- A Florida man was caught on camera walking into a Bass Pro Shops, grabbing a fishing net from a shelf and grabbing a 50-pound tarpon from the store's pond
- In a video shared by a witness, the suspect is seen carrying the wriggling silverfish while smiling for the cameras as onlookers quickly get out of his way.
- It is illegal in Florida to own tarpon of any size without a tag
A Florida man was caught on camera stealing a 50-pound tarpon from a Bass Pro Shops tank into a net and fleeing the scene.
In true Florida style, the suspect allegedly walked into a Bass Pro Shops on Gulf Center Drive, grabbed a fishing net from a shelf and grabbed a 50-pound tarpon from the store's pond.
Lee County Sheriff's Office deputies said the suspect had a woman and another man with him, who took video of the theft with a GoPro.
In a video shared by a witness, the suspect is seen carrying the wriggling silver fish while smiling for the cameras as onlookers quickly get out of his way.
In true Florida style, the suspect allegedly walked into a Bass Pro Shops on Gulf Center Drive, grabbed a fishing net from a shelf and grabbed a 50-pound tarpon from the store's pond.
In a video shared by a witness, the suspect is seen carrying the wriggling silverfish while smiling for the cameras as onlookers quickly get out of his way.
Officers with the Lee County Sheriff's Office said the suspect had a woman and another man with him, who took video of the theft with a GoPro
Chance Floyd, a Bass Pro employee, said, “Someone came up to me with a tarpon shell in his hand and said, 'Look, someone just stole a tarpon.'
“I honestly couldn't believe it, like I don't understand why they would do that, and it was so shocking to me that someone would stoop low enough to do that.”
The LCSO is working with the Animal Cruelty Task Force, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers to find the suspect and the people accompanying him.
This is what a spokesperson for FWC says VOS 35: “The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is aware of an incident at The Bass Pro Shop in Fort Myers involving a tarpon. We are currently working with the Lee County Sheriff's Office to investigate this further. I will provide updates as they become available.”
The SWFL Crime Stoppers have released a photo of the suspect and asked anyone with information to contact them for a cash reward.
Captioned “FISHING ON A TRIP TO JAIL,” the post read: “He and a friend went to the Bass Pro Shops last night, located on Gulf Center Drive, grabbed a fishing net off the shelf and pulled a 50 pound Tarpon out of their aquarium.
'He then carried the silver king, still in the net, and left the shop in an unknown direction. If you can identify this man, we would like to hear from you so that detectives can talk to him.
“We're here 24/7 to receive your anonymous tip at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477), online at www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or in the P3 Tips app. If your tip leads to his identification or arrest, we'll pay a cash reward!'
The suspect is seen wearing dark-colored pants, a navy blue T-shirt and a fishing or safari style hat with the tarpon in the image shared by officials.
The incident took place at a Bass Pro Shops on Gulf Center Drive
Because of their majestic appearance in size and color, as well as their strength, endurance and fighting ability, the sea creature is one of Florida's most important game fish.
Tarpon are native to Florida and can weigh up to 280 pounds. Due to their majestic appearance in size, color, strength, endurance and fighting ability, the sea creature is one of Florida's most important game fish.
According to the FWC, tarpon are protected in Florida and can only be fished recreationally.
Most fishermen practice catch and release because the fish has no nutritional value whatsoever.
However, anglers can own them for trophy purposes, at a cost of $50 per tag per fish. Without the tag, possession of tarpon of any size is illegal.