Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife (LDFW) agents cited two individuals for selling catfish without a commercial license after being alerted to social media posts advertising their sales.
According to LDFW, agents found a social media post from Bayou Gauche resident Troy Matherne advertising catfish fillets for sale on 27 December. The post showed a picture of catfish fillets, with Matherne replying under a comment that he was selling 4-pound packs for USD 20 (EUR 17).
Upon investigation, agents learned that Matherne did not have a commercial license to catch or sell catfish. Agents contacted Matherne on 5 January 2026, and he admitted to selling processed catfish previously. He was ultimately cited for selling fish without a wholesale/retail license, taking or selling commercial fish without a license, and failing to maintain records.
Agents also cited Des Allemands resident John Tregle, who admitted to helping Matherne sell fish he had caught. Tregle did have a commercial fishing license but could not produce trip tickets for his catch or records of his sales. Tregle was cited for taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license, selling to consumers without a fresh products license, and failing to complete trip tickets.
In a separate incident on 19 January, LDFW agents on patrol arrested Galliano resident Paul Stein III after catching him fishing without a license. After making contact with Stein, the agents learned that he had four active arrest warrants out for him. Stein was booked into the Lafourche Parish Criminal Justice Complex. He was also cited for fishing without a license and for fishing while under a fishing license revocation.
