Search
Close this search box.

FWC arrests seven for illegal fishing in Walton County

A recent FWC operation in Walton County led to the arrest of seven individuals for multiple fishing violations, including the use of an oversized monofilament net to harvest fish in Choctawhatchee Bay.
Source: FWC

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers arrested seven individuals on Sept. 9 for multiple fishing violations in Choctawhatchee Bay, charging them with seven felonies and 21 misdemeanors.

  • The charges relate to the possession, use and size of monofilament nets, as well as possession of illegally harvested fish. The group was reportedly observed using a monofilament net larger than Florida’s legal size of 500 square feet to harvest fish.

FWC officers responded to a report of several individuals deploying a monofilament net in the bay. Upon inspection, they discovered a 599-square-foot monofilament entangling net staked in the water with multiple fish caught.

“This is the second monofilament entangling net case in as many weeks; fish are running, and folks are not playing by the rules,” said Maj. Robby Creech, FWC Northwest Region Commander. “Fishing is not only a way of life around here, but also a livelihood. Poaching in this way causes a ripple effect on the resources and the community.”

Florida law prohibits the use of any net containing more than 500 square feet of mesh area for harvesting marine life in nearshore and inshore waters. Additionally, the use of gill nets and other entangling nets of any size is prohibited in all Florida waters.

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Why not fix the dog parks adjacent to red lobster?”
Respond
“They spend 3.75 MILLION dollars of tax payer money and don't know what they are going to do with the property? If your child came in your home and said...”
Respond
“If Walton County was not so greedy and decided to “TAKE” what they wanted instead of “buying” it like other areas (Destin/Okaloosa County)have, this might have never been a problem....”
Respond
“I remember both Kathy & Lee from their work with the church youth program. Despite being a Catholic "yankee" visiting each summer I have never found a more welcoming place...”
Respond
“Hey Lee. I am so glad Danny sent this article to all the Szarowicz siblings! Congratulations on an amazing career!!! Wish I had been there to witness it. I remember...”
Respond
“Congratulations, Lee, and the very best wishes to you and Cathy during your retirement years. A heartfelt thank you on behalf of my Bolton family for your attention and care....”
Respond
“There is no public parking…note from article, “The beach bar is accessible only to Sandpiper Cove residents and guests, along with people walking up from the beach.” Walk in from...”
Respond
“This should NOT BE ALLOWED in single family residential neighborhoods.”
Respond
“It's amazing that the State of Florida can come up with money to purchase 2483 acres for a new park. But Caladesi Island State Park, Cayo Costa State Park and...”
Respond
“What a beautiful story of past, present, and future. Lee, you have left an amazing legacy. These words from Matthew 25:21 are fitting for you, ‘Well done, good and faithful...”
Respond

GET OUR FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER

Get the weekday email that actually makes reading local news enjoyable again.