§323.  Bait; methods of taking

A.  Minnows, crawfish, shrimp, and other legal bait species, not including game fish, may be taken with legal cast nets, minnow traps, dip nets, and bait seines when taken in compliance with all other laws.  Freshwater shrimp may also be taken in accordance with R.S. 56:501.

B.  Notwithstanding the mesh restrictions in R.S. 56:322, legal bait species may be taken with bait seines with a maximum mesh size not exceeding one-quarter inch mesh bar, one-half inch mesh stretched, and thirty feet in length.  Bait seines must be operated only on foot and solely by hand, without any mechanical device, pulley, or mechanical assistance whatsoever.  No person shall take or possess saltwater bait shrimp in excess of the possession limit contained in R.S. 56:500(B).

C.  Dip nets may not exceed three feet in diameter and must be operated solely by hand, by no more than one person, and without any mechanical assistance whatsoever.  No person shall take or possess saltwater bait shrimp in excess of the possession limit contained in R.S. 56:500(B).

D.  A violation of any provision of this Section shall constitute a class four violation, R.S. 56:34.

Acts 1974, No. 223, §1.  Amended by Acts 1975, No. 245, §1; Acts 1986, No. 904, §3; Acts 1995, No. 1080, §1; Acts 2004, No. 126, §1, eff. Nov. 15, 2004; Acts 2004, No. 161, §1.

NOTE:  SEE ACTS 1986, NO. 904, §5.