Five From Louisiana Cited by Wildlife Agents For Alleged Fishing Guide Violations on Toledo Bend

Louisiana – Five people from Louisiana have been cited by wildlife agents for allegedly violating fishing guide regulations on Toledo Bend.

On May 3, 2023, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reported that the enforcement division cited five subjects for alleged charter boat regulation violations in April on the Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Agents reportedly cited Frank Canizaro, 36, of Mansfield, Louisiana, Zack Gagnard, 33, of Many, Louisiana, Joseph Hains III, 73, of Many, Louisiana, Robert Laffitte, 31, of Many, Louisiana, Matthew Delaney, 38, of Pollock Louisiana, for not possessing a freshwater charter boat fishing guide license.

The Louisiana freshwater charter boat fishing guide license became mandatory in 2022 for anyone guiding freshwater trips in Louisiana.

Following a one-year grace period in which LDWF agents educated the public and issued warnings to charter boat captains for failing to obtain a freshwater guide license, agents have begun issuing citations.

Agents from the LDWF are reminding freshwater charter guides that they must obtain a freshwater charter boat fishing guide license before booking any guided fishing trips.

Failure to obtain a freshwater charter boat fishing guide license results in a fine of $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail.

Sgt. Harvey Pearce, Corporal James Smith, Agent Michael Thacker Jr., and Corporal Jeremiah Fletcher are the agents involved in the cases.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.