FWC Law Enforcement Report

September 20, 2014

The Florida FWC Division of Law Enforcement reported the following activity during the weekly period ending September 18.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY

Lieutenant Berryman and Officers Miller and Cushing went on patrol in the FINCAT (Offshore Patrol Vessel). Covering more than 140 nautical miles, the crew inspected several recreational, charter and commercial vessels.  One spear fisherman was issued a Federal citation for being in possession of a greater amberjack during the closed season.

Officers Miller and Cushing worked the Pensacola Fishing Bridge late Saturday night into early Sunday morning.  Officer Miller issued a citation to an individual for oversized redfish.  Upon the initial contact, the individual stated that they only had catfish. An inspection of the cooler, on top of which he was cutting bait, revealed several catfish and one oversized redfish. The subject said the fish was given to him hours ago, but the fish were still moving.

A few moments later, they conducted a fisheries inspection of another group of fishermen. The fishermen initially denied having any fish and quickly revealed the contents of their drink cooler, which had only drinks.  When asked if there was any fish in the cooler covered by a blanket in the back of their pickup, the fishermen declared “no.”  One of the individuals opened and closed the cooler quickly and continued to deny having any fish. When he realized the officers would look all the way in the cooler, he admitted that he had an illegal fish.  Officer Cushing issued him a citation for an oversized redfish.

This report represents some events the FWC handled over the past week;however, it does not include all actions taken by the Division of Law Enforcement. Information provided by FWC.

Comments

One Response to “FWC Law Enforcement Report”

  1. Bob's Brother on September 20th, 2014 9:55 am

    It is so foolish to keep an oversized redfish. They’re edible, but just barely. They have a gamey “off” taste. I wouldn’t keep one unless I was starving.