Beach Spearfishing

[lingkiller]

Hi,
This is my first post to this forum and I am just now getting into spearfishing. I was wondering if you are allowed to simply jump into the water off of the beach and spearfish or if there are laws against spearing near beaches b/c of surfers. I also wanted to know if there are general rules of thumb for these things such as if its legal to fish than spearfishing is fine as well.

I'm grateful for any and all advice I can get.
Thanks

 

[Logan aquatics]

Common sense applies. don't spear where there are other people swimming, snorkeling, surfing etc... Just makes sense. The usual thing I tend to find over here is that mostly you can spear wherever you can fish. Just be courteous to those people who are linefishing nearby.
As a beginner the best thing to do is to get a book that shows the best fish to eat that are around the area you dive. Don't get out there and shoot everything in site, bad form to just kill everything. Learning what the fish are is a good thing to do.

 

[nz676]

check all your local regulations or contact your local fish and game in canada it is the DFO. They are government so responses can be slow but if they catch you illigally fishing you can have your car, gun siezed and hefty fines so becareful dive safe.

 

[spaghetti]

Correct. Such regulations are a local thing. Even here they may vary from town to town, especially in regards to beachlines where the spearguns vs. swimmers subject is a very sensitive one. And, no matter what the regulations say, it always takes a bit of common sense.

You may bet your life I'm a fond spearfisher, but I myself go batshit when I'm swimming with family and kids and, all at sudden, some idiot comes by in range with a loaded speargun pointing on us.

When tourist season is on, I spearfish along beachlines only very early in the morning or around sunset, when it's less likely that swimmers and families are around.

 

[lingkiller]

thanks for the advice guys, yea I'm not new to fishing so I know what kinds of fish to shoot and will only shoot what I will eat.
I will make sure to call the DFG and check, and yes I will be very conscious of where I am spearing in proximity to swwimmers and take the neccessary precautions.

 

[Bill McIntyre]

I notice that you are from Laguna Hills, CA. The best places for diving from shore near you are in Laguna Beach, and that city has a lot of restrictions. You definitely need to familiarize yourself with local regulations.

Also, unless delayed by a pending lawsuit, implementation of the Marine Life Protection Act later this year will close almost all of Laguna to fishing of any kind. Here is a link showing proposed Marine Protection Areas, with the uses allowed in each one. Its complicated to understand and will be an enforcement nightmare. Scroll down until you get to the Laguna Area.

MLPA UPDATES maps latest sport fishing Califiornia

 

[lingkiller]

Thanks for all the info guys its helped a lot. I'll be very cautious and aware of swimmers/surfers around me. And dang they really have restricted a decent chunk of laguna there.

 

[meem]

Hello,

Does anyone can advise, what regulation, law for a spearfishing are in Mediterranean sea and Black sea, please?

I like to dive in Croatia, but Bulgaria or Italy might also by the option, as we don't have a sea in my country.

I am also thinking what kind of spear-gun, could be good for a beginner, I am trying to get all information possible how to start, and be prepare for season.

thank you,

=m=

 

[Erik]

To "meem"; I'd suggest you post your question in Europe & Mediterranean Probably better chance of getting an answer there.

Lingkiller, since you're just getting into this, probably not a bad idea to go out with someone who knows your area or wherever you're going to hunt. I know there are good clubs in Cali, just not sure where you are exactly. Plus it's more fun.

Cheers,
Erik

 

[meem]

Hi,

I will try to post it there, too

I am in middle of europe, Slovakia no sea and also not sure about spearfishing club here... (isnt legal here)
I am a scuba diver, but also I like snorkeling.

Thank you.

=m=