| 01 December 2011
Snook
CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Officer John Hoover was on foot patrol at the El Jobean fishing pier, when he encountered
an individual fishing with a cast net. A fisheries inspection revealed a 19-inch snook. The
subject admitted to catching the fish with the net and was issued a notice to appear for
possession of snook out of season, possession of an undersized snook and taking snook by
an illegal method.
Trout
LEE COUNTY
Resource Protection Squad Officers Justin Koble and Brain Cazalot were near the
Sanibel Causeway, when they observed a vessel operating on full plane in a slow speed
manatee zone. After the officers determined the vessel was traveling toward Punta Rassa
Boat Ramp, they encountered the vessel at the ramp and conducted a marine fisheries
inspection. The operator of the vessel had initially told officers that they did not have any
fish onboard, but then later admitted to having two trout in a cooler. During the inspection,
the officers discovered two spotted sea trout, one of which was undersized and two
undersized red drum. The operator was issued citations and warnings for the fishing and
boating violations.
PINELLAS COUNTY
While on land patrol, Resource Protection Officer Louis Hinds and Officer Tim Hinds
observed three subjects fishing the flats near Ft. Desoto. When the individuals were
through fishing, they loaded their gear and fish into two separate vehicles and left the area
in opposite directions. Officer Louis Hinds stopped one of the vehicles, while Officer Tim
Hinds stopped the other. The officers conducted a fisheries inspection and located 12 red
drum, which is 9 drum over the bag limit, and 12 spotted sea trout, which are out of season.
The three individuals were issued citations for the violations.
