BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission crackdown resulted in several fishing and boating citations in the waters of Sebastian Inlet.

The measures help all anglers and conservation efforts.

For Wes Brisco, fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life. One of his favorite spots is the Sebastian Inlet Pier. It’s scenic and ripe for a good catch.

“It’s being outdoors, enjoying the beautiful Florida weather, although we got a little rain today,” Brisco said as he cast a line.

Brisco fishes by the book. He follows all regulations.

“The reason why we play by the rules is so there are more species of fish for all to enjoy, and if you encroach on the rules, then people aren’t going to be able to enjoy the fishing like they should be able to,” he said.

But some fishermen don’t.

That’s why FWC officers took to the land and water around the inlet this past weekend. Officers did inspections as boats came to shore. They mainly cracked down on undersized red grouper, mutton snapper, Mahi-Mahi, along with triggerfish.

FWC officers also found out-of-season red snapper on several boats.

It’s the anglers’ responsibility to know regulations in order to be compliant, including the season dates, and size and bag limits.

The agency issued eight boating citations, along with 69 warnings for speeding in manatee zones.

Manatees are protected under state law, and are at risk of boat strikes.

Brisco is grateful for the enforcement efforts, as being proactive will allow fishing for generations to come.

“We have to keep the species alive, and not interrupt their mating season and their spawning and giving birth, so the rules are here for a reason, and I agree with everything FWC says, and I’m glad they’re out here,” he said.

Anyone can report fishing, wildlife and boating violations by calling the FWC hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.