Louisiana Agents Seize 1,350 Pounds of Catfish After Catching Man Allegedly Committing Commercial Fishing Offenses

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported on September 1, 2022, that on August 28, 2022, enforcement agents cited a Garyville, Louisiana man for alleged commercial fishing offenses in Plaquemines Parish.

Agents cited Daniel J. Wilkerson, 27, for taking or possessing undersized catfish.

Agents were acting on an anonymous tip when they discovered Wilkerson in the Mississippi River near Buras, Louisiana. He had blue catfish in his possession that he had caught using hoop nets. Authorities found that Wilkerson was in possession of numerous undersized blue catfish representing 30 percent of his total catch on board his boat after evaluating all of the catfish.

Agents seized 1,350 pounds of catfish in total.

Taking or possessing undersized catfish is punishable by a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 90 days of jail time. Wilkerson might also face civil compensation of $93 for the undersized fish’s replacement value.

Sgt. Villere Reggio and Senior Agent Shea Schexnaydre are the case agents.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.