Rhoto allegedly used bandit gear near mouth of Mississippi River; found with 1,088 pounds of snapper onboard, LDWF says
A 37-year-old Metairie man with more than 1,000 pounds of red snapper on his boat was cited on Thursday for a commercial fishing violation for using bandit gear in state waters, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Agents allegedly observed Steven P. Rhoto fishing with bandit gear near the mouth of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish, the release states.
Bandit gear, which is allowed in federal water and is normally used by federally-permitted reef fish holders, typically features an electric reel and a large spool of line attached to a fiberglass arm. Usually, multiple hooks are used with each rig.
According to the release, Rhoto was in possession of 1,088 pounds of red snapper, 44 pounds of lane snapper and 17 pounds of white trout. Agents seized the vessel, the bandit gear and the illegally-taken fish, the release states.
Using bandit gear in state waters carries a fine of $400 to $950 and up to 90 days in jail, according to the release.
