Spearfishing Laws Across the States in USA

Spearfishing laws have changed nationwide. From California to New York, each state presents its own updated regulations.

In places like Florida and Oahu, the rules are especially distinct, while areas like Michigan, Texas, and Alabama each bring their own nuances.

You should familiarize yourself with these laws of spearfishing before diving. So, are you excited to learn about the rules and regulations?

Spearfishing laws in California

Regional Permits: Spearfishing is permitted in specific regions, such as the Colorado River and Valley District.
Fish Types: Carp, tilapia, goldfish, and mullet are all allowed to spearfish in the Colorado River District.
Seasonal Restrictions: Spearfishing is only allowed in places like the Valley District and Black Butte Lake (Tehama County) from May 1 to September 15.
Exceptions: There are some areas within these districts where spearfishing is wholly prohibited, like certain areas in Shasta County and salmon spawning areas.
Specific Locations: Spearfishing is allowed in the Kern River from the Kern-Tulare county line to Johnsondale Bridge during certain seasons.
Fish Types in Kern River: Carp, goldfish, Sacramento (Western) sucker, hardhead, and Sacramento pikeminnow are some targets.
Additional Regulations: There are separate sections for spearfishing laws for specific species, like bullfrogs.
Code Reference: The laws on spearfishing are in California. Code Regulations. Tit. 14, § 2.30.
Amendments: A new spearfishing law ensures safety and sustainability.

Spearfishing Laws in Florida

Spearfishing Laws in Florida: Florida is a popular destination for spearfishing enthusiasts, but knowing the state’s regulations is essential.
Is Spearfishing Legal?: Yes, spearfishing is legal in Florida, but there are specific zones, primarily in certain freshwater areas and some marine protected areas, where it’s prohibited.
What Fish Can You Spear in Florida?: There are restrictions on targeting many fish species. Fishing for sturgeon, Nassau grouper, and Goliath grouper is prohibited.
Is Spearfishing Legal in Florida?: Yes, but always check specific regulations for zones and protected marine areas.
Do You Need a License to Spearfish in Florida?: Yes, you need a saltwater fishing license when spearfishing in saltwater and a freshwater license for freshwater regions.
What Fish Can You Bowfish in Florida?: Bowfishing is allowed for nongame fish species like gar, catfish, and carp in freshwater. In saltwater, species vary.
What Saltwater Fish Can You Bowfish in Florida?: Common saltwater species for bow fishing include rays, mullet, and sheepshead, among others.
Are Powerheads Legal in Florida?: Harvesting fish with powerheads, also known as bang sticks, in Florida waters is legal, but there are some restrictions. Refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines.

Hawaii Spearfishing Laws

Spearfishing Laws: Hawaii’s spearfishing regulations prioritize both conservation and safety.
Do you need a license for spearfishing? Spearfishing in Hawaii doesn’t require a permit, but some restrictions exist.
Is spearfishing illegal?: Not across the board, but specific areas in Hawaii do prohibit it to protect marine life.
How old do you have to be to spearfish?: Letting kids play is okay, but they need some supervision.
How to get a spearfishing license: Local Department of Land and Natural Resources offices typically issue permits in areas that require them.
Where can I spearfish?: While many areas allow spearfishing, regions like the West Hawaii Regional FMA have specific prohibitions.
Is spearfishing with SCUBA gear legal?: It’s illegal to spearfish or possess SCUBA gear with speared aquatic life in West Hawaii Regional FMA.

Michigan Spearfishing Laws:

Spearfishing laws in Michigan are governed by the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451.
The Department recently added an underwater spearfishing category to Fisheries Order 219, proposed by the Michigan Spearfishing Association.
This new addition expands underwater spearfishing to include lake trout, northern pike, and walleye in some regions, Lake Michigan, Huron, and Superior areas.
An annual free underwater spearfishing license is required.
Monthly harvest reports must be submitted online by spearfishing anglers.
You can only spearfish 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise.
Spearfishing near swimming areas, boat docks, access points, and power intake tubes within 150 feet is prohibited.
Artificial breathing devices like scuba gear are not allowed while spearfishing.
The Department will review the spearfishing laws and their impact after five years.

Spearfishing Laws in Texas:

Legal Devices: Game fish in Texas may only be taken by pole and line, including rod and reel.
Restrictions in Freshwater: Spearfishing isn’t allowed in state parks and community fishing lakes.
Nongame Fish: Spearfishing is allowed for nongame fish. It’s essential to know the difference between game and nongame fish.
Spear Definition: Propelled shafts, single or multiple points. You don’t get arrows; you only get nongame fish.
Speargun: A hand-operated device for propelling a spear. Crossbows aren’t allowed, and it’s only for nongame fish.
Jurisdictional Issues: LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) regulations may confuse state laws.
Search for Clarity: Before spearfishing, check state and local regulations since TPWD and LCRA regulations may conflict.

O’ahu Spearfishing Laws

Spearfishing Laws: O’ahu has strict spearfishing laws to ensure sustainable marine practices.
Permit Requirement: You need a fishing license or permit to spearfish.
Gear Restrictions: Spear guns and slings are among the prohibited gear.
Fish Size and Species: Some fish species are protected, and others have size limits to keep them healthy.
Protected Areas: Marine protected areas don’t allow spearfishing.
Night Spearfishing: Night spearfishing is often limited or prohibited to protect divers and marine life.
Bag Limits: Fish populations aren’t overexploited by setting bag limits on daily catches.
Safety Protocols: Spearfishers must follow safety protocols, including using dive flags to alert boats.
Seasonal Restrictions: Hunting certain species is only allowed during certain seasons.
Enforcement: There is a regular patrol of spearfishing laws on Oahu, and those who violate them are subject to harsh punishments.

Laws of Spearfishing in Alabama

Jurisdiction: Alabama regulates spearfishing, both fresh and saltwater.
Legality: You can spearfish for sport only on nongame or commercial fish.
Submersion Requirement: To spearfish in Alabama, you have to be submerged underwater.
License Requirement: To spearfish, you need a license.
Issuing Authorities: The Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries Division and the Marine Resources Division issue spearfishing licenses.
Online Application: These licenses can also be obtained online for added convenience.
Purpose: Alabama recognizes spearfishing as a sport, not a commercial activity.

NY Spearfishing Laws

- Legislation Reference: 2013-S3823C.
- Purpose: Allows recreational spearfishing in New York’s marine and coastal waters.
- Speargun Definition: A device that stores potential energy from the spearfisher’s muscles.
- Energy Source: Diving equipment releases energy using rubber bands, springs, and sealed air chambers.
- Usage Condition: You can only use spearguns underwater when fully submerged.
- Fish Species: The law amends the list of fish you can spear, speargun, etc.
- Safety Restriction: In a 100-yard radius of public bathing areas, you can’t spearfish.
- Historical Context: For over 60 years, spearfishing with spearguns has been popular on Long Island.
- License Requirement: You must follow the state’s spearfishing laws for licensing and training.

Final Thoughts

State spearfishing laws are committed to sustainability, conservation, and safety.

Enthusiasts must understand these regulations as the sport grows.

Now you have learned about local spearfishing guidelines, you are ready to make a splash underwater. Enjoy the depths of our oceans responsibly!

FAQs

Do you need a license for spearfishing in various states?

In states like Florida, you need a saltwater fishing license to spearfish in saltwater and a freshwater fishing license to spearfish in freshwater. Spearfishing is also legal in Alabama and O’ahu with a fishing license.

Is spearfishing illegal in some places?

Spearfishing isn’t illegal everywhere, but some areas, like Hawaii, prohibit it to protect marine life. O’ahu has a marine protected area, and other states do, too.

How old do you have to be to spearfish?

If your state does not specify a minimum age for spearfishing, you should always supervise children if they are spearfishing.

How do I get a spearfishing license?

Licenses are usually available from local Department of Land and Natural Resources offices, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division, or Marine Resources Division. You can also do it online.

Where can I spearfish legally?

Some states allow spearfishing, but zones like the West Hawaii Regional FMA, some freshwater areas in Florida, and marine protected areas are not allowed.

Is spearfishing with SCUBA gear legal everywhere?

Spearfishing with SCUBA gear is illegal in places like the West Hawaii Regional FMA. While spearfishing in Michigan, artificial breathing devices like scuba gear aren’t allowed.