Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers recovered illegally harvested redfish during a coordinated enforcement operation beneath the State Road 520 Bridge in Brevard County on Memorial Day weekend. The investigation followed an anonymous tip about individuals cast-netting fish in restricted waters, according to FWC officials. Officers from multiple units and K9 teams responded to the scene, leading to the seizure of the catch and the initiation of an ongoing inquiry.
The operation began when FWC officers received a report of suspected illegal fishing activity near the SR-520 Bridge, a popular spot for anglers in the Cocoa area. Initial observations suggested a routine violation, but the situation escalated when officers spotted a vehicle near the water’s edge. A stop of the vehicle led to the discovery of fishing equipment and a portion of the illegal catch, prompting further investigation by K9 units trained in tracking and evidence recovery.
FWC spokesperson Lisa Martinez confirmed the recovered fish were redfish, a species protected under state regulations that limit fishing methods and seasons. "Cast-netting in this area is prohibited," Martinez said. "We’re seeing more enforcement actions as part of our focus on protecting marine resources." No arrests were immediately reported, but the case is being reviewed by prosecutors for potential charges related to illegal fishing and possession of prohibited equipment.
The incident highlights the FWC’s use of multi-agency coordination and technology in recent enforcement efforts. Surveillance footage and K9 teams played a key role in locating evidence and confirming the scale of the violation. Similar operations have increased in Brevard County this year, with officials citing a rise in reports of unauthorized fishing near bridges and coastal areas. The seized fish were documented and released back into the water, as is standard practice for non-target species.