Three men cited for Grand Isle redfish violations

Group was 21 fish over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches, LDWF says

Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited three men last week for redfish violations on the Caminada Pass Bridge in Grand Isle.

Donisote Santos, 53, of Chalmette, Jose Goronci, 43, of Metairie and Jose DiSalva, 49, of Kenner, were ticketed Oct. 8 for taking over the limit of red drum and taking over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches.  DiSalva also was cited for not possessing basic or saltwater fishing licenses, according to a press release.

After receiving a tip from a concerned angler, the release states Senior Agent Norman Deroche intercepted a white Ford F-250 on Highway 1 in Fourchon, where he allegedly found 25 redfish in the bed of the truck all measuring between 28 and 40 inches.

Each licensed fisherman is allowed to keep one red drum in excess of 27 inches per day, and is allowed to possess two red drum in excess of 27 inches if fishing for multiple days.  Since DiSalva did not possess a fishing license, this put the men 21 fish over the limit, the release states.

Taking over the limit of red drum brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.  Possessing over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail.  In addition, possessing over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches carries a $150 fine for each fish over the limit: in this case it would bring up to a $3,150 fine.

Failing to possess basic and saltwater licenses each brings a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail.  The men could also face civil restitution of $555 for the replacement value of the redfish.