3 Columbia men cited for shocking fish, fishing without a licence

Special to The News-Star news@thenewsstar.com

Published 3:05 p.m. UTC Jul 27, 2018

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited three Columbia men for alleged fishing violations on July 23 and 25 in Caldwell Parish.

Agents cited Heath B. Rider, 43, Dillon R. Patterson, 26, and David H. Gregory, 41, for taking fish illegally by using a shocking device and fishing without possessing a recreational fishing license. Rider also was cited for operating an unregistered motorized vessel and failing to comply with personal flotation device (PFD) requirements.

Agents were investigating complaints of people using a shocking device to land fish on the Ouachita River near Columbia. Agents setup surveillance on the river and witnessed Rider and Patterson in a vessel actively fishing the area with a shocking device on July 25.

Agents made contact with the two men and found them in possession of catfish and two shocking devices. During questioning, Rider admitted to shocking fish with Gregory on the night of July 23.

The three men did not possess recreational fishing licenses. Agents seized the 14-foot vessel, motor and shocking devices. Agents also seized 40 catfish that were caught on July 23 and 25 and donated them to a local charity.

Taking fish illegally brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Fishing without a fishing license, failing to comply with PFD requirements, and operating a vessel without a registration each carry a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail for each offense.

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