I just got back from my R&R in the Florida Keys and the folks who were staying next to us were doing a bunch of spearfishing, I was wondering if anyone had any information on spearfishing such as the rules, recommended gear etc.... I've done a lot of saltwater fishing in my life but never any spearfishing and I might have the opportunity to go back to the Keys this fall and I'd love to go spearfishing as it looks like a blast but I want to make sure I have an idea of what I'm doing before I go.

Thanks for any help

Yes I'm a diver, PADI certified open water and advanced open water.

Planned fishing would be in the Florida Keys, specifically around Marathon Key. Is it possible to spearfish using only snorkles or is it recommended to use diving gear?

in monroe county you have to be at least 3 miles off shore to spear fish. There are still lots of good patch reefs etc beyond 3 mi in 20-30 feet of water that you could spear on. Once you get to the right distance from shore just have the boat drag you behind and look for a good spot. Just be sure to not spear in a preserve or drive through one on your way in.

Spearfishing is best done without a tank. It is stealthier, logistically simpler, and many times manlier. Go ahead and try it out on tanks to get the feel for it, but get your lungs in shape and give it a shot.

It is to fishing what mountain climbing, bullfighting and auto racing are to sports.

not to hijack, but I'm surprised there isn't a diving forum on here!

I solo SCUBA and never would freedive on my own...

To the OP and as mentioned prior, spearboard.com has a heap of info.
I have been diving for a while, and am just getting into spearing myself.

Spearing is a blast! Wherever you go to get your license they will have the laws printed on something you can take with you to read.

Like any other sport everyone has their own preferences with regard to tactics, equipment, etc... Personally I like to use a pneumatic spear gun. I like to have one of those coils that keep you from losing your spear like shown below. I don't bother using a string because you have to wind it up and it's just a pain in the ass.:


I like to use a rotating (swiveling) tip on all of my spears. That helps to keep spear tips from coming off and helps keep the fish from working itself off of the spear. All my tips have a collar on the base that allows you to lock the barbs back for easier removal of the fish. I used to always use 'Tri Cut' spear tips which seemed to not get dulled as easily by the coral, but I'm really liking the arrow point tips. Always use stainless steel, don't bother getting anything that isn't good stainless as it will rust in no time.

I usually keep a net dive bag clipped to my belt. While the fish is still on the spear I get it inside the bag right away. I then remove the spear from the fish. I lost a few fish before I figured that out

I rinse my spear gun after each dive and I like to keep the interior of the barrel lubricated with WD-40 to prevent corrosion and damaging the seals. If you use a pneumatic spear gun don't over pump it when you're setting it up for the first time. Start with a lower power in the beginning and work your way up to higher pressure. Accidents happen by being too tired while cocking the spear underwater.

A lot of the old timers will say that it's best to stay up high, observe, spot a good fish and move in from above yet behind it. The fish may start swimming away, but keep your spear gun stretched out in front of you aiming at all times because the fish has to turn sideways to get a good look to see if you're still there. Right when they turn ... that's when you fire! In the keys there's usually a lot of Hog fish. They are good eating and dumb as hell too They are usually easy pickins.

There's more spearfishing on breath-hold around Marathon than most people can handle. Buy yourself a Riffe and get in the water, experience is the only way to learn. The law puts you 3 miles from shore, so you may be in 30' +.

I believe he was responding to the stealth + manly comment. Bubble-blower-soloist here.... I can get VERY close to fish, in fact attact them. Go take a look at what the commercial spearos are doing...just sayin'. And to those that free dive + spear at 60'+, I'm impressed.

Oh, shameless plug for new arfcom scuba/freedive forum

Nice..

I would add to my post above that a lot of the videos you see of freediving spearos are taken in other countries where spearing is only allowed while freediving, and some like the Bahamas add no spear guns, only slings or poles. Mexico is freediver with banded gun only (no pneumatics).


If you have about 6 mins, watch this trailer...excellent kill shots.

freshly hunted fish, where you entered the food chain to get it, is the shit.

pics or it never happened. !!!

nice.
Im shooting for the first of the month as my first chance to get wet this season. It still to early for stripers, although I could technically bag a fluke or two if they are around, but mostly im just looking forward to getting wet and for a chance to dirt dive a bunch of new gear that I picked up that of course I really don't need but decided I needed to have anyway

Im also looking forward to harassing the local lobster population a little since I highly doubt I will be taking any, although I plan and stopping in to pay the king his yearly tax for the priveledge of harvesting one or two maybe of his lobster by hand mind you.