3 Louisiana men used a shocking device to catch fish

Three Columbia men have been cited for allegedly catching fish by shocking them in Caldwell Parish.

LDWF agents cited Heath B. Rider, 43, Dillon R. Patterson, 26, and David H. Gregory, 41, for taking fish illegally by using a shocking device and fishing without possessing a recreational fishing license. Rider was also cited for operating an unregistered boat and failing to comply with life jacket requirements.

Agents were investigating complaints of people using a shocking device to land fish on the Ouachita River near Columbia. Agents set up surveillance on the river and witnessed Rider and Patterson in a boat actively fishing the area with a shocking device on July 25th.

Agents made contact with the two men and found them in possession of catfish and two shocking devices. During questioning, Rider admitted to shocking fish with Gregory on the night of July 23rd.

The three men also did not have recreational fishing licenses. Agents seized 40 catfish that were caught on July 23rd and 25th and donated them to a local charity.