Morgan City man cited for red snapper violations

From News Reports - July 20, 2011 | Reader Format

David A. Brown

A Morgan City man was allegedly caught Saturday (July 16) in Terrebonne Parish with 26 red snapper over his limit, some of which were too small, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported.

Agents cited 53-year-old Sau Van Nguyen for taking over the limit of red snapper, taking undersized red snapper, and fishing without basic and saltwater fishing licenses, the LDWF said.

The agency said enforcement agents received a complaint that a male subject had loaded a vehicle with several red snapper and was traveling from south Terrebonne Parish to Morgan City.

Agents setup along several popular travel routes, and were waiting for the vehicle. Agents observed a vehicle matching the description traveling on Highway 20, and made a stop.

Upon inspection, agents allegedly saw several wax fish boxes in the rear of the vehicle and requested permission to search the boxes.

After Nguyen allegedly consented to a search of his vehicle, agents said they found 28 red snappers (eight of which were under the legal 16-inch minimum size), approximately 10 pounds of red snapper fillets and two cobia.

Taking over the limit of red snapper brings a $250 to $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Taking undersized red snapper brings a $250 to $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Angling without basic and saltwater fishing licenses carries a maximum fine of $250 for each offense.