chuck41:
SNIP... Would it be a good idea to bring my speargun along or is season closed at that time... SNIP
No season as far as I know but this is my first year spear fishing on our reef.
The problem with spearing is that you really need to get OUT to the drop-off (mooring bouys) to find much. You may find a keeper-size hog in the sand between the reef lines, but they're very rare and, besides, we generally consider them pets if they're this side of the mooring bouys... kinda like shooting bambi off your doorstep.
It's a 1,500 yard swim out to the mooring bouys, and even Jenny only has a few minutes of air to spare once there before heading in under optimal conditions (no surge or current to fight). It's no fun really to come back on the surface... I've tried it!
Though we have a good number of snapper out there at he mooring bouys, the REAL prize is grouper... but a grouper has to be 20" plus depending on the species, and they all look alike at first. That's a BIG fish with a lot of BLOOD to be dragging around when you're that far out. Also, you don't want to spear the wrong species because they do check divers AND it's a huge fine. Forget about spearking anything like snook, though you'll see plenty out there - no game fish allowed.
So, bring your gun? Nah, not unless you're going to go with a boat. We can hook you up with somebody who knows that drill, if you wish.