Diver Arrested in Key Largo Had Dozens of Out-of-Season Lobsters, Lobster Tails: FWC

Jeremy Wilmoth was found working a seawall with his spear gun, the agency said

A 23-year-old diver was arrested in Key Largo on dozens of misdemeanor counts when he was caught in possession of lobsters after the close of lobster season, authorities said.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers said they responded to Port Largo Canal in Key Largo on Monday at about 1:30 p.m. after getting a report of a diver spear fishing with no dive flag in the canal.

Jeremy Wilmoth of Palm Beach County was spotted “working the seawall throughout the canal system with (a) spear gun,” the FWC said.

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He was intercepted as he left the water, after he dropped his spear gun and his catch bag below the surface. Both were retrieved, and Wilmoth was arrested and charged with possession of 25 out-of-season lobsters, possession of 25 wrung lobster tails on the water, possession of 18 undersize lobster tails, possession of two speared lobster, spear fishing in the Upper Keys and interference with a FWC officer, the agency said.

Wilmoth was also cited for several infractions, including for not having a dive flag displayed, the FWC said. He was taken to the Plantation Key Jail, and it wasn’t immediately known whether he has an attorney.

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Wilmoth’s catch, spear gun and dive gear were seized as evidence, the FWC added.

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