Spearguns

[MBLittle]

All I've come across so far are some dated threads that allude to possible laws.

Specifically: who has a speargun on board while cursing and have you run into issues or problems with customs in various places?

[Dennis.G]

while cursing?

[MBLittle]

Originally Posted by Dennis.G

while cursing?

Haha. Thanks for that.

Cruising, cursing. Sometimes it's synonymous

[belizesailor]

Never a problem with Customs, but some fisheries do not allow spearguns.

[rebel heart]

Some places will let you use a sling but not a band gun. In Mexico (at least around here, but there are different rules around the country) only Mexican citizens can spear fish or get lobster. The joke is "don't spear fish until after 5pm", because the enforcement guys work banker hours.

I think most places won't let you scuba and spear at the same time although not a lot of people do that anyway. Bubble noise machines and all that.

[Ofer]

[QUOTE=rebel heart;1354997] only Mexican citizens can spear fish QUOTE]

I have never heard that for Mexico. where is around here?

[colemj]

We have spear guns, slings and pole spears on board. Have never had a problem with customs anywhere in the Caribbean. Technically, Bonaire requires one to hand over their spear gun (and flare gun and several other things) to be returned to you when you leave. However, we were never asked about them (just a general "do you have any guns onboard") so did not bother.

Many, if not most, places in the Caribbean that people go to ban spear fishing of any type. In the Eastern Carib, it doesn't matter because there are no fish left to spear anyway. The Western Carib is hit and miss for spear fishing - both legally and abundantly. If you are one to travel to remote places in the Carib, and you have good free-diving skills (30-70' and over a minute breath), then the spearfishing is fantastic Fish | East of the Equator | M&M

In the Bahamas, only slings and pole spears allowed, but the fishing is very good there.

I have never found anywhere that it is legal to spearfish with scuba gear.

And to be absolutely clear - we do not spear fish where not allowed, and follow all laws of a country regarding fishing and snorkeling/diving.

Mark

[CarinaPDX]

Increasingly places that are popular dive sites prevent tourists from using spear guns, in part to preserve the fish for viewing and part to preserve the profit from the fish for locals.

Bonaire requires cruisers to check in their spearguns along with firearms upon arrival, must not dive wearing gloves, and must pay a nominal fee for a dive permit. My brother just got back from the Caymans and said that only locals can hunt lionfish with spearguns.

I do have a collapsed emergency sling in my abandon ship bag. I have never used it, and haven't reported it either. I would probably check it in if I went back, just to be correct, but for me it is strictly emergency equipment.

Greg

[rebel heart]

[QUOTE=Ofer;1355008]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

only Mexican citizens can spear fish QUOTE]

I have never heard that for Mexico. where is around here?

I think it's just the Puerto Escondido / Lareto area. There's a special zone of some type around here. Our friends on Lunasea got their kayaks (and spear guns) seized by the local game wardens.

[colemj]

Kayaks? You are not even allowed to paddle around? What about dinghies? How do you get to shore?

Mark

[s/v Jedi]

We have speargun, sling and rods aboard. We fish for consumption only. Normally what we catch with the rods while underway is plenty so we don't use the rest much. We found that where there is no fish left, all was taken by the locals; most take anything incl. langustine females with eggs etc. It's pretty sad but it is how it is.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by colemj

Kayaks? You are not even allowed to paddle around? What about dinghies? How do you get to shore?

Mark

They got their kayaks seized because they were spearfishing. Fishing violations (at least in California and Pacific Mexico) tend to end up in forfeiture of gear and vessels.

[hellosailor]

MB, check the regulations (or noonsite.com) for the places you intend to go. The use and possession of things are regulated separately, so you can probably carry a Hawaiian sling anywhere, although some venues will arrest you if it is used, or simply on deck looking like it has been used.

On the other hand a speargun, powered by slings or compressed air, etc., and having a trigger release mechanism, is classified as a FIREARM even in many US states, where law enforcement tends to ignore that as long as it is kept on a boat or in the water. Anything that "propels" "launches" or "fires" some type of "missile" or "projectile" by any means of stored energy, is classified as a firearm in many jurisdictions. Enforcement varies, but if the law says it is a firearm, you can worry about being caught with one.

[Geoff54]

From the Virgin Islands National Park regulations:

"Possession or use of any type of spearfishing equipment within park boundaries is prohibited"

[Thin Line]

I have found that disabling your speargun by removing the shaft and zip tying the mechanism is more than sufficient to enter areas that spearguns are not allowed. For instance the Dry Tortugas, spearguns were forbidden but allowed if disabled. There are also several areas around in the Keys were spearguns are not permitted, but if they are disabled are no problem.

Disclaimer: Other countries might not be as forgiving