LDWF: Agents seized boat, motor, two shocking devices and 40 catfish
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited three Columbia men for allegedly shocking fish on the Ouachita River in Caldwell Parish.
According to a press release, Heath B. Rider, 43, Dillon R. Patterson, 26 and David H. Gregory, 41, were cited for taking fish illegally by using a shocking device and fishing without a recreational fishing license. Rider also was cited for operating an unregistered motorized vessel and failing to comply with PFD requirements.
Acting on tips, agents setup surveillance in the area and allegedly witnessed Rider and Patterson in a vessel actively fishing the area with a shocking device on Wednesday.
After making contact with the men, Rider allegedly admitted to shocking fish with Gregory on the night of July 23.
The three men did not possess recreational fishing licenses, and agents seized the 14-foot vessel, motor and two shocking devices, according to the release. Agents also seized 40 catfish that were caught on July 23 and 25 and donated them to a local charity.
Taking fish illegally brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Fishing without a fishing license, failing to comply with PFD requirements and operating a vessel without a registration each carry a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail for each offense.