§333.3.  Live mullet; harvest for bait

A.  Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 56:333 and 333.1, live mullet may be taken commercially in both freshwater and saltwater areas for the exclusive purpose of providing live bait.  Mullet may be harvested for such purposes only by cast net.  The commission shall adopt rules to regulate such taking and sale of live mullet for bait.  Such regulations may provide for permits, licenses, seasons, live possession requirements, harvest limits, and other provisions necessary to implement the provisions of this Section.

B.  In order to commercially harvest live mullet for bait under the provisions of this Section, a fisherman shall hold a commercial fishing license and a commercial cast net gear license.  Cast nets used under the provisions of this Section shall not exceed twelve feet in radius and shall only be operated manually such that no mechanical device is used to hold open the net nor propel or deploy the net.

C.  There shall be no commercial taking of live mullet for bait during the period from 5:00 a.m. on Saturday through 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, and there shall be no fishing pursuant to the provisions of this Section during the hours after sunset and before sunrise.

D.  Any violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punishable as a class three violation under the provisions of R.S. 56:33.

Acts 2011, No. 65, §1.