Spearfishing in the FL keys???

ericmcj31

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We're planning a diving trip next month...and some spearing. Anyone know the laws for spearing in Key Largo???
 
See if this link works: http://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterRules_index.htm">http://myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/SaltwaterRules_index.htm</a> . You can buy temp fishing licenses either online or in places like K-Mart in Key Largo. Although there are many places in the keys to spear fish you have to be careful and know what you are taking/harvesting. Fish that look one way out of water don't always appear the same way under water and the FL Marine Patrol don't cut you any slack if they catch you with "the wrong" fish on board—the fines are significant (believe me!). I have been there many times fishing and have not failed to be visited by those guys. The fishing rules are also available where ever you buy licenses in the Keys and specify which fish you can take and those that are protected.

Although you can fish at patch reefs with no problems make sure you stay out of the restricted recreational dive sites. These sites are generally maker off by "large" yellow buoys. Here is a link to the park in Key Largo: [IMG]http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/research_monitoring/map.html">http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/research_monitoring/map.html</a>

Have fun, I really enjoy the place!!

Terry
 
thanks, terry...yeah, we've been several times-just not spearing in the keys...there are a lot of laws that if you don't know your stuff you can get rammed in fines (fishing/spearing in the wrong areas)...as far as the type fish, we know the sizes/limits, etc....we just didn't know WHICH areas can be fished

and andre-we don't spear the sharks at all---we just fish 'em and cut their fins off and sell them to some oriental guy for like $10/lb --can't imagine what he wants with their fins??? go figure???--nah-seriously-you DON'T wanna spear a shark down there-and plus their not good to eat-don't know what people see in that shark fin soup-just a status thing I guess?
 
it's a guys only trip-not really a party thing though-lol...not saying a beer or two (or several dozen) might get drank while we're there though-lol....!
 
Sounds like a good time. I want to get certified soon. The snorkeling thing last week just got me more pumped up for it now.
 
yeah, and PCB is NOTHING like the FL keys---it's like diving in some murky river compared to diving in the GA aquarium-lol
 
Hey are the spearing regs same as recreational fishing? Met a few grouper down there and named them "Lucky" that I didn't have a speargun
 
I have done some spear fishing of the Gulf side. Cant remember the name of the fish but they where black and yellow with a spiked dorsol fin. They where swimming in huge schools threw the canals where my grandfather lived. I dont believe there was a limit but they where very strict!
 
You are restricted from spearfishing from Long Key north to the Dade county line. So if you want to spearfish you will have to go south of Long Key. Also, you have to be free diving in all US waters and can not use powered spears. So Hawaiian Sling is about all you can use. Make sure you read up on all the species that can not be taken by spear because there is a crap load. I used to love going years ago but have stop because it seems like there is nothing you can spear anymore. Twitti is correct FL Marine Patrol does not cut you any slack. Just to much to risk for me. Plus, there is great tarpoon fishing in Islamorada right off the beach. I go tarpoon fishing then go diving and the the best of both world without the risk.
 
One other note. violating the fishing laws can result in your gear being confiscated; including your boat.
 
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