Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested a Houma man after a boat chase on Oct. 20 in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents arrested Charlie Use`, 32, for aggravated flight from an officer, careless operation of a vessel, taking or possessing more than 10 redfish, taking or possessing undersized redfish, no navigation lights, intentional concealment of fish and not possessing a basic or saltwater fishing license. Agents booked him into the Terrebonne Parish Jail.
Agents made contact with Use` in Bayou DeCade south of Houma around 6 a.m. on Oct. 20. Agents stopped Use` because he didn’t have the required navigation lights on his 18 foot vessel.
While making contact with Use`, agents observed him dump redfish into the water. While the agents were trying to retrieve the redfish, Use` took off in his vessel in an effort to escape. After a brief one mile chase, agents were able to get Use` to stop his vessel and arrest him.
Agents were able to determine that Use` possessed over 10 redfish of which some were undersized by observing the fish that were dumped and by questioning Use`.
Aggravated flight from an officer brings up to a $2,000 fine and five years in jail. Reckless operation of a vessel carries up to a $300 fine and 30 days in jail. Intentional concealment of fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing more than 10 redfish brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Possessing undersized redfish carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Failing to possess basic and saltwater fishing licenses and for not having navigation lights each brings up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail for each offense.
Agents participating in the case are Lt. Joe Arnaud and Senior Agent Stephen Rhodes.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.