A 31-year-old Miami man was arrested Sunday for possessing undersized mangrove snappers.
Lazaro Ricardo Donet Delgado was charged with possession of 15 undersized mangrove snappers and possession of 15 over-the-limit mangrove snappers.
Middle Keys Marine Deputy Wilfredo Guerra was on patrol near the Toms Harbor Channel Bridge about 2:45 p.m. Deputy Guerra saw a man, later identified as Delgado, fishing near the bridge. Deputy Guerra educated Delgado on the snapper regulations in the area and left. Deputy Guerra returned about three hours later at 5:45 p.m. and found Delgado packing up. Deputy Guerra asked Delgado if he caught anything and Delgado said no.
Deputy Guerra observed a red line in the water. A check of the line revealed 20 mangrove snappers strung on the line. Of the 20 mangrove snappers, 15 were undersized. Delgado admitted to catching all the snappers.
Delgado was taken to jail.
For more information on snapper regulations go to http://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/snappers/