Spearfishing in the Leeward Islands?

[DeJaePu]

Hey I'm flying down to the leeward islands and hopping on a live aboard for 3 weeks as a summer camp. From St Martin to Barts to Nevis to Kitts to Statia to Saba, diving at each one.. i've had some trouble figuring out exactly where spearfishing is allowed (i just want to bring my 6ft polespear and catch us some dinner every now and then) (it's not a spearfishing trip) as i understand, most of that water is protected like a marine preserve, does anyone know where i can find a map of the unprotected water or anything, and or a chart of what i can and cant catch? I need to know whether to even bring my spear at all, if i'm not going to get the legal chance to use it i should save myself the bulk. I leave in 4 days, any help ,tips or links i could get soon would be MUCH appreciated!

(Also, i'm planning to take it through customs as a carry on in my backpack (it's a travel spear), i was thinking of wrapping the small rock point tip in a wad of scotch tape to convince them its not dangerous, the last i heard about weapon regulations was KNIVES were ok as long as they are less then 4 inches long or something,

does anybody have any experience with polespears/airport customs/security? i haven't tried this before)

 

[DeJaePu]

Hmm, can't edit my post...

Here is my trip summary: http://www.gobroadreach.com/programs/it/uwd_it.asp

I have checked the islands' official websites, and the subsequent marine parks, but their explanations are Very vague, does this mean the laws are vague too? or does anyone know where to find a better summation of the rules down there?

www.sabatourism.com
www.statiatourism.com
stkittsguide.tripod.com
www.nevisisland.com
www.st-barths.com/homeeng.html
www.luketravels.com/saintbarth
www.orientbeach.com/ansmercel

I'm not planning on checking any bags, would it be possible in a carry on?

I'm leavin in two days on June 16th, if you know anyone who might have the knowledge to help me, I would be eternally grateful! Thanks

 

[DeJaePu]

^bump^ Urgent!! Need help/opnions!!!!!

 

[Matteo]

can't help you w/ the spearfishing regs in the islands, but the polespear is a definite no no, unless you decide to check it....here is the link to prohibited items
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_Facts.doc

 

[DeJaePu]

Wow thank you so much for that list Matteo! i couldnt find the damn thing, i started with the DOT and got redirected around to like 4 .gov agencies and still didnt find the list.

It does say no spear guns, but it also says tools less than 4"
in length are fine, my point is only like 2", i don't think they'll have a problem with the pole. I don't want to check anything for fear of it getting lost, i absolutely have to have my stuff when i get there, im getting on a boat for 3 weeks and it cant be mailed to me or anything. If they wont let it through security then ill check it but anyone have any other thoughts?

Still need help with the island fishing regulations down there.

Best way to contact me is by clicking my name next to this post and using one of the messengers to IM me. Thanks very much!

 

[Damselfish]

have you contacted the program/liveaboard you are traveling with? They may know, or even have an opinion if they allow it on their trip.

 

[DeJaePu]

yes, but they know nothing of the fishing regulations of the staff i've spoken to

 

[Crawl79]

St. Kitts allows spearfishing not sure on the regulations, most dive operators there will only let you spearfish if you are with other spearfishers and they will take you to more secluded spots. If the liveaboard allows it I would bring it. I'm sure not all your diving will be in marine sanctuarys the only one I know of is on Statia. Good Luck and let us know what you get. I didnt bring a speargun on my last trip to Kitts, but I could have done well and the lobster were plentiful. Had a few lobster go from the reef to my bag to the grill.

 

[DeJaePu]

Yeah it'll be just me with the spear, just want to catch us a fish or two for dinner every now and then, and teach the girls how to do it, not hardcore hunting.

Still need more thoughts! Today is my last day! Anybody? Thanks.