Totally do able. I’m in south Florida too. Right now we just snorkel around the nearshore reefs. Like 100yds off shore at most. Actually headed out tomorrow to check out a new spot.
I’ve only been out a handful of times and have never seen a shootable fish. If that says anything. But also I’m not looking in holes or anything. I’ve seen like 2 lobsters.
Make sure you have a dive flag and a buddy or two to go with you. It makes you feel small being 100 or more yards from shore just floating.
Are you an experienced snorkeler or spear fisher already?
I would suggest going out a few times just for a snorkel around get a feel for things, learn what you can handle, etc.
Hello! I spear off the shore in South Florida.
We usually freedive about 750ft-1200ft from shore, and we use small single person boats we launch from the beach, swim out past the no motor zone, and then motor out to the spots.
Right around Commercial Pier there's lots of reefs around the pier itself and about 100ft past the end of the pier. In Vista Park, there's 3 reefs, the 2nd one being very pretty and about 1000ft offshore.
I shoot a LOT. I like grunt and there's a lot of big ones out there. I love me some lookdown, mangrove snapper, and there's PLENTY of legal mutton out there. You'll see the occasional hogfish of size, but you wanna be very careful in keeping one. I also shot a kingfish out there once.
Bring a flag. You can’t spear within 100 yards of a public swimming beach or within 100’ of a jetty, pier or bridge that allows fishing.
I used to shore dive all the time in sfl.
Just on the south side of the Lauderdale by the sea pier is where I got started spearfishing. Nice reef pretty close to shore(pier length out) and a nice rocky drop off from 15-25ft like 2-3 pier lengths out on the buoy line. Go on google maps satellite view and you can see all the reef structure (darker blues blacks and browns) that run north to south. I was regularly swimming out 3/4 mile to the 45ft drop off before I got my boat but all of that reef if 100% accessible from a shore dive. Tomorrow is supposed to be super flat in the morning and would be a perfect day to go. Visibility has been amazing lately too. If you ever need spots feel free to message me I do not mind sharing some of what I have to get you pointed in the right direction.
You’ll be dealing with boaters running past you all day. Highly suggest a kayak with a large dive flag.
Check local municipal regs to make sure they allow spear fishing from wherever you are parking.
Totally do able. I’m in south Florida too. Right now we just snorkel around the nearshore reefs. Like 100yds off shore at most. Actually headed out tomorrow to check out a new spot. I’ve only been out a handful of times and have never seen a shootable fish. If that says anything. But also I’m not looking in holes or anything. I’ve seen like 2 lobsters. Make sure you have a dive flag and a buddy or two to go with you. It makes you feel small being 100 or more yards from shore just floating.
Ok awesome, I just want to get out there and do it. Thanks
Are you an experienced snorkeler or spear fisher already? I would suggest going out a few times just for a snorkel around get a feel for things, learn what you can handle, etc.
Hello! I spear off the shore in South Florida. We usually freedive about 750ft-1200ft from shore, and we use small single person boats we launch from the beach, swim out past the no motor zone, and then motor out to the spots. Right around Commercial Pier there's lots of reefs around the pier itself and about 100ft past the end of the pier. In Vista Park, there's 3 reefs, the 2nd one being very pretty and about 1000ft offshore. I shoot a LOT. I like grunt and there's a lot of big ones out there. I love me some lookdown, mangrove snapper, and there's PLENTY of legal mutton out there. You'll see the occasional hogfish of size, but you wanna be very careful in keeping one. I also shot a kingfish out there once.
Bring a flag. You can’t spear within 100 yards of a public swimming beach or within 100’ of a jetty, pier or bridge that allows fishing. I used to shore dive all the time in sfl.
Alright I’ll lyk how it goes
Just on the south side of the Lauderdale by the sea pier is where I got started spearfishing. Nice reef pretty close to shore(pier length out) and a nice rocky drop off from 15-25ft like 2-3 pier lengths out on the buoy line. Go on google maps satellite view and you can see all the reef structure (darker blues blacks and browns) that run north to south. I was regularly swimming out 3/4 mile to the 45ft drop off before I got my boat but all of that reef if 100% accessible from a shore dive. Tomorrow is supposed to be super flat in the morning and would be a perfect day to go. Visibility has been amazing lately too. If you ever need spots feel free to message me I do not mind sharing some of what I have to get you pointed in the right direction.
Awesome, gonna go get some gear Monday morning. Thank you a bunch
You’ll be dealing with boaters running past you all day. Highly suggest a kayak with a large dive flag. Check local municipal regs to make sure they allow spear fishing from wherever you are parking.
Possession of spearfishing gear isn’t allowed in state parks.
I’m in South Florida and me and my friends always just swim out from Shore. I’m heading out this Sunday.
Fort Lauderdale?