Florida Spearing Laws

[mike_s]

haven't you guys heard of Google?

Florida Game Laws

Florida Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations


Florida Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations
Republished from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission


You May NOT Spearfish (excluding bowhunting and gigging):
-- Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed.


also see https://www.flrules.org/gateway/read...68B-20.003.doc



according this, (page 4), you can't even possess a speargun within a 100 yards of a public beach.

from http://www.sa15.state.fl.us/LawEnfor...ChargeBook.pdf

- 68B-20.003(2)(b)

SPEARFISHING WITHIN 100 YARDS OF COMMERCIAL OR PUBLIC FISHING PIER

did then and there possess a spear, gig, or lance, while swimming at or below the surface of the

water within 100 yards of a commercial or public fishing pier, contrary to section 370.172 of the

Florida Statutes, and Florida Administrative Code 68B-20.003(2)(b). (2 DEG MISD)

spearing guidelines/rules from Florida Wildlife Comission (FWC)

also

Spearing from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

You May NOT Spearfish (Excluding bowhunting and gigging):

• Effective July 1, 2001, spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is prohibited. Possession of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also prohibited.
• Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed.
• Within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the sea – except for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline.
• In Collier County and in Monroe County from Long Key north to the Dade County line.
• For any fish for which spearing is expressly prohibited by law (listed above).
• In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection,Recreation and Parks. (Possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited in these areas, unless it is unloaded and properly stored.)

[Black-Gorrilla]

How do you "BOWHUNT" fish? it that like, bow and arrow? I take it that is done from the surface only right?

[mike_s]

Originally Posted by Black-Gorrilla

How do you "BOWHUNT" fish? it that like, bow and arrow? I take it that is done from the surface only right?

Bowhunt fishing is actually a pretty big growing sport that even includes it's own tournament system.

yes, it's done from the surface. Usually from a platform raised above the water for better visibility or from the front of a boat.

Often they have a small plaform on the front of the boat raised up a foot or so above the bow. Often they have big flood lights mounted all around the platform shinning down on the water to illuminate the water (and attract fish, or bugs, which attacts fish.)

The bow has a reel on it attached to some light line for retriving the "catch".


here's an exmaple pic I found with google. Notice the platform, rails to steady the shooter, and the flood lights at the base of the platform




another example of a new boat with a fancier platform. (no lights installed yet).




more pics found

[Black-Gorrilla]

Cause spearfishing isn't hard enough... to bowfish i can't even be in the same environment as the fish...

[emt]

Please remember, some counties have stricter rules than on the state of Florida website Fish & Wildlife for distances from inlets , jetties etc.. You will be responsible for knowing the counties laws when diving off their coastline.

[ColdPass]

Bowfishing is tricky. If the fish is very far under you have to deal with the refraction of the water, and the deflection of the arrow as it enters the water. You have to adjust your aim.

Originally Posted by Black-Gorrilla

Cause spearfishing isn't hard enough... to bowfish i can't even be in the same environment as the fish...