| 03 January 2011
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
The Orlando Communications Center received an anonymous complaint of two individuals in Vero Beach who caught over 50 snook and kept them. The information was passed on to Officer George Karlton, who drove to the address and found a large plastic barrel half full of freshly cleaned snook carcasses. Officer Karlton spoke with the property owner who admitted to catching and filleting 61 snook. The subject and his son were both charged with possession of snook out of season, over the bag limit, and illegal method of harvest (cast net). Additional charges of undersized and oversized limits, and major violation civil penalties up to $6,100 are pending.
MANATEE COUNTY
Officer Joel Buckson was conducting fisheries inspections in the area of Bishops Harbor when he observed a vehicle parked near the side of the road. Nearby were two men holding a cast net. Officer Buckson approached the individuals and asked if they had any fish; the individuals displayed two sand perch. During the inspection, Officer Buckson heard a noise from inside the vehicle and asked if he could check inside. The inspection of the vehicle revealed four undersize snook in a trash bag under the seat. The fish were seized and citations were issued for the violation.
