| 15 October 2011
Snook
Lee County
After RPS Officers Justin Koble and Brian Cazalot observed an individual fishing from the
Blind Pass Bridge, they posed as fishermen and conducted surveillance on the subject.
The officers observed the individual catch a small snook and place it in a bucket concealed
under the bridge. When the subject retrieved his gear and proceeded to leave the area, the
officers approached and conducted a marine fisheries inspection. The inspection revealed
two illegal snook and a citation was issued for possession of undersized snook, possession
of snook during the closed season, and over the bag limit of snook.
Manatee County
Near Stotz Road, Officer Louis Hinds encountered an individual returning to his vehicle,
carrying a large green trash bag and fishing equipment. A fisheries inspection revealed one
22-inch snook. Officer Hinds issued a citation for possession of snook during the closed
season and undersized snook, and returned the fish to the water alive.
Hendry County
RPS Officer Mike Lilley observed a pickup truck with an empty boat trailer parked at
the Labelle boat ramp at approximately 8 p.m. Officer Lilley had been working the
vehicle owner off and on for a few weeks, but had been unable to observe him keep a
snook. Approximately an hour later, Officer Lilley observed the subject’s vessel idling
through the wake zone with three occupants onboard. The vessel operator got into his
truck, but instead of backing the trailer into the water; he circled through the parking area
with his headlights shining each corner of the parking lot. Officer Lilley made contact with
the subjects and asked them to pull up to the top of the boat ramp so he could check their
equipment. The subject told the officer that he had a snook in his boat and that he could not
lie anymore. The subject was found to be in possession of a 29 1/2 inch snook. A citation
was issued for the violation.
Collier County
RPS Officer Thomas Van Trees arrested several subjects for possession of snook out of
season and undersized snook. During late night hours, the officer first encountered two
subjects who were waiting for weather to clear before heading out for fishing. Together,
they discussed snook regulations and it was clear the subjects knew the regulations. After
the subjects began fishing, the officer watched them harvest snook. On the inbound trip, a
vessel stop and fisheries inspection resulted in their arrest.
Trout
Manatee County
Officer Evan Laskowski was on patrol in Emerson Point Preserve when he observed two
individuals returning to their vehicle carrying fish. A fisheries inspection revealed an eight-
inch spotted seatrout. Officer Laskowski determined one of the subjects had an active
arrest warrant for a probation violation. The two subjects cited for possession of undersized
spotted seatrout. The individual who had the arrest warrant was taken into custody and
transported to the Manatee County Jail.
Collier County
Officers Michael Bibeau and Stephen Wicker issued a misdemeanor citation to a fisherman
for possession of three undersized spotted sea trout in Little Hickory Bay. During the vessel
stop, the subject hesitated when showing the officers his catch of four trout and also asked
the officers if the legal size limit was 14.5 inches.
Redfish
Manatee County
Officer Evan Laskowski was on patrol near Perico Bayou when he observed three
individuals under a bridge fishing with a cast net. A fisheries inspection revealed four
undersized redfish. They were cited accordingly.
Tarpon
Monroe/Collier County
Officers Stuart Messman and Marc Shea issued a misdemeanor citation to a local man for
possession of an untagged, three foot tarpon. The officers were on night patrol and first
observed the man operating a bicycle on the bike path without any lights, while balancing a
very large cooler on the handlebars. During the stop and interview, the subject told officers
he caught the tarpon on a hand line and was planned to eat the fish.
