Angler found with 120 blue cats, 62 of which were undersized, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited a Des Allemands man for alleged recreational catfish violations in Bayou Des Allemands on Sunday.
Kerry Fonseca, 48, was ticketed for taking over the limit of catfish, possessing undersized catfish and failing to display required navigation lights, according to a press release.
Agents allegedly observed Fonseca in his boat around 7:45 p.m. and conducted a boating safety inspection because he was not displaying proper navigation lights, the release states.
During the inspection, Fonseca identified himself as a recreational fisherman who had recently run trotlines to take catfish home for his family. Agents found a large crate with 120 catfish, 62 of which were under the 12-inch minimum length requirement, according to the release.
The recreational limit for catfish is 100 fish per person, per day. In addition, recreational fishermen may possess undersized catfish not to exceed 25 fish. Agents seized the blue cats and donated them to a local charity, the release states.
Possessing over the limit and undersized recreational catfish each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Improper or no running lights carries a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail. Fonseca may also be ordered to pay civil restitution for the replacement value of the fish, totaling up to $100, according to the release.
