Spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is prohibited . Possession of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also prohibited. Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed.
How far offshore do you have to be to spearfish in Florida?
If you're out where the sargassum lines build up along the ocean currents, you're most likely in federal waters ( 3 miles offshore on the Atlantic coast; 9 miles on the Gulf ). This is important, because in Monroe County north of Long Key to the Miami Dade County line you must be at least 3 miles offshore to spearfish.
Do you need a license for spearfishing in Florida?
As with any recreational fishing, most spearfishers also need a valid Florida saltwater fishing license and must display a diver down flag, if diving or snorkeling.
Where is it legal to spearfish in Florida?
Spearing fish is strictly illegal within 100yrds of any public place. This includes public beaches, commercial and recreational fishing piers or anywhere where public fishing and swimming is allowed; such as certain areas of bridges .
What fish can you not spear in Florida?
- All prohibited species (listed on Seasons & Limits pages)
- Billfish (all species)
- Bonefish.
- Crab (blue, stone)
- Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus)
- Goliath grouper.
- Manta ray.
Is spearfishing legal in Florida Keys?
There is a 3-mile out rule in Islamorada which limits Islamorada spearfishing to 3 miles offshore , which makes much of the reef and the entire bayside off-limits. The Key Largo Sanctuary, which extends the boundary of Pennekamp, means all bay waters and most water oceanside of Key Largo is off-limits.
Where can I spearfish in the Florida Keys?
- Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park. 305-451-1202.
- Key Submerged Land Management Area. 305-664-2540.
- Long Key State Park. 305-664-4815.
- Curry Hammock State Park. ...
- Bahia Honda State Park. ...
- Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. ...
- Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks. ...
- Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges.
Can you spear sheepshead in Florida?
Gear Requirements:
Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig . Illegal Gear: Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; Snatching prohibited.
Where is Spearfish legal?
Spearfishing is legal in the US, Australia, and the UK but this comes with their laws and regulations. These include the specific spearfishing areas, specific fishes to catch, and the weapons you are allowed to use. Capturing fish with spears is something our ancestors have done since time immemorial.
Can you spear lobster in Florida?
You can't spear a lobster or use any device that will puncture, penetrate, or crush the flesh of a lobster. Recreational trapping is prohibited – meaning no lobster traps.
Can you spear redfish in Florida?
Legal Gear: hook and line, cast nets. Illegal Gear: Spearing (includes spearfishing, gigging and bowfishing) and/or use of multiple hooks in conjunction with live or dead natural bait is prohibited .
Can you spearfish at Alligator Reef?
Cheeca Rocks is in State waters and North of Long Key Bridge so no spearfishing in this area . Alligator Reef lies 3.5 nautical miles southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key, southwest of Long Key Bridge. The shipwrecks USS Alligator & Scuffler are here.
Where is the best place to Spearfish?
- Hawaii. ...
- San Diego, California. ...
- North Carolina. ...
- Cape Verde, Africa. ...
- Krabi Province, Thailand. ...
- Block Island, Rhode Island. ...
- Ascension Island. ...
- The World Is Filled with Amazing Spearfishing Destinations.
Can you spearfish in Destin Florida?
Positioned right in the Gulf of Mexico, Destin offers a lot of options for hunters, especially if you're diving in family, since it has a large beach area that lets spearos fish directly offshore .
Can you spearfish in the Dry Tortugas?
Fishing In A Nutshell
Dry Tortugas National Park is almost exclusively in Gulf of Mexico waters. Spearfishing and lobstering is prohibited .
Can you spear a shark?
Most times, if a shark begins to get close you can poke or direct them away with the end of your speargun and they will keep their distance. They are testing how close they can get to get the fish, but you never want to spear a shark . It creates a more dangerous situation for us well as for the animal.
Can you spear sheepshead?
Spearfishing Sheepshead
Since you will be spearfishing in close quarters in shallow and brackish water, use a shorter band gun or try a pneumatic one . If you have a quality pole spear, that'll work too.
Can you spear triggerfish in Florida?
Other Regulations
Legal Gear: hook and line, spears, gigs .
Can you spearfishing with scuba gear in Florida?
One of those is RMA N-59, which recommends that the Florida Wildlife Commission outlaws spearfishing while using scuba gear. Under the proposal, all spearfishing while wearing scuba gear will be banned .
Can you spear fish in freshwater?
In general, you're permitted to spearfish in freshwater in most states . That applies if you're spearing non-game fish. However, while a state may have a macro regulation, rules may also be micro-regulated. It depends on the geographic point of a particular state or river.
What do you need to spearfish in Florida?
Florida. In addition to your regular saltwater fishing license, you'll need to get a lobster stamp if you intend on spearfishing in Florida. There are also a set of regulations you'll need to follow, including the fish you're allowed or not allowed to spear.
Where can I go spearfishing in Key West?
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and.
- Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical.
- State Park.
- Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park and.
- Lignumvitae Key Submerged Land Management.
- Area.
- Long Key State Park.
- Curry Hammock State Park.
Can I Spearfish in Key Largo?
Spearfishing is prohibited in: Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Can you fish at Sombrero Reef?
Fishing by any means; removing, harvesting, or possessing any marine life. Catch and release fishing by trolling is allowed in Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, and Sand Key SPAs only .
Can you spear flounder in Florida?
There are certain counties in Florida that do not allow you to gig flounders in their waters . Gigs are considered to be spears. So the rules that apply to spear guns will also apply to gigs. Collier and Monroe counties do not allow you to gig for flounder in their waters.
Can you spear yellowtail snapper in Florida?
You can target Mutton and Yellowtail Snapper , along with Gag, Black, and Scamp Grouper. These bottom-dwelling creatures love the warm waters and live along the reefs or wrecks of the Florida Keys. Known for their delicious taste, they'll prove a worthy reward at the end of a hard day's spearfishing.
