MrBlueLakes
Registered
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?
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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.
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.Do you need a fishing license for spearing lion fish in FL?
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.
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.Do you need a fishing license for spearing lion fish in FL?