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Whack'in fish in Islamorada, the Keys, and in Miami

	Whack'in fish in Islamorada, the Keys, and in Miami
Author: MLFishslayer Posted: 04-Apr-07 IP: Logged	Hi everyone! Just found this site not to long ago and tonight I find myself with a little time to find other serious spearfishmen. I've been diving and "whack'in fish" in the Keys for just over 10 years now. I'm a former Outward Bound Instructor and suffer form living the rat race in Miami. Sadly, I've become a weekend warrior. I keep my boat in islormada and am always looking for some folks to share the experience of adventure with. Many worry about sharks, but the truth is, the only thing that has ever claimed my spearfishing partners is golf! (The diving in the Keys ranges from 30-120ft.I'm mostly in 40-85ft depending on the time of year) My weekends usually consist or whack'in fish in the morning and bbq'in up the catch, or making crevice in the afternoon, with a cold drink at the Sand Bar or around the shallows Alligator Light. With Dolphin season around the corner I'm looking to do a little Blue Water Hunting as well. Anyone out there interested in an adventure in the Keys? Guys or Gals are welcome. I'd love to hook up with folks at my level or better, but I'm willing to teach if your serious, committed and willing to kick in a little for gas. I heard tales of spear fishing out at the hump, but I'm short a skilled and trust worthey pertner.. No adventure to big or to small.... just being out there, you've already won. Remember 90% of it is just showing up! Fish On! Mike     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: Richesb Posted: 05-Apr-07 IP: Logged	Give us a call if you'd like some "southern company". We live and dive/spearfish out of Marathon year round. richesb@bellsouth.net     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: chase Posted: 12-Apr-07 IP: Logged	hey my name is chase. im 21 and lived in marathon my hole life. iv been spearfishing (scubba and freediving) since i could walk. if you ever need another dive buddy feel free to give me a ring. 305 481 0324     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: Richesb Posted: 13-Apr-07 IP: Logged	Chase, Got your message. This weekend may be a problem getting together. Have a couple of guests spearfishing with me. I will definitely keep in touch. I will keep in touch on phone. Your talents will pay your fare - You have to dive forthe ball on the T-bolt. Fair deal?     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: Richesb Posted: 19-Apr-07 IP: Logged	Chase, if you're out there - How's a T-Bolt trip Sat. 4/28? will give you a call on phone or call us 305 289 7396. richey & Cindy     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: d2reid Posted: 24-Apr-07 IP: Logged	I have always been a little leary of spearfishing in the keys, that whole you can't spear north of long key had me baffled, was that really north of the lattidue, or north on US1? http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/edu/spearfishing_brochure.pdf Didn't know, rather buy my fish from the Islamorada fish store than take the chance. So get me a good answer on whether or not it is leagle and I will hunt up my spearing partner Dave. We often spear off of Ft. Pierce, 50-130. Never done any blue water spearing, our guns are set up for wrecks and ledges. Although Dave just bought a new gun this year, a little long for me. We are willing to drive for a little spearing.....     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: Richesb Posted: 25-Apr-07 IP: Logged	Simple answers. - Spearfishing in the Keys. You are prohibited from spear fishing in STATE waters north of Long Key (3 miles from shore). You are prohibited from spearfishing in ANY sanctuary preservation area (clearly marked on charts and usually bouys). Everywhere else is no problem. We live in Marathon which is below Long Key and have no problems finding where to go. And have never had a problem of any kind. We also very seldom dive in State waters except for lobsters. Hope this pretty much clears your confusion.     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: MLFishslayer Posted: 26-Apr-07 IP: Logged	They make it tough to learn but it's actually pretty simple. In the keys you need to be 3 miles out! That puts you out of State waters and in Federal waters. There are a few exceptions which are important not to forget! You can't be in a Marine Sanctuary, Park, or within the orange buoys that surround the reefs. So put simply "Whack" fish outside of any orange buoys and be 3 miles offshore. Actually the 3 miles out rule applys only down to Long Key. south of there you can go right off shore. The State laws for the Fish & Game or Marine Patrol, are State position laws do not apply IF YOUR IN FEDERAL WATERS! What does that mean... The STATE laws apply only on State waters! EX: Lets say you 3 OR MORE MILES OUT and you come up after chasing a black grouper the whole dive only to find out he's a half inch short. You CAN NOT take him back to the dock or into state waters, but you could fire up your BBQ and eat him in Federal waters! I have to warn you though... Once you start eating fish that fresh can become addicting. PS. If you are hunting and have fish that you have speared and you then go to hang out in a protected area... Your guns need to be unarmed and stowed away to be legal. If you leave your guns out you will get a visit from the Marine patrol and could get in trouble. Happy Hunting! MLFishslayer     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: manateehunter Posted: 20-Jun-07 IP: Logged	I'm Going to Marathon on 6/21-6/25. I have been here many times and the best spearing that I have found is by dragging a diver behind the boat headed south from Boot Key. the small patch reefs tend to be un-spoiled and produce some nice fish. I know that those of you who live in the keys have numbers to some great spots, does anyone have any "good" numbers that are off the beaten path>? I go to the keys once a year and this one is a short trip I would like to save some time on finding good spearing spots. anything in the Gulf? I live in melbourne and there is some great spearing here, I would be willing to trade some numbers. sorry for hijacking the thread...     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: MLFishslayer Posted: 23-Jun-07 IP: Logged	I'm down there now just about every weekend including tomorrow. Do you want to whack some fish tomorrow or next weekend?     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: jcaction Posted: 29-Nov-07 IP: Logged	Hi there... I read you post with a smile.... Ive been spearfishing since i was 11 and im 47 right now... I can dive pretty much anything, deep, shallow, nitrox or freedive, thank goodness ive gotten pretty good at it with so many years behind me now... lol lol Used to live at mile marker 92 next to harry harris... Hey you seem like me. A guy who loves to be out there whacking fish and slinging steel. Lets chat and maybe we can hook up some time. regards JC     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: Lunchmeat Posted: 23-Sep-08 IP: Logged	Hi, the wife and I are coming down for my 40th bday. We are staying at Casa Morada from 9/26-9/29 and will be diving with Conch republic on Sunday, 9/28, morning. Would love to hook up Saturday if you are headed out. We have all our own gear and do Nitrox or air. And of course $ for fuel. ptmurray@cfl.rr.com     Reply | Report to Moderator
Author: pobarrio Posted: 24-Sep-08 IP: Logged	Hey everyone... I'm just new to the states... I come here for a while...i am a certificated diver..and I already bought myself a spear gun... my dad spears since I remember,,,i just love the ocean... I'm living in miami, hollywood... and I'm looking forward to go spare hunting to the cays..as well as some kitesurfing... here it goes... I can trade a nice Kitesurfing lesson ( I am a certified IKO instructor) for some spare fishing lessons... Thanks. Paul     Reply | Report to Moderator