Mexico/Yucatan Spearfishing/freediving???

[mike p]

I am heading down to Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan in April ’06 and have been scouring the net for information regarding freediving and spear fishing. I have turned up decidedly little. It seems that most dive outfits require the use of life vests while snorkeling(@$#*~!!!) and don’t recommend swimming too far out from shore due to heavy boat traffic. While sport fishing is big they all seem to frown on spearfishing. Does anybody know anything about freediving and spearfishing the eastern Yucatan?

[Luis]

Hi Mike...

Don't get discuoraged, spearfishing is not a very popular sport, and most of the people is not familiar with it, just ask the "lancheros" (the boat people) for the spots where u can hunt, there a lot of places are "underwater parks" and you can't practice any kind of fishing, but there are many places where u can. Ask the locals, and if the big companies don't offer anything, ask the small and more local boat charter companies, I'm sure that you can find great spots!


Best regards and good luck!
Luis.

[HawaiiDivers]

Worked down in Playa for 5 months back in early 93.. and spearfishing was great but the fish where DEEP and we only went to reefs that we did not do tours on because of very strong current...So yes there is spear fishing and you will have to find local fisherman to take you NOT DIVE BOAT Charter..Aloha Mark..

[mike p]

Thanks guys, I just extended my trip down there and added Cozumel to the itinerary so I can at least snorkel without a life vest! I figured locals would know but it is good to hear from people who have been spearing down there because I need to buy a “rubber-band gun” and leave my pneumatic Cressi at home.
I’ll post what I find down there.

Thanks again..Mike

[Jon]

The whole south-west side of Cozumel is off limits to spearing- unless you get north of the city where the currents are pretty strong and the reefs deep.

I have had freinds spearfish on these reefs, mainly Baracuda reef, but you need a boat and a good guide to get you there. Your other option is the East side of the island. Water is rougher and the currents are stronger over there, but very few people dive there- execpet for locals, Depths are shallower and the sharks are bigger on that end.

I've been able to freedive on some of the boat charters down there right along with the scuba divers. they didn't make me wear a vest and allowed me to dive reefs in the 20 meter range. The current took us along and we stayed as a group. I think they even liked the fact that i was there becasue it was easier for the boat captain to keep an eye on me rather than the divers bubbles that he noramlly had to follow.

Ted was over on the Yucatan Peninsula and had horrible luck freediving. They didn't know what to make of him and it didn't sound like any fun at all.

Jon

[seaman]

Originally Posted by mike p

I am heading down to Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan in April ’06 and have been scouring the net for information regarding freediving and spear fishing. I have turned up decidedly little. It seems that most dive outfits require the use of life vests while snorkeling(@$#*~!!!) and don’t recommend swimming too far out from shore due to heavy boat traffic. While sport fishing is big they all seem to frown on spearfishing. Does anybody know anything about freediving and spearfishing the eastern Yucatan?

Actually, spearfishing in Mexico is totally legal, in spite of that some people believe that spearfishers are just "bad" dudes. Contact a good local skipper and get the mexican fishing law handy if you have any problems. The real issue about mexican law is that each person has its own version of it. Contact the local tourist administration and have a good time!!

[takeshi]

hehehe, a life vest while spearing, must be a good workout. Can't be too careful in the great outdoors! Very different from the tv sofa and the office, you watch out now!

[mike p]

I'm Back!!
The coast of the Yucatan from Cancun to Akumal/Telum and around the island of Cozumel is largely protected though there are areas in which spearfishing is legal. The trouble is finding anyone who both knows where exactly you can fish and is willing to take you there. I got pretty negative reactions to my questions about it so my speargun never got wet. Net time we'll head to Akumal and south or to the west coast where spearing is far more accepted.

[willp]

Originally Posted by mike p

I am heading down to Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan in April ’06 and have been scouring the net for information regarding freediving and spear fishing. I have turned up decidedly little. It seems that most dive outfits require the use of life vests while snorkeling(@$#*~!!!) and don’t recommend swimming too far out from shore due to heavy boat traffic. While sport fishing is big they all seem to frown on spearfishing. Does anybody know anything about freediving and spearfishing the eastern Yucatan?

i am heading out to the Yucatan also, August 5 2006, like mike p i have found no information what so ever on spearfishing. i was wondering if any of you guys knew anything about spearfishing south of Cozumal and Tulum. i am heading out to Cozumal (which there is nothin there) and then going to Majahual and the costa maya. does any one know any good spearfishing spots near there. i would really appreciate any information any of you have, so as to know whether it is worth it to lug my spear gun on the plane. also what kind of permits or licenses do you need to spear fish, if any at all? thanks ahead.

Will P

[Lmckeen]

I have been going to Cancun for the past few months (almost monthly) and each time have gone diving/snorkeling, hook fishing and recently spearfishing. I have a friend, a local, who is beginning this thing called "Catch your own lunch". He's a dive master, and has a boat. He has all the equipment and can take you out to dive and spearfish. The "captain" is an experienced boater and knows all the best places for a catch. I'm not advertising, just letting you all know there are places out there - I've found out you just need to know who to contact (locals) to get you there.
It's been an awesome experience for me! I can't believe how incredibly fun it is to catch something and eat it for dinner that night! Last time out we had 4 lobsters and a tuna, I caught 4 barracuda (still learning what different fish look like) with a hook and just a line - no pole! off the boat, so I traded them for a Mahi-Mahi at the beach where we went to have our catch cooked. Since "non-locals" can't eat barracuda. ;-)
As I said, I'm not advertising as I have no affiliation with this person other than he's the one that takes us out when we go there. If you're interested in the contact, I can help if you contact me.
Happy diving!
Lynda

Originally Posted by willp

i am heading out to the Yucatan also, August 5 2006, like mike p i have found no information what so ever on spearfishing. i was wondering if any of you guys knew anything about spearfishing south of Cozumal and Tulum. i am heading out to Cozumal (which there is nothin there) and then going to Majahual and the costa maya. does any one know any good spearfishing spots near there. i would really appreciate any information any of you have, so as to know whether it is worth it to lug my spear gun on the plane. also what kind of permits or licenses do you need to spear fish, if any at all? thanks ahead.

Will P

[Robert Baker]

I’ll be vacationing in Cancun in December and would be interested in getting a Freediving qualification while there. Do you know if there is any opportunity for this? Otherwise, the "catch your own lunch" sounds like fun. Can you provide any details?