Gulf Coast Spear Fishing

Hunting for fish in the Gulf Coast area is an adventure that anyone who loves the outdoors should experience at least once. Spear fishing is a pleasant twist on traditional ocean fishing since you will be in the water with the fish choosing the one you want to catch.

There are several things you should investigate prior to planning your spear fishing trip. Other than the weather which is an important factor you should also consider whether you want to take a chartered boat out into the Gulf and whether you need to take some scuba or snorkeling classes. You can often find scuba and snorkeling classes in your local area particularly if you have a nearby community center with a pool. Knowing how to properly dive will set you up for your trip to the Gulf so that you can go spear fishing as soon as you arrive.

There are many chartered boat services surrounding the Gulf Coast and these services are a terrific way to learn about the specifics associated with spear fishing in the Gulf Coast area. The guides will be able to tell you about common fish, rules and regulation, and even about the best way to catch a big fish. Using a chartered boat designed for spear fishing means that you will have less equipment to bring. The charter services typically include all the spear fishing and diving equipment that you will require including any necessary safety equipment.

You can also participate in spear fishing when you want to stay close to the shore. You can swim in the clearer waters in the Gulf and find some fish around the low water reefs in the area. You may want to rent your equipment and ask for some advice about the best places in the area to spear fish.

Spear fishing in low water areas is usually done with snorkeling equipment or for the more adventurous scuba gear. While you can dive for longer periods with scuba gear you will definitely want to spend some time practicing diving before you go spear fishing alone. If you are new to the Gulf Coast area you may want to bring an experienced diver with you on the first few times you go our spear fishing in the Gulf.

You will need to be aware of and practice the local laws and wildlife regulations in the state where you are fishing. Spear fishing equipment in some areas is limited to a harpoon or a similar device. In many areas spear guns have been made illegal so check with a local guide if you are unsure of which type of fishing equipment to use.

Underwater spearfishing photo: How Pioneer Press photographer made the shot

When I was asked to head up north with our outdoors writer Dave Orrick and photograph spear fishermen for Sunday's paper, I knew I wanted at least one photo from below the water, something really illustrative about spearfishing.

Feds look to tighten spearfishing rules

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Captains corner: Divers will find plenty of fish and less of a shark threat

By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent Friday, January 20, 2012 Inshore: Diving and spearfishing in the inland waters is at its best this time of year. The average visibility in bay waters from Apollo Beach to north of the bay bridges is about half to two-thirds of the depth. This time of the year divers can enjoy spearfishing in the bay and inland areas without the severe threat of running into a ...

Police Files

A DIVER , who went spearfishing in seawaters off Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City last Saturday, was found dead by colleagues 200 feet below the sea.

Boat Sinks In The Middle Of Kaneohe Bay

Seven divers on a spearfishing trip are forced to swim to safety, after their boat sinks in the middle of Kaneohe Bay.