Fishing without fish line leads to pot arrests

WESTON, Fla. (AP) — Deputies grew suspicious when they saw two men who claimed to be fishing in the Everglades carrying fishing poles with no fishing line.

The Broward Sheriff's Office reports that — after some questioning — Justin Shepard and Adam Beltrone led deputies into the woods last week where five marijuana plants were resting in holes in the ground. Deputies say a 40-pound bag of potting soil found near their car was intended to fill the holes.

When deputies searched the vehicle, they reported finding rolling papers, a small amount of marijuana and the remains of a partially smoked joint.

Both men were arrested and charged with marijuana possession. Beltrone has been released on bond, but Shepard remains in jail without bond for violating the terms of his release on a previous arrest.

Neither one were carrying a fishing license.