Spearfishing in keys?

swampdogg · 12-10-2005, 01:54 PM

We are headed down to Key West in April.

We plan to dive a couple times a day. Can I bring my speargun or pole spear? I can't find a clear set of rules online. What I have seen is no spearfishing in the protected area from Long Key (mm 47) to the monroe-dade line or not within 3 miles of the nearest land. Can you use a tank, ot does it have to be free diving?

We never shoot more than a fish or two per day, but I do love a hog snapper if I can sneak up on one.

Thanks for the info

brob98 · 12-11-2005, 07:35 AM

I am not too sure with the rules and regs in south FL.

Take a look at spearboard.com

There should be someone on there who would be able to answer your questions.

swampdogg · 12-13-2005, 10:05 AM

Ok, I will answer my own question in case anyone else is interested. From what I can find, if you want to spearfish in the keys, Key West is the best choice. You have to be 3 miles from the nearest point of land, (except for designated preserves, like Looe Key) and cannot use a rebreather or any sort of bang stick or pneumatic device. Here is a website that caters to spearfishing clientele out of KW. http://www.bluewatercharterskeywest....earfishing.htm

Capt Bill Welder · 12-14-2005, 08:28 AM

You only have to be 3 miles from shore if you are East of Long Key. Marathon to Key West it does not apply. 100 yards from a jetty, beach, dock or fishing pier is OK.

Around the protected areas you need to be careful. "Looe Key" for an example has 4 big yellow balls marking the core area. Inside the yellow balls is a no take zone for any type of tackle or gun. Outside the yellow balls it is OK to fish hook and line only and you can harvest lobster but you CAN NOT shoot fish.The outside area is about another 1/2 mile or so from the yellow balls marked with white bouys.

flyau98 · 12-22-2005, 09:09 PM

There are plenty of easily accessable spear fishing areas in Key West....no worries.

Catatonic · 12-27-2005, 10:57 AM

The next time that you need accommodations in the Keys please keep me in mind. I have a 3/2 house on the water in Marathon for rent by the week. Here is the web site: http://www.vrbo.com/70014
Thanks and good luck on this trip!!!!!!

seacraft06 · 01-06-2006, 06:46 PM

We spearfish down in Key West with guns all the time!