Wildlife Agents in Louisiana Cite Man for Allegedly Illegally Taking Game Fish, 21 Crappie Donated to Charity

Catahoula Parish, Louisiana - Wildlife Agents Louisiana have cited a man for allegedly illegally taking game fish. 21 crappie were donated to charity.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) stated on March 7, 2023, that on February 24, enforcement officials cited a man for alleged recreational fishing infractions in Catahoula Parish.

Authorities charged Johnny R. McLendon, 68, of Harrisonburg, Louisiana, with taking game fish using illegal methods and fishing lead nets in an area other than an overflow region.

Agents were on patrol when they reportedly discovered lead nets in Bushley Bayou, which they suspected were used to catch game fish. On February 24, agents set up surveillance in the area and spotted McLendon fishing the nets and taking crappie from the nets.

Authorities made contact with McLendon and discovered him in possession of 21 crappie caught illegally with lead nets.

Authorities seized 21 crappie and gave them to a local charity.

Taking game fish illegally and with lead nets in areas other than an overflow region is punishable by a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each conviction.

McLendon could also face civil restitution in the amount of $112 for the unlawfully taken crappie.

Sgt. Jesse Davis, Corporal Eric Little, and Agent Jamyson Loomis are the agents involved in the case.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.