§332.1.  Eel; methods of taking; licensing; marking; violation

A.(1)  Eel may be taken for commercial purposes using eel pots, as that term is defined in R.S. 56:8, or by other legal means.

(2)  Possession of a valid commercial fishing license in addition to other applicable commercial licenses authorizes the holder thereof to sell any eel taken.

B.  Eel may be taken for recreational purposes using any legal recreational gear as set forth in R.S. 56:320(A).  Licenses shall be as required by R.S. 56:302.1(C) for residents and nonresidents respectively.

C.(1)  Each eel pot shall be attached by a nonfloating line to a visible float of at least six inches in diameter or one-half gallon volume size and the eel fishermen's license number shall be printed on the float in indelible ink.

(2)  Eel pots shall be fished only in areas of the state which are south of the saltwater line as delineated by R.S. 56:322(A) and in saltwater lakes north of said saltwater line, excluding Lake Maurepas, except by permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries pursuant to the provisions of R.S. 56:571.  No eel pot shall be set in navigable channels or entrances to streams.

D.  Violation of any provision of this Section constitutes a class two violation.

Acts 1986, No. 114, §1; Acts 1990, No. 497, §1; Acts 1997, No. 203, §1.