Operator was alone in a canoe checking a trot line.  The vessel swamped and Operator went into the water.  A hook from the trot line was entangled in the canoe's bow line at the bow.  The canoe was still afloat in the upright position and was completely flooded when agents arrived on scene.  The canoe was positioned in the approximately center of the bayou at N 30 06.870 by W 92 33.498 still hooked to the trot line.  The canoe did not appear to have capsized because items (paddle, styrofoam plate containing a trot line, and extra fish hooks) remained inside the hull.  Operator's deceased body was located in approximately ten inches of water at the north bank.  He was not wearing a PFD when his body was located.  Evidence suggested Operator entered the water when the canoe flooded and swam to the bank.  He was not wearing a PFD when his body was located.  Evidence suggested Operator entered the water when the canoe flooded and swam to the bank.  When he reached the bank he collapsed.  The cause of death is pending autopsy report.  Operator's body was located at N 30 06.884 by W 92 33.517.  Blood alcohol and toxicology are pending autopsy report.
Morse                         