Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two men for alleged fishing violations in St. Bernard Parish on June 7.
Agents cited Thomas Baker, 71, of Oakland, Miss., and Dennis Menessess, 75, of St. Bernard, for selling fish caught recreationally and taking over the limit of Black Drum.
Agents responded to an anonymous tip about the subjects taking over the limit of Black Drum in the Delacroix area of St. Bernard Parish.
Agents made contact with Baker at a camp with the vessel matching the complaint. Baker told the agents he gave all of the fish to Menessess. Agents then made contact with Menessess and he said he sold the fish to a local dock.
Agents intercepted the fish and discovered the men caught and sold 50 Black Drum in two days while recreationally fishing. The daily recreational limit is five Black Drum per person per day placing the men 30 Black Drum over their limit in two days.
Taking over the limit of Black Drum carries up to a $350 fine. Selling fish caught recreationally brings up to a $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. In addition, a person shall forfeit his fishing privileges and shall be barred from participating in any type of recreational fishing for a period of one year from the date of conviction.
Agents seized the 50 Black Drum and donated them to a local charity.
Agents participating in the case are Corporal Blaine Wagner and Agent Brett Smith.