Man cited for undersized fish

A 42-year-old Miami man was cited Monday afternoon for possessing undersized Mutton Snappers and Groupers.

Juan Fernandez was given a mandatory notice to appear in court citation for possession of six undersized Mutton Snappers, one undersized Red Grouper and one undersized Black Grouper.

Upper Keys Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez was on water in Snake Creek near Mile Marker 86 when he conducted a vessel inspection of a 20-foot NauticStar® vessel driven by Fernandez.

Deputy Sanchez found the illegal fish in a cooler on board.

Fernandez stated the fish were his as there were two other men on board.

The fish were turned over to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier to feed the birds.

Mutton Snapper are required to be no smaller than 18 inches.

Red Grouper are required to be no smaller than 20 inches.

Black Grouper are required to be no smaller than 24 inches.

For more information about fishing regulations visit www.myfwc.com