Stick fishing question

[DylanK15]

Ok. I am getting in to diving slowly. I have a super snorkel pump that I use now and am slowly acquiring dive gear piece by piece. I have been wanting to get a spear gun and do some fishing when on vacations. (I live in atlanta georgia) so my question is if I travel to Florida what kind of license do I have to acquire to legally spear fish. Is there a license for each state? Like if I would I have to get another license if I wanted to go to Alabama?

Another question. Is the license expensive? Should I just buy a georgia resident license and just stick to a destination of the georgia coast??

thanks in advance for any replies. I'm actually on vacation now in Gulf Port Mississippi. Visibility is total crap though. >1 foot....

 

[TMHeimer]

For regular shore/boat fishing (and I believe spear fishing), Florida and all the Gulf states require licenses for non residents. I believe the yearly one in FL is about $50. You can find exact stuff on the internet. This is for fresh AND, unbelievably, salt water, something even NY State doesn't stick you with (and they charge you for everything....).

 

[cocoajoe]

First, you need to know that certain 'specialties' essentially amount to solo diving. It's just the nature of the beast because of the attention you devote to your subject and inattention to your buddy.

Anyway for what it's worth......myfwc.com › Fishing › Saltwater Fishing › Recreational Regulations

 

[SeaHawk12]

As others have posted, each state has a different license, and often it's differentiated between fresh and salt. In Florida, you'd need a Florida Saltwater fishing license for non residents. This would allow you to fish using approved techniques (including spearing) in Florida salt water areas. Additionally, it is worth double checking if the regions you are going to permit spear fishing. Not all of Florida does (namely, the Keys NMS).

Finally, be careful about the species you shoot! There are some that, while allowed for take with rod and reel, are prohibited by spear. All regulations can be found on myfwc.com

 

[DylanK15]

Thank you guys for the replies! Very good info!

 

[tbrix]

Do some research on the Florida Lisc. Im pretty sure as a non resident you dont have to purchase a yearly non resident lisc. I'm pretty sure in florida as a non resident you can purchase a 3day lisc for salt water only for a reduced rate. I could be wrong about this, but im pretty sure this is what a friend did when he came to visit.

 

[TMHeimer]

Do some research on the Florida Lisc. Im pretty sure as a non resident you dont have to purchase a yearly non resident lisc. I'm pretty sure in florida as a non resident you can purchase a 3day lisc for salt water only for a reduced rate. I could be wrong about this, but im pretty sure this is what a friend did when he came to visit.

Yeah you're right--sorry I forgot that. I think there also is one for a week or two.