Three Cited in Louisiana For Over-Limit Red Drum

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) agent cited three Louisiana men for recreational fishing violations in Grand Isle on Oct. 8.

The agent cited Donisote Santos, 53, of Chalmette, Jose Goronci, 43, of Metairie, and Jose DiSalva, 49, of Kenner, for taking over the limit of red drum and taking over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches. DiSalva was also cited for not possessing basic or saltwater fishing licenses.

LDWF received a tip from a concerned angler who claimed that three males were fishing over the limit on red drums on the Caminada Pass Bridge in Grand Isle. Senior Agent Norman Deroche spoke with the complainant who said the three men were filling the bed of a white F-250 with large red drum.

Senior Agent Deroche intercepted the white F-250 at 6:48 a.m. on La. Hwy. 1 in Fourchon. After stopping the vehicle, Deroche found 25 red drum in the bed of the F-250. All of the fish measured between 28 and 40 inches long.

Each licensed fisherman is allowed to keep one red drum in excess of 27 inches per day and allowed to possess two red drum in excess of 27 inches if fishing for multiple days. Since DiSalva did not possess a fishing license, this put the men 21 fish over the limit.

Taking over the limit of red drum brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. In addition, possessing over the limit of red drum in excess of 27 inches carries a $150 fine for each fish over the limit. In this case it would bring up to a $3,150 fine.

Failing to possess basic and saltwater licenses each brings a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail. The men could also face civil restitution of $555 for the replacement value of the red drum.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.la.gov or www.FishLA.org.