Are Bull sharks a significant hazard around Tampa Bay?

[BLoaf]

I have been thinking about spearfishing under the Gandy bridge but wonder what the shark situation is this time of year. I know the Tarpon draw a lot of them in. Is it safe to be spearing with the gray suits around?

 

[Reck Diver]

Bull sharks can be a hazard when ever they are encountered. I think the only folks that would encourage spearfishing when Bull Sharks are present are in the funeral home business.

 

[Amazz]

I have been thinking about spearfishing under the Gandy bridge but wonder what the shark situation is this time of year. I know the Tarpon draw a lot of them in. Is it safe to be spearing with the gray suits around?

FWC spearfishing regulations:
You may NOT spearfish (excluding bowhunting and gigging) as described below:​

• 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.
• Within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the sea - except for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline.
• In Collier County and in Monroe County from Long Key north to the Dade County line.
• For any fish for which spearing is expressly prohibited by law (listed above).
• In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection, Recreation and Parks. (Possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited in these areas, unless it is unloaded and properly stored.)

​I believe Gandy Bridge allows public fishing. If so, I don't think you can legally spearfish there.

 

[John from the burg]

I didnt think you could fish off the gandy...

 

[BLoaf]

You cannot fish from Gandy. They closed it.

 

[John from the burg]

Friendship trail (second built gandy span and only place to fish) was closed forever ago and you would have to be pretty ballsy (and illegal) to drop a line next to cars whizzing by at 80. So as long as you are 300 feet from the ends where people can fish, all major bay bridges are fair game.

I say lets do it B, my house is up the street from crisp park boat ramp and we motor over to redneck (gandy) beach all the time.

 

[Amazz]

Like hanging out near big bridges and vis is less than stellar there. Let us know how it goes.

 

[SnorkelLA]

You can legally do it, just keep one of those spears handy for any frisky sharks...

I'm serious. Some of those ****ers were near the Perdido Pass jetties when I was using a pole spear, I nearly had to jab one.

 

[BLoaf]

Thanks for the info.