Three Louisiana Men Cited for Commercial Fishing Violations in Connection with 2,000 Pounds of Shad, Other Fish

Louisiana - Three Louisiana men have been cited for commercial fishing violations in connection with 2,000 pounds of shad and other fish.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) stated on February 13, 2023, that three individuals were cited on January 31 in East Baton Rouge and St. Martin Parishes for alleged commercial fishing infractions.

Calvin P. Chenier, 22, of Churchpoint, Louisiana, and Calvin P. Simoneaux, 63, of Churchpoint, Louisiana, were issued citations for taking or selling commercial fish without a commercial fishing license and for taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license. Agents also cited Chenier for illegal possession of game fish. Jimmy Fruge, 83, of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana was also cited for buying commercial fish from an unlicensed fisherman and failing to maintain public records.

On the 31st of January, agents received information that two men were using dip nets to catch fish in the University Lakes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Chenier was found in possession of 273 pounds of shad, as well as three bass, two bream, and two crappie caught using dip nets when agents arrived in the area.

Agents discovered through further investigation that Simoneaux had just left the area with 2,000 pounds of shad that he intended to sell at Fisherman's Cove in Henderson, Louisiana. Additionally, agents established that neither Chenier nor Simoneaux had commercial fishing licenses.

The agents then traveled to Fisherman's Cove and discovered that Fruge purchased 2,000 pounds of shad from Simoneaux at a discount.

A total of 2,273 shad were seized by agents and sold to the highest bidder.

Taking or selling commercial fish without a commercial fishing license, taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license, or failing to maintain public records is punishable by a fine between $250 and $500 and up to 90 days in jail. The illegal possession of game fish is punishable by a fine of $400 to $950 and up to 90 days in prison. The purchase of commercial fish from an unregistered fisherman is punishable by a fine of $350 to $500 and up to 30 days in prison.

Lieutenant David Boudreaux, Corporal Joshua LeBouef, Corporal Chelsea Kling, and Corporal Jason Marks are the agents involved in this investigation.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.