They went fishing but ended up getting hooked by the long arm of the law.
Paul Aaron Griste of Palatka was arrested Monday. His fishing partner is wanted by authorities. Both men face charges for allegedly spearing dozens of fish at the Salt Springs Marina. Spear fishing is considered an illegal method to catch fish in any Florida fresh body of water.
A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer was on patrol after an area resident gave them a tip. The officer searched a duffel bag on board their boat.
"They had 42 speared black bass, 14 speared brim and 3 blue crabs, speared blue crabs in the bag," FWC Officer Dana Klein told TV20.
Griste is charged with 42 counts of taking game fish by illegal method (spearing); 42 counts of possession of carcasses illegally taken; nine counts of possession of undersized largemouth bass; three counts of illegal method of taking blue crabs; and one count each of possession of equipment unlawful to use for game fish, over the bag limit of largemouth bass (32 bass over the limit), and failure to permit inspection of catch.
FWC officials want people to report anyone spearfishing in fresh water to their Hotline at 888-404-3922.