A 22-year-old Davie, Florida man was given a notice to appear in court citation Sunday night for possessing a speared a 20-inch Goliath Grouper and an undersized, 13-inch Hogfish.
Middle Keys Deputy Garrett Bragg was on foot patrol at Mile Marker 60.5 when he spotted a person in a wetsuit carrying a speargun. The person was identified as Joseph Masa Mendiola.
His catch was found on the shoreline.
The Hogfish measured 13 inches. The legal size is 16 inches.
It is illegal to harvest Goliath Grouper anytime.
The fish were returned to the water.
Mendiola was given a notice to appear in court citation.