Leadweights

The lead weights found inside Aaron Moreau's fish at the Big Bass Splash tournament at Toledo Bend. Photo provided by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. 

The phrase "cheaters never prosper" tends to apply everywhere, especially at the Big Bass Splash fishing tournament in Sabine Parish. 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents were notified of a participant placing lead weights inside of a fish during the Big Bass Splash weigh-in on May 17. Upon arrival at the tournament, LDWF agents found 2.59 pounds of lead weights in a fish caught and weighed by Aaron Moreau from Pollock, LA.

Moreau, 38, fled the scene, but turned himself in on May 23 after a warrant was placed for his arrest. He was taken to the Sabine Parish Detention Center shortly after.

Fishing contest fraud is punishable by up to a $3,000 fine and one year in jail in Louisiana. 

Email Nathan Messina at Nathan.Messina@TheAdvocate.com.