Using a spear gun, or throwing any form of sharp object to spear fish, is a disaster waiting to happen; unless you are responsible and follow the Rules and Regulations for Spearing (as stipulated by the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission). The sport of spearfishing is growing in popularity because of the primitive method it offers anglers. You need to swim underwater to get close to a fish without spooking it - if you are going to have any chance of catching it with a spear. So what are the rules and regulations regarding spearfishing in Florida?

• You may not catch any freshwater fish with a spear. In fact, you are not allowed to possess any spear equipment near a body of fresh water.
• It is prohibited to spear fish in any waters that are protected by Environmental Protection, Recreation and Parks. All spearing equipment must be safely stored away and remain unloaded at all times when in these areas.
• Spearing fish is strictly illegal within 100yrds of any public place. This includes public beaches, commercial and recreational fishing piers or anywhere where public fishing and swimming is allowed; such as certain areas of bridges.
• If any part of a jetty lies above sea level, you are banned from spearfishing within 100yrds of it. The only exception to this rule is if the jetty stretches over 1 500yrds from the shoreline. If this is the case, then you may spear fish near the last 500yrds of it.
• You may not spear fish in Monroe County; from the north of Long Key all the way to the Dade County line.

When it comes to harvesting or selling fish that have been caught by spearing; anglers need to comply with the same rules that other anglers follow regarding bag limits, size limits, closed seasons and all Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations. In addition to this, there are specific species of fish that may not be hunted with a spear. Ever. If you are caught catching these fish with spears, be prepared for the consequences:

• Blue Marlin
• White Marlin
• Sailfish
• Swordfish
• Spearfish
• Spotted Eagle Ray
• Sturgeon
• Manta Ray
• Sharks
• Bonefish
• Nassau Grouper
• Goliath Grouper
• Tarpon
• Snook
• Spotted Seatrout
• Blue Crab
• Stone Crab
• Red Drum
• Weakfish
• African Pompano
• Pompano
• Lobster
• Tripletail
• Permit
• Ornamental Reef Fish and their Families
  • Trumpetfish
  • Surgeonfish
  • Butterflyfish
  • Angelfish
  • Cornetfish
  • Porcupinefish
  • Trunkfish
  • Squirrelfish
  • Parrotfish
  • Damselfish
  • Seahorse
  • Pipefish
  • Puffers
  • Triggerfish (you may only catch Ocean Triggerfish and Gray Triggerfish)

Anglers who adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission are not likely to ever spear anyone accidentally. They are the future of the sport and ensure it will be allowed in the future. Those that do not comply will ruin the sport for everybody else; do not be among them.

There are set rules and regulations in place to govern fish stocks in Florida’s saltwater. The goal is to ensure healthy populations continue to thrive into the future and sustain our need for fish consumption. There are closed seasons for certain fish, bag and size limits, catch and release encouragement, equipment requirements, license free fishing days, angler recognition programs and even plans in place to remove debris from Florida’s state waters. In the Atlantic Ocean, state waters extend to three nautical miles; while in the Gulf of Mexico they encompass nine miles. Further than that, the ocean falls under Federal waters.

• Some species do not have set bag limits; but you will require a saltwater products license and a registered commercial vessel if catching over 100lbs daily per person. You may not harvest more than the bag limit and recreationally harvested fish may not be sold without a commercial license. The Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations involve complying with bag limits, size limits and available seasons. It is advisable to carry a copy of these regulations to ensure you adhere to them.
• There are rules regarding the equipment used to catch reef fish. It is essential to use circle hooks that are not stainless steel in conjunction with dehooking devices (which must be blunt and smooth-edged). This is to increase the probability of survival after being caught and released. In addition to this, venting tools are required in the Atlantic Ocean. These are used to deflate swimbladders that are full of gas. The tool must be small, sharp and hollow (such as a 16-gauge hypodermic needle). Signs of an inflated swimbladder include bulging eyes, swollen bellies, stomach protruding from the mouth and intestines coming out of the anus.
• Most of the fish species inhabiting Florida’s coastal waters are regulated, although some are not. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission have implemented standard rules for specific fish. It is advisable that you know exactly what is permitted before you head out to sea.
• It is compulsory to obtain a Recreational Saltwater Fishing License, unless you are fishing from a charter boat. These are available online, at tax collector’s offices or at registered license facilities throughout Florida. There are non-resident licenses for your holiday, resident licenses if you dwell in Florida, lifetime permits, yearly licenses and permits for vessels and shoreline fishing.

While it is impossible for us to individually list all the regulations pertaining to every species swimming off the coast, it is advisable that you ensure you remain informed about all the rules involved with saltwater fishing. You can download the eRegulations from the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission or visit their website directly.

It is well known that Florida has among the most fantastic saltwater fishing in the world. Almost every thrilling game fish on the planet can be found and caught in these waters. There are a number of reasons why the fishing is so extraordinary phenomenal off the coast of Florida. Currents, tropical oceans and protective shelter for large numbers of prey fish ensure that big fish thrive here. This is why saltwater fishing in Florida is so thrillingly extreme:

The Atlantic Ocean

Florida has the Atlantic Ocean on its eastern coast, southern coast and western coast. The Florida Keys are surrounding by these waters; which are warm and perfectly ideal for some truly big game fish. Most of the main currents flow into the Atlantic Ocean from the Caribbean Sea where many of these fish go to spawn. They migrate along the Gulf Stream current and pass close to the coast of Florida.

The Gulf Stream Current

On the eastern coast of Florida, the Gulf Stream current is used as a migratory route for millions of fish every year. It passes within a few miles of the shore and huge fish can frequently be caught extremely close to land. Their food sources travel in this current and they follow them hungrily, happily devouring our bait in the process. This is one of the best locations in the world to catch truly awe-inspiring fish.

The Gulf of Mexico

The western coast of Florida faces the Gulf of Mexico. This is a nursery for millions of fish species that spend their primary years developing here before being big enough for migration. They float on the current from the Caribbean Sea before being pushed into the bay. These fish attract extremely large fish which prey on them.

The Everglades

This enormous wilderness consists mostly of water. Not all of it is saltwater but the tides extend far inland from the Gulf of Mexico, and many saltwater fish swim inshore with them. Tarpon, great barracuda, snook and other saltwater fish survive happily in these waters. There are also a number of convenient waterways that will quickly get you into the Gulf of Mexico for delightful fishing action.

Saltwater Habitats

The reasons why fish thrive in these parts is varied. Warm water, warm currents, huge selections of food sources and shelter are necessary for their survival. The underwater geological formation around Florida provides many places for fish to hide from predators. There are always big fish looking for prey in places where they seek shelter. Here are some underwater habitats where you can find saltwater game fish in Florida:

• Mud Flats
• Grass Flats
• Rocks
• Coral Reefs
• Wrecks
• Deep Waters
• Canyons
• Ledges
• Floating Objects
• Fixed Structures
• Caves

Popular Saltwater Fish

You will be able to catch some of the world’s most sought-after sports fish in the world off the coast of Florida. Here is a list of the most popular fish swimming in these salty waters:

• Blue Marlin
• White Marlin
• Swordfish
• Sailfish
• Grouper
• Snapper
• Tuna
• Tarpon
• Shark
• Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
• Bonefish
• Permit
• Golden Tilefish
• Jacks
• Kingfish
• Pompano
• Sea Basses
• Bluefish
• Cobia
• Wahoo
• Barracuda
• Longbill Spearfish

There are so many exciting fish to catch in Florida’s saltwater. There are also numerous techniques you can use and places to go to find the most exhilarating fish of them all. Our fishing charters in Florida have expert guides and beautiful boats that are outfitted with quality tournament grade equipment. We will give you
the best opportunity possible to catch the biggest fish of your career.

Call now to book your Saltwater Fishing Charter in Florida and delight in the opportunities.