Is It Legal to Spear Fish in Florida
While fishing on the fishing line in the Florida Keys is popular for its goal of “filling the fish box,” our setting is focused on a beautiful reef dive while having the option to choose the dinner menu for the evening. Underwater fishermen have an advantage over fishermen because they can choose what they catch and ensure that the fish is of legal type and size. An ethical diver always thinks about conservation before aiming. STEP #4 – AIM CAREFULLY AND REALIZE THAT YOU WILL MISS OUT OFTEN! You`ll miss a lot of things when you start. Slingshot spears are difficult to aim at first and it will take some practice. I started with a Hawaiian spear and a snorkel mask. I lived near the beach, so I went down and jumped in. Later, I bought fins for my feet because they help you a lot to go down and stay down. A weighted belt would also be very helpful so you don`t expend as much energy and oxygen to get down and stay there. Billfish (all species), spotted eagle ray, sturgeon, manta rays, sharks, croaker, Atlantic croaker and spotted, Bonefish, Tarpon, Goliath grouper, Snook, Blue crab, Nassau grouper, Spotted seaforout, Weak fish, Red drum, Stone crab, Pompano, African pompano, Licence, Tripletail, Lobster and ornamental reef fish families (surgeon, trumpetfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, porcupine fish, cone fish, squirrelfish, boxfish, damselfly, parrotfish, pipefish, sturgeon, seahorse, pufferfish, triggerfish except gray and ocean). Spear phishing is a general term that includes bow fishing, laughter, spearfishing (underwater) or using any other device to catch a fish by piercing its body.
Spear phishing does not involve hooking or breaking hooks using a hook and leash. Marine species fished with spears are subject to the same recreational rules (e.g., harvest restrictions, size restrictions, and closed periods) as marine species caught with other types of recreational equipment. Below is a list of species or groups of species whose harvesting is prohibited by all forms of spear phishing in state waters: Who knows if you`ll love spearfishing! (You will!) The neoprene heel strap looks particularly comfortable. Don`t forget to pay attention to WHEN you can catch spearfish. The fishing times for each fish are listed on these pages Some people use the 3-pole spears (I did), but you need to be close enough to the fish you are throwing, as the sound of the three-pointed spear passing through the water is quite loud compared to a single lance. If possible, try both and see what you prefer. If you`re looking for diversity, head straight to the Suncoast. You`ll find a wide variety of fish off the west coast of Florida! You will have the opportunity to hunt the bays or the gulf itself for some famous fish species. To give you a glimpse, take local underwater fishing guides in search of plaice, sheep`s head, and snapper on the coast, or cobia, martin, and amberjack along the reefs. The use of electric heads, sticks and rebreathers remains prohibited.
This is a list of species whose harvesting by lance is prohibited. All other non-listed species managed by the Commission and those not managed by the Commission may be harvested with spears. Also known as the Emerald Coast, there are exciting coastal waters and productive reefs to explore in the Gulf. Take a spearfishing charter from Pensacola, Panama City, Destin or any other popular beach resort nearby and get ready to dive into the water, where you`ll find snappers, groupers, triggerfish, and many other delicious creatures. The fish you can skewer (see which ones are legal and which aren`t) are likely to be at the bottom if you`re fishing directly on the beach or around some boat docks on a saltwater channel. Fishing with electric heads, sticks or rebreathers is prohibited in state waters, except that recyclers are allowed to fish for lionfish. In state waters, drive heads and sticks can only be used for personal protection and cannot be used to harvest species. Since these fish are hard and can grow quite large, you should opt for a stronger harpoon. You`ll usually turn your attention to Florida`s many reefs that require average or lower diving skills.
Keep in mind that you need to check your licensing requirements below, and not all fish are in season all year round, so you should also check the fishing season charts we have below! The east coast of Florida offers a large number of famous places. It is home to the Space Coast, Gold Coast and Biscayne Bay, all of which offer excellent fishing. There is no shortage of spearfishing opportunities either! When summer reaches Florida, especially around the Keys, there is a fish that ends up at the top of the spear list – the eye-catching Mahi Mahi! This fish is not only suitable for rods and reels, it also offers plenty of underwater action for passionate spear fishermen. Similarly, the fast Wahoo can be found wherever the Mahi hides. If you`re looking for a quick spearfishing adventure, these fish will give it to you in spades! Some harpoon rifles have a pin or roller that holds a strong line so that when your spear comes out, it is attached and you can retrieve your spear. The crew at Hawks Cay is excited to train anyone interested in participating in spearfishing with a variety of equipment and techniques, with a focus on safety and protection of our natural habitats. Florida law severely restricts spearfishing from shore. Your best opportunity to enjoy the sport is a public or private spear fisherman. All charter vessels carry lobster and fishing licences that cover all passengers on board.
A personal license is not required. Divers and athletes from around the world travel to the Florida Keys and Hawks Cay to try spearfishing. The first thing they learn is that this sport is more difficult than expected. Spearfishing is a combination of hunting and fishing. All three sports require skill, good sporting ethics and, in most cases, a competent guide. The technique of spearfishing is more closely related to game hunting than hook angling. Common target species in the Florida Keys are grouper, snapper and pig. Underwater fishing has virtually no damage to the environment or non-target species. The laws governing spearfishing in Florida in salt and fresh water are extensive.