Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents cited three subjects for alleged commercial fishing violations on Jan. 31 in East Baton Rouge and St. Martin parishes.
Agents cited Calvin P. Chenier, 22, of Churchpoint, and Calvin P. Simoneaux, 63, of Churchpoint, for taking or selling commercial fish without commercial fishing licenses and taking commercial fish without commercial gear license. Agents also cited Chenier for illegal possession of game fish. Jimmy Fruge, 83, of Breaux Bridge was also cited for buying commercial fish from an unlicensed fisherman and failing to maintain public records.
Agents received a tip on Jan. 31 about two men using dip nets to catch fish in the University Lakes in Baton Rouge. Agents went to the area and found Chenier in possession of 273 pounds of shad in his vessel and three bass, two bream and two crappie that were all caught with dip nets.
After further investigation, agents learned that Simoneaux had just left the area with 2,000 pounds of shad in the back of his truck that he was taking to sell at Fisherman’s Cove in Henderson. Agents also determined that neither Chenier nor Simoneaux possessed any commercial fishing licenses.
Agents then visited Fisherman’s Cove and found that Fruge paid a discounted price for the 2,000 pounds of shad from Simoneaux.
Agents seized 2,273 of shad and sold them to the highest bidder.
Taking or selling commercial fish without a commercial fishing license, taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license and failing to maintain public records brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Illegal possession of game fish carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Buying commercial fish from an unlicensed fisherman brings a $350 to $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Agents participating in this case are Lt. David Boudreaux, Corporal Joshua LeBouef, Corporal Chelsea Kling and Corporal Jason Marks.