spear fishing questions from a newb

[scubaops]

any one car to go over the basics with me. i read the laws(Florida Statutes 379.2425) but i dont understand them.
can you offshore spear fish?
minimum distance from shore?
minimum distance from a swim zone?
does a spear fishing license fall under a salt water fishing license?

im headed to key west this weekend and wouldnt mind doing a little spear fishing.

thanks for the help guys

 

[adamgamz]

no spear fishing allowed in the keys, you will be arrested.

 

[scubaops]

here is the law i read and dont really understand.

379.2425 Spearfishing; definition; limitations; penalty.--

(1) For the purposes of this section, "spearfishing" means the taking of any saltwater fish through the instrumentality of a spear, gig, or lance operated by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water.

(2)(a) Spearfishing is prohibited within the boundaries of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the waters of Collier County, and the area in Monroe County known as Upper Keys, which includes all salt waters under the jurisdiction of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission beginning at the county line between Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties and running south, including all of the keys down to and including Long Key.

(b) For the purposes of this subsection, the possession in the water of a spear, gig, or lance by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water in a prohibited area is prima facie evidence of a violation of the provisions of this subsection regarding spearfishing.

(3) The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission shall have the power to establish restricted areas when it is determined that safety hazards exist or when needs are determined by biological findings. Restricted areas shall be established only after an investigation has been conducted and upon application by the governing body of the county or municipality in which the restricted areas are to be located and one publication in a local newspaper of general circulation in said county or municipality in addition to any other notice required by law. Prior to promulgation of regulations, the local governing body of the area affected shall agree to post and maintain notices in the area affected.

 

[DennisS]

no spear fishing allowed in the keys, you will be arrested.

Could you give a reference on where you got this information


Here is a thread on spearboard that explains the areas where you can spearfish in the keys

http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=82963&highlight=keys+areas

 

[tomfcrist]

You can spearfish in the keys!

Just not in the sanctuarys! The sanctuarys are clearly marked with Giant Yellow Bouys at all 4 corners. Otherwise, spear away.

No min distance, Yes offshore is allowed, and yes a regular saltwater liscense is sufficient.

Beware of the fish bag limits, size limits, and there is also a list on FWC's site of all the fish you CANT Spear.

Happy hunting.

 

[scubaops]

You can spearfish in the keys!

Just not in the sanctuarys! The sanctuarys are clearly marked with Giant Yellow Bouys at all 4 corners. Otherwise, spear away.

No min distance, Yes offshore is allowed, and yes a regular saltwater liscense is sufficient.

Beware of the fish bag limits, size limits, and there is also a list on FWC's site of all the fish you CANT Spear.

Happy hunting.

it says here you have to be 3 mil out to spear fish?

Could you give a reference on where you got this information


Here is a thread on spearboard that explains the areas where you can spearfish in the keys

Keys question - Spearboard Spearfishing Community

 

[tomfcrist]

it says here you have to be 3 mil out to spear fish?

True but only from Long Key to Miami. So basicly if you are from Marathon to Key West, spear away, even in state waters.

Go to this lsite, and scroll down to open the PDF file that explains completely the Spearing rules in Monroe county.... FWC - Saltwater Fishing Regulations

 

[disccop75]

Unless otherwise specified, you must be 100 yds from shore also.

 

[NC Wreck Diver]

I have only spearfished outside the Dry Tortugas (not permitted in the park), not in Key West. If you do make it to the Dry Tortugas (by boat or plane only), the grouper and pompano hunting is great. We took some monsters.

What kind of gun? We shoot Riffe # 2 standards. You will need at least a gun this size for large game. Good hunting and Safe Diving.