MrBlueLakes
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Ill be in the keys for about a week diving/training. Is there any place that I could try spearing lionfish from shore in the area?
Key West Lion FIsh
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Belzelbub
Contributor
Not likely. They tend to be a bit deeper. When I’m targeting lion fish in the Keys, I find it best to be in at least 80’. You’ll occasionally find some shallower, but they are more plentiful in the deeper depths.
I second this; up in Broward & Dade you can find them much shallower, but as far as the Keys go....60-80 ft minimum
I will add that shore diving in the Keys is *so limited* that many just consider it nonexistent.
ApplyPressure
Registered
Do you need a fishing license for spearing lion fish in FL?
Belzelbub
Contributor
The way I read this, yes. You would need a saltwater recreational (or commercial, if selling) license for lionfish*. No size or bag limits, though.
*If under 16, or a resident over 65, then no license would be needed.
Do I need a license or permit?
Information on requirements and exemptions such as residency, age, veteran, senior, etc.
Edit to add: I stand corrected. Not needed under some circumstances as posted below.
johndiver999
Contributor
A recreational fishing license is not required for recreational fishers targeting lionfish while using a pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, a handheld net or any spearing device that is specifically designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish.
A recreational fishing license (unless exempt) is required for all other methods of harvesting lionfish including hook and line.
A recreational fishing license (unless exempt) is required for all other methods of harvesting lionfish including hook and line.
Belzelbub
Contributor
Good catch. A note on that exemption would have been good for FWC to include in the “Do I need a license?” section. I had originally thought that it wouldn’t be needed, however the non-native part in the section I quoted is what threw me.A recreational fishing license is not required for recreational fishers targeting lionfish while using a pole spear, a Hawaiian Sling, a handheld net or any spearing device that is specifically designed and marketed exclusively for lionfish.
A recreational fishing license (unless exempt) is required for all other methods of harvesting lionfish including hook and line.
If you are hunting lionfish without a license, you might want to bring the lionfish section with you, and make sure whatever you use complies with that section.
Johnoly
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Almost all the local reefs in the Keys & SE FLa are within cell phone range while out diving them. Should you find some tasty 'other' targets to harvest it's a 4 minute process on your phone to obtain an Immediate License while sitting on the dive boat. Put these 2 items on your phone now, just as a backup plan if you need an immediate license when already out on the water.
GoOutdoorsFlorida.com
(888-347-4356)
I've seen divers come up from their 1st tank screaming about how many lobsters or fish that would practically swim right to them. And after a quick phone call to the above, they came up from their 2nd dive with the ingredients for a full plated dinner at just a couple of dollars to be cooked by the chef at a local restaurant. Just ask your DM/Captain who's the best local chef, they'll know. Be sure to post the before & after picts here on ScubaBoard of your dinner!!
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