, and Juan Ciprian, 28, for possessing over the limit of black and red drum, possessing undersized black and red drum and possessing an undersized mangrove snapper.
LDWF Lt. Joseph Arnaud was off duty fishing in the area when he observed Cabrera and Ciprian fishing from the bank near Montegut taking undersized red and black drum. Lt. Arnaud called the on duty agents to check on the two men’s catch.
LDWF agents were able to perform a creel check on the men and found them in possession of 31 red drum of which 29 were undersized, 13 black drum of which 10 were undersized and one undersized mangrove snapper.
Agents seized all the fish and donated them to a local charity.
Red and black drum each have a daily possession limit of five per person and the minimum size limit is 16 inches and not allowed to possess more than one over 27 inches. Mangrove snapper must be at least 12 inches long.
Taking over the limit of red drum brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing undersized red and black drum, possessing undersized mangrove snapper and possessing over the limit of black drum each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 30 days in jail for each offense. The men also face additional criminal fines totaling $1,250 for the undersized and over the limit of red drum.
The men may also be assessed civil restitution up to $850 for the replacement value of the illegally taken fish.
Agents participating the case are Lt. Joseph Arnaud, Sgt. Bryan Marie, Senior Agent Thomas Wolf and Senior Agent Stephen Rhodes.