Two Men Cited for Shocking Catfish in Rapides Parish
Eugene L. 06.27.23
Two enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) found and cited two men from Evangeline Parish Louisiana this month. Both of the men were cited in Rapides Parish earlier this month on June 9th for alleged fishing violations. The first of the two men, Brandon Theriot, 37 of Ville Platte was cited by agents for illegally taking fish. The second, Regan Theriot, 32 of Ville Platte was cited for angling without a fishing license. They were found in the possession of illegally harvest catfish.
Fishing Coverage on AllOutdoor
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The two LDWF enforcement agents were on a routine patrol on the Red River when they made contact with the two men in a small fishing vessel. Seeing they were fishing on the river the officers did a compliance check where they found the men in possession of two catfish which sounds innocuous enough. Until when officers during further inspections found a line that was connected to a 12-volt battery under Brandon Theriot’s seat. Which was in turn connected to a can of smokeless tobacco, making a rudimentary fish-shocking device. Seeing this the agents further questioned Mr. Theriot who admitted to the agents that the device was being used to shock and harvest the catfish in their possession.
The agents seized the homemade fish-shocking device and released the two catfish back into the Red River. Taking fish in an illegal manner such as shocking brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail in the state of Louisiana. Angling without a fishing license brings up to a $50 fine in the state.
