Spear Fishing in Navarre, Florida: Regulations, Targets, and Recommended Spots

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Spear Fishing in Navarre, Florida, offers a unique and exciting experience for fishing enthusiasts. This coastal town in the Florida Panhandle provides access to diverse marine habitats, making it a prime destination for spearfishing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the specific regulations, target species, and recommended spots for shore dive spearfishing in Navarre.

Regulations and Restrictions

Spearfishing in Navarre is subject to various regulations and restrictions set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It’s essential for anglers to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to ensure a safe and legal fishing experience.

Prohibited Areas

  • Spearfishing is not allowed within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed.
  • It is also prohibited within 100 feet of any part of a jetty that is above the surface of the sea, except for the last 500 yards of a jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline.

Freshwater Prohibition

  • Spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is prohibited, and possession of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also prohibited.

Prohibited Species

  • Certain species are protected from spearfishing, including billfish, spotted eagle ray, sturgeon, manta ray, sharks, bonefish, tarpon, goliath grouper, snook, blue crab, Nassau grouper, spotted seatrout, red drum, weakfish, stone crab, pompano, African pompano, permit, tripletail, lobster, and families of ornamental reef fish.

Target Species and Bag Limits

Spear Fishing in Navarre

Navarre offers a diverse array of marine life, and spearfishermen often target specific species based on their preferences and regulations.

Common Targets

  • Grouper, red snapper, amberjack, almaco jack, mangrove snapper, and lionfish are popular species targeted for spearfishing in Navarre.

Bag and Size Limits

  • The daily recreational bag limit and size limits for each species are regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For example, the daily recreational bag limit for red snapper is one fish per person, with a minimum size limit of 16 inches.

Recommended Spots and Techniques

Navarre’s coastal waters provide excellent opportunities for shore dive spearfishing, with several notable spots and techniques to consider.

Navarre Beach Reefs

  • The reefs off Navarre Beach, including the Gulf Reef and the East Sound Side Reef, offer excellent opportunities for spearfishing.
  • The Gulf Reef has 78 structures and is marked by four large PVC posts on the sand dune, while the East Sound Side Reef is located north-west of Sandpiper pavilion and is identified by pilings marked with “SNORKELING REEF” and “NO MOTORIZED VESSELS”.

Shore Dive Techniques

  • For shore dive spearfishing, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines and respect the marine environment.
  • Techniques include using a Hawaiian sling or other appropriate gear, being aware of your surroundings, and following local regulations.

Charters and Guides

While shore dive spearfishing is an option, some anglers may prefer to explore the waters with the guidance of experienced charters and guides.

Niuhi Dive Charters

  • Niuhi Dive Charters offers spearfishing and lobstering scuba diving trips in Pensacola, Florida.
  • They have the necessary permits to spearfish in both state and federal waters, and their experienced captains can guide you to the best dive spots.

Additional Information

When planning your spearfishing adventure in Navarre, consider the following additional details:

Cost and Timings

  • The cost of spearfishing charters and trips varies depending on the provider and the type of trip.
  • Charters typically operate during daylight hours, with specific timings dependent on the provider and weather conditions.

Directory and Hours

  • For information on charter operators and their hours, visit their websites or contact them directly.
  • For example, Niuhi Dive Charters can be contacted through their website or by visiting Dive Pros Dive Center in Pensacola.

Spear Fishing in Navarre, Florida, offers a unique and thrilling experience for fishing enthusiasts. By understanding the regulations, target species, and recommended spots, you can plan a successful and enjoyable spearfishing adventure in this coastal paradise.

References

  1. DIVE Navarre Beach. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.divenavarrebeach.com
  2. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (n.d.). Spearing. Retrieved from https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/spearing/
  3. Niuhi Dive Charters. (n.d.). Spearfishing Charters Florida. Retrieved from https://niuhidivecharters.com/spearfishing
  4. Pensacola Fishing Forum. (2011). New to spear fishing. Retrieved from https://www.pensacolafishingforum.com/threads/new-to-spear-fishing.85131/
  5. YouTube. (2018). Navarre, FL Spearfishing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ium71VSz4z0.

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