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A former professional football player for the New Orleans Saints was cited for a recreational fishing violation by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents on Aug. 25 in Orleans Parish. Pat J. Swilling, 34, of New Orleans, was cited for allegedly taking and possessing undersized red drum in the Intracoastal Waterway. LDWF agents observed Swilling fishing from a small motorboat just before dark. As they approached for a compliance check, Swilling saw them and began to throw fish overboard. He ignored orders to stop and threw a total of six fish overboard. The agents were able to retrieve two red drum, which measured 11 inches and 12 inches. The minimum size for recreational red drum in Louisiana is 16 inches. After declining a plea for leniency, agents cited Swilling for taking and possessing undersized recreational red drum. The two red drum seized in connection with the violation were donated to charity. The penalty for taking and possessing undersized red drum is a fine of $100 to $350, plus $25 for each fish under 16 inches and court costs, up to 60 days in jail, or both, as well as revocation of all fishing licenses for one to three years. Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Stephen Clark, Senior Agent William Vosbein, Senior Agent Kris Bourgeois and Cadet Jeff Robinson. For more information, contact Major Keith LaCaze at 225/765-2469 lacaze_bk@wlf.state.la.us

Uploaded: 9/12/1999