Two cited for undersized snapper

Two Homestead, Florida men were issued mandatory notice to appear in court citations Saturday for possession of undersized mutton snapper.

Marine Deputy Nelson Sanchez was on routine patrol at 9 a.m. Saturday when he noticed several people fishing under the Tea Table Bridge in Islamorada. That area was closed and several vehicles were parked in No Parking zones. Deputy Sanchez asked to inspect their cooler and found two mutton snapper — one 12.25 inches and another 13.5 inches. The minimum size for mutton snapper is 18 inches.

Two men took responsibility for catching the fish: Eldis Emanuel Reyes Figueredo, 21, and Hector Martin Costa Betancourt, 51, both of Homestead. Both were cited.

The fish were donated to the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center in Tavernier for distribution amongst the rescued birds.

For more information about fishing regulations go to www.myfwc.com

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