Louisiana Resident Arrested for Shocking Fish
OutdoorHub 03.20.12
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division Agents arrested a New Iberia man for allegedly shocking fish on March 16.
Agents arrested James J. Bourg, 33, for taking fish with a shocking device, taking commercial fish without a commercial license or commercial gear license, possessing unlabeled catfish, failing to complete trip tickets and theft of crab traps and booked him onto the Iberia Parish Jail.
Agents witnessed Bourg illegally taking fish with a shocking device in the Atchafalaya Basin in Iberia Parish. During the execution of a search warrant, LDWF agents recovered an electronic shocking device and electronic components used in the manufacturing of additional devices.
Agents also discovered records of Bourg taking and selling catfish without the required licenses. Bourg was also in violation of not completing trip tickets and labeling requirements on packages of the fish for sale.
Bourg was also found to be in possession of two stolen crab traps. Agents seized 65 pounds of catfish along with the record information of previous and future proposed sales of catfish. Agents also seized a 16 foot boat with a 50 horsepower motor and trailer belonging to Bourg, which was used in the illegal taking of the fish.
Taking fish illegally carries a fine between $400 and $950 and up to 120 days in jail. Taking or selling commercial fish without a commercial license brings a $350 to $500 fine and up to 30 days and forfeiture of anything seized. Taking or selling commercial fish without a commercial gear license carries $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Possession of stolen crab traps carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to complete trip tickets and possession of unlabeled catfish for sale brings a $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.
Agents participating in this case were Sgt. James Rhodes, Senior Agent David Boudreaux, Senior Agent Jerry Stassi and Senior Agent Anthony Adams.
