Spearfishing

[Anthony Appleyard]

I am aware of current disapproval of spearfishing as being destructive to sea life.

But there seems to be a recent encouragement of spearfishing to try to control or eliminate the lionfish (Pterois volitans) in areas where it is a destructive recent invader (Mediterranean, Caribbean).

What is usual or official policy here?
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The arrival of the red king crab in European seas has caused similar fears.
Red king crab - Wikipedia

 

[Saniflush]

I think the official policy is dive and let dive.

You will find some that are really into it, some that are not, and some that do not care.

 

[Johnoly]

..But there seems to be a recent encouragement of spearfishing to try to control or eliminate the lionfish (Pterois volitans)......
What is usual or official policy here?

In Florida,,,We Welcome Lionfish Hunters !!. Unlike other restrictive locations, in FLA you don't even need a License nor an authorized guide. IT'S FREE ! Some very small spots are closed but 99% of Florida is wide open to shoot lionfish year round. It applies to LF gear only, but you can harvest them, filet at the dock and take them to a nearby restaurant to be saute'd, grilled, or lionfish tacos for lunch. Some of the best spots to visit are southeast florida and the panhandle.

Water's really warm and clear,,,,make a boat reservation and tell them you want to help clean up the lionfish!!

 

[CuzzA]

And for what it's worth, spearfishing is the least destructive means of catching dinner. No bait used, no by-catch, no terminal tackle, no monofilament and long lines, no nets left behind, and many spearfishermen do not use anchors. It is the DIR of fishing.

 

[Anthony Appleyard]

The two species of lionfish involved in the Florida invasion are Pterois volitans Red lionfish - Wikipedia and the common lionfish Pterois miles - Wikipedia .

Likely in lionfish-invaded areas, any local rules or laws against spearfishing on scuba would have to be removed.

Sorry :: what is "LF gear"?

I heard on Youtube that some lionfish in invaded areas developed fatty liver from eating so many small native fish.

 

[Soloist]

How do you plan on spearing these lionfish? With a pole spear or speargun? A speargun is pretty much useless for lionfish because they are rarely out in the open. However, a pole spear is very effective. You can use the spear to position the fish away from the reef so you don’t damage anything when you shoot. I say go for it. Kill them and eat them. Lionfish ceviche!

To kill or not to kill lionfish in the Caribbean and Florida?

https://www.makospearguns.com/Traveler-Pole-Spear-p/mtps.htm

 

[Lorenzoid]

I heard on Youtube that some lionfish in invaded areas developed fatty liver from eating so many small native fish.

I wouldn’t have thought it possible for lionfish to be MORE delicious than they already are—sautéed, ceviche, coconut-crusted, etc.—but the prospect of lionfish foie gras is just over the top!

 

[Akimbo]

I am aware of current disapproval of spearfishing as being destructive to sea life.

A mentor pointed out to me that sea life is destructive to sea life, it's called the food chain. There was a short time in the late 1950s and early 1960s where a few competitive spearfisherman left their excess catch on the beach to rot. For the most part, this led to the rapid disfavor of spearfishing competitions and was the primary catalyst for the anti-spearfishing sentiment.

Skin Diver Magazine began more as a spearfishing magazine than a diving magazine. I remember when the editorial attitude changed rather suddenly. I was too young and removed from that culture to realize what was happening but @Sam Miller III lived through the entire evolution and can teach us a lot more about it.

My dive instructor was a spearfisherman but only for his family and friend's consumption. Several of the people I dove with that competed always found dinner plates and freezer space for their catch. I concur with @CuzzA's observations. Spearfisherman only shoot at fish they want to eat.

 

[Storker]

I am aware of current disapproval of spearfishing as being destructive to sea life.

I must have missed that memo.

A mentor pointed out to me that sea life is destructive to sea life, it's called the food chain.

Personally, I have no issues about harvesting, being it spearfishing, scalloping, lobstering or whatever. As long as it's done sustainably and in accordance with local regulations. So while I have no problems filling two huge catch bags with scallops at a remote site at the coast, I don't spearfish on local sites (too high pressure on the environment if people were doing that) and I don't pick lobsters (not allowed for divers around here).

 

[BlueTrin]

How do you plan on spearing these lionfish? With a pole spear or speargun? A speargun is pretty much useless for lionfish because they are rarely out in the open. However, a pole spear is very effective. You can use the spear to position the fish away from the reef so you don’t damage anything when you shoot. I say go for it. Kill them and eat them. Lionfish ceviche!

To kill or not to kill lionfish in the Caribbean and Florida?

https://www.makospearguns.com/Traveler-Pole-Spear-p/mtps.htm

How do you use a pole spear ? I thought with the water slowing you you wouldn’t be able to spear things effectively