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Can you spearfish in the Keys?

Author

Olivia Carter

Published Mar 04, 2026

Can you spearfish in the Keys?

The Upper Keys
The fishing grounds from the Everglades to Islamorada are famed all over the world. Unfortunately, spearfishing is prohibited in some of the shallower waters. There's a 3-mile “Sanctuary Preservation Area” that limits the spearfishing opportunities.

Just so, where can I spearfish in the Keys?

Where to go spearfishing in the Florida Keys when freediving

  • The places to go spearfishing in the Florida Keys on the Atlantic side can be.
  • This is the first area and the closest to shore.
  • The best ones are where there's an inner circle of coral, then a ring of sand, then turtle grass.
  • The reef runs the length of the Keys about five miles off shore.

One may also ask, is spear fishing illegal? Spearfishing is illegal in many bodies of water, and some locations only allow spearfishing during certain seasons.

Keeping this in consideration, what fish can you spear in the Keys?

The technique for spearfishing is more closely related to game hunting than hook-and-line fishing. Common target species in the Florida Keys include grouper, snapper and hogfish. Spearfishing has virtually no damage to the environment or non-target species.

Can you spearfish in Marathon FL?

Species Found Spearfishing Florida Keys Wrecks & Reef

The local wrecks and reef around Marathon and Duck Key offer the perfect environment for the avid spearfisherman. Species of grouper that can legally be speared are black grouper, gag grouper, and red grouper.

Can you spear fish while scuba diving?

Scuba divers can continually spearfish at depths that could have served as a refuge for fish that were deep enough to avoid the hook or your average free diver. Furthermore, hook and line allows for catch-and-release fishing while spearfishing on scuba does not.

Can you spear fish in Islamorada?

Unfortunately, spearfishing is prohibited in some of the shallower waters. Islamorada and Key Largo spearfishing trips will take you to waters of medium depth, going after some big, strong, and prized fish. Target Snappers, Groupers, and plenty of other delicious fish in the reefs and wrecks.

What kind of lobsters are in the Florida Keys?

Caribbean spiny lobster and spotted spiny lobster are found throughout the Caribbean and Florida Keys. Also known as crawfish, spiny lobsters are widely enjoyed as food throughout the Caribbean and South Florida. They are harvested by recreational and commercial scuba divers and by commercial fishermen.

Can you Spearfish triple tail?

I shoot every triple tail I see in federal waters. It is 100% legal as long as you dont stop back in state waters on the way in. People always get so bent out of shape over shooting permit and triple tail which is fine because that just leaves more for me to shoot! Spearheads Spearfishing Episodes!

Can you spear lionfish?

Divers using rebreathers are permitted to spear and remove lionfish.

Where can I Spearfish in Key Largo?

The only spearfishing in the Key Largo area is in Federal waters south of Rodriguez Key or outside the EMA in more than 300' water.

Can you spear permit in Florida?

Although it is against the law to take goliath grouper by any means anywhere off Florida, it also is illegal to spear many kinds of fish, including billfish, sharks, snook, redfish, permit, pompano, tarpon, bonefish, some rays and crabs, ornamental fish and many other species.

Can you spear a shark?

Most times, if a shark begins to get close you can poke or direct them away with the end of your speargun and they will keep their distance. They are testing how close they can get to get the fish, but you never want to spear a shark. It creates a more dangerous situation for us well as for the animal.

How old do you have to be to spear fish?

16 years

Can you spear fish lobster?

Dive for the lobsters

Use your own hands and net to catch the lobster. If you're set on spearfishing, you can use a tickle stick to ensure that you have a good shot. Just remember that spearfishing may require a separate license in your area!

Can you spear lobster in Florida?

You can't spear a lobster or use any device that will puncture, penetrate, or crush the flesh of a lobster. The bag limit – or amount of lobsters you can take – in Monroe County and Biscayne National Park is 6 per day is 6 per person (12 in other Florida waters).

Can you spear mangrove snapper?

They were able to spear a king mackerel, cero mackerel, a flounder, and a couple muttons down there. They saw hundreds of mangrove snapper, but very few over ten inches.

Can you spear fish Sheepshead?

Spearfishing Sheepshead

Florida sheepshead flees fast when they are spooked so use a speargun that tracks quickly and has little drag when it is moved from side to side. Since you will be spearfishing in close quarters in shallow and brackish water, use a shorter band gun or try a pneumatic one.

Can you spear sheepshead in Florida?

Gear Requirements:

Legal Gear: hook and line, cast net, seine, spear or gig. Illegal Gear: Harvest prohibited by or with the use of any multiple hook in conjunction with live or dead natural bait; Snatching prohibited.

Can a spear gun kill a human?

But usually, no. A spear gun is a weapon used by hunters to kill small prey with a spear and retrieve them with an attached lanyard. There is nothing defensive about trying to kill things and then stopping them from escaping before they die. Self-defense means blocking or stopping an attack from injuring your body.

Can you shoot a speargun above water?

They are designed to shoot in water, and should only really be loaded and shot in water, due to the forces involved.

How dangerous is spearfishing?

With Spearfishing you may encounter a variety of dangers including Sharks, shallow water blackout, heavy seas, strong currents, Jelly Fish, and risk drowning as a result fo line tangles. Spearfishing by its very nature is an extreme sport and few activities can rival the excitement and thrill of landing a quality fish.

How deep do Spearfishers go?

5 to 25 meters deep

How far do spearguns shoot?

2 to 8 ft

Is a spear gun a firearm?

Legally, no, a harpoon gun wouldn't be a firearm. There's a bunch of criteria that lay out what a firearm is, and harpoon guns don't meet any of them. Even according to the dictionary, which is a much looser term, a "firearm" requires gunpowder to fire.

Does spearfishing kill the fish?

There are two ways to kill your fish when spearfishing. The first is to “stone” the fish with an instant kill-shot. The other is a little more hands on.. This shot below was a little far back, but as it went straight through the spine the fish died instantly.

Can a fish feel pain?

“Fish do feel pain. It's likely different from what humans feel, but it is still a kind of pain.” At the anatomical level, fish have neurons known as nociceptors, which detect potential harm, such as high temperatures, intense pressure, and caustic chemicals.

Do spearguns work on land?

Re: Shooting a Speargun Out Of Water

Yeah, its not a good idea to shoot on land. Its best to shoot them underwater where they are designed to shoot.

How do you catch hogfish in Florida?

Hoggies can be found rooting for crustaceans on sandy bottoms edging ledges, reefs and wrecks in Gulf waters at 30- to 130-foot depths. This is key to successfully catching a hogfish. The bait of choice is, hands down, smallish fresh shrimp and/or sand fleas.

Where can you spearfish in Florida?

One of the best locations for beginner spearos is the city of Destin in Florida's northwest. Lying on the Gulf of Mexico, Destin offers a wide range of options for a spearfishing expedition. Boasting a large beach area that allows spearos to fish directly offshore makes it a great choice for families.
Polespears and Hawaiian Slings are considered the same as spearguns w.r.t the spearfishing regulations pertaining to Florida Waters.
Scuba Spearing is legal in all states with an ocean in that ocean, subject to seasonal and area closures, slot, and bag limits. Rebreather spearing is allowed in federal waters of the United States. Many states prohibit spearing with a rebreather (by many, I mean the one I live in).

What kind of fish are in the Florida Keys?

Top Catches in the Florida Keys
  • Bonefish. One of the Florida Keys beloved fish, Bonefish is truly a force to be reckoned with!
  • Tarpon. This one needs no introduction.
  • Snapper.
  • Grouper.
  • Mahi Mahi.
  • Billfish.
  • Charter Fishing.
  • Party Boat Fishing.

Where can I fish in Marathon FL?

Anglers continually marvel at the spectacular leaps, strong runs, and incredible endurance of the “silver king.” The west end of the Seven Mile Bridge, and Bahia Honda bridge are the sites of the heaviest tarpon fishing action, as well as excellent fishing from the Long Key Bridge and both the bridges at Toms Harbor.

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Can you spearfish in the Keys?