From FWC

This report represents some events the FWC handled June 21 to 27 in the Northwest Region. (No cases were reported for Wakulla County.)

FRANKLIN COUNTY

  • Officers Hartzog and Forbes were conducting patrol on Apalachicola River near Abercrombie Boat Ramp and observed a vessel with fishing gear returning to the boat ramp. The officers stopped the vessel and conducted a resource inspection revealing a large amount of flathead catfish on the deck and in coolers. Officer Hartzog found several indicators the fish were not harvested using rod and reel. Officer Hartzog searched the vessel and discovered a device capable of producing electrical shock in a stern compartment. The officer cited the violations appropriately for harvesting freshwater fish using an illegal method.

GULF COUNTY

  • Officer Hartzog observed a vessel with fishing gear on the Chipola River that was moored in Douglas Slough with two occupants on board. The officer stopped the vessel to conduct a resource and boating safety inspection. As the officer approached, the occupants began moving around in an abnormal manner attempting to conceal something. Upon inspection of the vessel, Officer Hartzog discovered a device on board capable of producing electric current sufficient to stun or shock freshwater fish. The officer interviewed the individuals and they admitted they were attempting to shock freshwater catfish. The officer cited the violations appropriately for possession of a device capable of producing electrical shock on the waters of the state.

SANTA ROSA COUNTY

  • Officers Wilkenson and Burkhead in coordination with Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, conducted an enforcement effort at Marques Bayou Boat Ramp. The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and the FWC have been receiving a high number of complaints regarding illegal activities at the boat ramp. Over the course of a day officers arrested two individuals and cited several other individuals for a variety of illegal activities including boating safety violations, fishing violations, and vessel registration violations. Arrests included driving while license suspended or revoked and a felony warrant for grand theft and criminal mischief.