Agents nab alleged illicit angler after boat chase

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.