Bahamas Fishing & Hawaiian Sling: Rules Clarification

[sv Winterlude]

Hi All! Since I couldn't seem to find anything newer than 2008 online, I wrote to the Bahamas Dept of Fisheries to get the current rules on spearfishing with a Hawaiian Sling. Click below if you're interested in reading the e-mail I received.

2012 Fishing/Spearfishing In the Bahamas for Cruisers | Commuter Cruiser

[GordMay]

Thanks Jan. That should clear up the issue ... at least for this year.

[clifford sloan]

The easiest way to practise is to identify and target any and all Lionfish in the Bahamas. They wil be grateful and you will become a good shot as well as knowledgable about handling poisonous spined fish that happen to be good eating.
All the best,
Clif

[Tellie]

Nothing better than freshly speared Bahamian Hogfish.

[bryguy67]

I'm reviving this older thread because it's the only one that comes up when I search "Hawaiian sling" in the titles. It's my understanding that the Hawaiian Sling (HS) is about the only under water shooting device that is legal in the Bahamas and Caribbean. We hopefully leave in the Fall for that area; our first time living aboard full time, and I'm thinking of ordering a HS now and practicing with it in smaller local waters (or on land?) in the mean time. Can anyone recommend a good brand? Or one to stay away from? I don't want to make my own; kudos to those that do, but I'm just not that handy. And what advice can you give me about using them? Hunting/fishing with them? Which tips to use....etc? Thanks in advance

[skipmac]

Last time I checked a pole spear was also legal most places that allow the HS. I usually had more luck with the pole spear.

[robert sailor]

I'm assuming you are talking about a pole spear and not a real sling. If so you can get them with aluminum shafts or fiberglass. The cheapest ones used to have a fixed head but you will want to buy one that you can change tips on. For normal sized smaller fish I used the paralyzer tip and larger ones I used a single barb. They are really nothing more than a small diameter pole with a tip on one end and a large rubber sling, usually around 6 ft long. Grab the pole and place the rubber between your thumb and forefinger, pull back and hold the spear tight. You have to get close and simply release the pole to shoot it.

[jwing]

Originally Posted by clifford sloan

The easiest way to practise is to identify and target any and all Lionfish in the Bahamas. They wil be grateful and you will become a good shot as well as knowledgable about handling poisonous spined fish that happen to be good eating.
All the best,
Clif

Originally Posted by Tellie

Nothing better than freshly speared Bahamian Hogfish.

Hogfish populations in my favorite areas have diminished to almost nonexistent. Lionfish populations are exploding. Lionfish like to eat the same reef fish that people like to eat, but a lionfish is a much more effective hunter than a spearfisher. Please spear lionfish, even if you have enough to eat. They are delicious.

[jwing]

Pole spears vs. slings: each has an advantage over the other. I prefer pole spears, my partner prefers slings. But, as in many activities, success is less about the gear and more about the operator. She gets more water time than me, so she swims better, can hold her breath longer, and sees fish better than I do. Therefore, she is a better spearfisher than I am.

One other tip: once you have a fish on your spear, get the fish out of the water ASAP. A struggling, bleeding fish is like a dinner bell to the men in gray suits.

[FSMike]

Don't forget to ask for the spearfishing endorsement when you check in.
I forgot, and in the Exumas was told I would have to go to Nassau to acquire one.

[a64pilot]

When the man in the grey suit show up do NOT give him your fish. Fight him off. If your not prepared to do that do not spearfish. If you don't fight them off you are teaching them divers are the source of an easy meal