SpearfishingMapa

United States of America

Americas · Northern America

Recreational spearfishing is broadly legal in the United States but is governed by a layered system. In federal waters (generally 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore, the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone), NOAA Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service) regulates harvest under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and species-specific rules, while individual coastal states regulate their own waters (generally out to 3 nautical miles, or about 9 nautical miles for Texas and the Gulf coast of Florida). Rules therefore vary substantially by state and by site. Spearfishing is permitted in most marine waters of states such as Florida, California, Hawaii and Texas, subject to gear restrictions, protected-species lists, closed areas (national marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas, marine reserves, swimming-beach/pier buffers), and license requirements. Powerheads, bangsticks and explosive devices are commonly prohibited. Freshwater spearfishing rules vary by state and are often more restrictive (e.g. Florida bans it entirely), while some states permit it for non-game fish only. Federal law independently protects marine mammals (Marine Mammal Protection Act) and endangered/threatened species (Endangered Species Act) from take by any method, including spearing; billfish are protected from commercial sale and custody-for-sale under the Billfish Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 1827a), while recreational take of billfish is regulated by NOAA Fisheries' Highly Migratory Species rules.

Restricted
Kumpiyansa ng datosKatamtamang kumpiyansa

Huling na-update Hunyo 16, 2026

Namamahalang balangkas

  • §Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.)
  • §50 CFR Part 600 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions (federal fisheries regulations)
  • §National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.); 15 CFR Part 922
  • §Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 (amended 2018), codified at 16 U.S.C. 1827a
  • §Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972; Endangered Species Act of 1973
  • §State fisheries codes and administrative rules (e.g. Florida Administrative Code, California Fish and Game Code, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Texas Parks and Wildlife Code)
Kinakailangan ang lisensya
Kinakailangan
Speargun
Pinahintulutan
Mga Dayuhan
Maligayang pagdating

Ang batas, verbatim

Mga legal na teksto

Ang eksaktong mga estatutoryo at regulatoryong probisyon na namamahala sa spearfishing dito, na-quote ayon sa nailathala, na may link sa bawat opisyal na pinagmulan.

0150 CFR 600.1400 (Definitions); cross-references 50 CFR 600.10United States (federal waters / EEZ) · federal

Federal definition of spearfishing

50 CFR Part 600, Subpart P - Marine Recreational Fisheries of the United States

ENOrihinal

Spearfishing means fishing for, attempting to fish for, catching or attempting to catch fish in tidal waters by any person with a spear or a powerhead (see 50 CFR 600.10).

0250 CFR 600.10 (Definitions)United States (federal waters / EEZ) · federal

Federal definition of powerhead

50 CFR Part 600 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions

ENOrihinal

Powerhead means any device with an explosive charge, usually attached to a spear gun, spear, pole, or stick, that may or may not fire a projectile upon contact.

03Sanctuary management-area regulations (Key Largo and Looe Key Existing Management Areas)Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary · federal

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - spearfishing prohibition in management areas

National Marine Sanctuaries Act regulations, 15 CFR Part 922 Subpart P (Florida Keys NMS)

ENOrihinal

In the Key Largo and Looe Key Existing Management Areas the following activities are prohibited: "Spearfishing." and "Possession of spearfishing equipment, except while passing through without interruption."

04FWC Spearing regulationsFlorida · state

Florida definition of spearing and spearfishing

Florida saltwater recreational fishing regulations (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

ENOrihinal

Spearing: a general term that includes bow fishing, gigging, spearfishing (underwater), or the use of any other device to capture a fish by piercing its body. Spearfishing: the catching or taking of a fish through the instrumentality of a hand or mechanically propelled, single or multi-pronged spear or lance, barbed or barbless, operated by a person swimming at or below the surface of the water.

05FWC Spearing regulations - gear and area restrictionsFlorida · state

Florida prohibited spearing gear and geographic restrictions

Florida saltwater recreational fishing regulations (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

ENOrihinal

Harvest with the use of powerheads, bangsticks or rebreathers is prohibited in state waters, except that rebreathers are allowed for the harvest of lionfish. Spearing is prohibited within 100 yards of any designated public bathing beaches, commercial or public fishing piers, or portions of bridges where fishing is allowed; and within 100 feet of the unsubmerged portion of any jetty, except that spearing is allowed along the last 500 yards of any jetty that extends more than 1,500 yards from the shoreline. Spearing is prohibited within the upper Keys no-spearfishing zone, which includes all state waters from the Miami-Dade County line down to and including Long Key. Spearing is prohibited for any species (freshwater or marine) in freshwater; possession of spearfishing equipment in or on freshwater is also prohibited.

06Bow Fishing Regulations; general fishing rulesTexas · state

Texas spearfishing and bowfishing - permitted species

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fishing regulations (Outdoor Annual)

ENOrihinal

A bow may be used to take any species of fish that is: NOT listed as a game fish and NOT listed as an endangered or threatened species. Bows are legal for taking non-game fishes such as gar, buffalo, mullet and sheepshead. Fish may be taken with longbow, recurved bow, compound bow, or crossbow. A freshwater, saltwater, or all-water license package is required to bow fish in Texas public waters.

0716 U.S.C. 1827a (Prohibition on sale of billfish; definition of billfish)United States · federal

Federal billfish sale prohibition and definition

Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 (codified at 16 U.S.C. 1827a)

ENOrihinal

No person shall offer for sale, sell, or have custody, control, or possession of for purposes of offering for sale or selling billfish or products containing billfish. ... [Definition] the term 'billfish' means any fish of the species Makaira nigricans (blue marlin); Kajikia audax (striped marlin); Istiompax indica (black marlin); Istiophorus platypterus (sailfish); Tetrapturus angustirostris (shortbill spearfish); Kajikia albida (white marlin); Tetrapturus georgii (roundscale spearfish); Tetrapturus belone (Mediterranean spearfish); and Tetrapturus pfluegeri (longbill spearfish); but does not include the species Xiphias gladius (swordfish).

08Haw. Code R. § 13-60.4-4(6)Hawaii (West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area) · state

Hawaii - SCUBA spearfishing prohibited in the West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area

Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13, Chapter 60.4 (West Hawaii Regional Fishery Management Area)

ENOrihinal

Engage in or attempt to engage in SCUBA spearfishing, possess both SCUBA gear and a spear at the same time, or possess SCUBA gear and any specimen of speared aquatic life at the same time.

Kung kailan maaaring sumisid

Mga panahon at limitasyon sa oras

Mga sarado, bukas at limitadong panahon sa buong taon. Palaging kumpirmahin ang mga pagsasara na partikular sa isda nang lokal.

  • LimitadoConnecticut freshwater spearingunknown – unknown

    Connecticut DEEP regulates spearing by water body and species rather than by a single statewide spearfishing season. Spearing is prohibited in all lakes and ponds and in streams or stream sections stocked with trout, and there is no spearing or gaffing of striped bass in freshwater; where spearing is permitted it is subject to the same species seasons, size and creel limits as other methods. The previously recorded 'May 1 to October 31 freshwater spearfishing season' could not be confirmed in Connecticut DEEP sources and has been removed as unsupported. Consult the current Connecticut DEEP Freshwater Fishing Guide before diving.

    portal.ct.gov
  • LimitadoFederally and state-managed species (e.g. grouper, snapper, lobster) with seasonal harvest windowsunknown – unknown

    Many target species harvestable by spearfishing are subject to species- and region-specific open/closed seasons set by NOAA Fisheries (federal waters) and individual states. Seasons vary by species, region and year - consult the relevant NOAA Fisheries region and state agency before diving.

    fisheries.noaa.gov

Pahintulot na mangisda

Lisensya

Ano ang kailangan mo para maaari sa tubig, magkano ang halaga nito, at kung paano makuha ito.

Kinakailangan ang lisensyasa pamamagitan ng State fish and wildlife agencies (e.g. FWC Florida, CDFW California, Hawaii DLNR/DAR, TPWD Texas); NOAA Fisheries for federal waters/HMS permits.

Purchase from the relevant state fish and wildlife agency online portal, license vendors, or in person. Requirements differ by state and by resident/non-resident status.

Kunin ang iyong lisensya

Nagbubukas ng opisyal na portal · fisheries.noaa.gov

Kinakailangan ang lisensya
Uri
State recreational/sport fishing license (saltwater and/or freshwater endorsement); some states require additional stamps (e.g. California ocean enhancement stamp). Federal permits may apply for certain species.
Halaga
Varies by state and residency (typically USD ~10-50 for residents; higher for non-residents and annual vs short-term).
Bisa
Varies by state (typically annual; short-term/multi-day options available).
Paano makuha
Purchase from the relevant state fish and wildlife agency online portal, license vendors, or in person. Requirements differ by state and by resident/non-resident status.
Awtoridad
State fish and wildlife agencies (e.g. FWC Florida, CDFW California, Hawaii DLNR/DAR, TPWD Texas); NOAA Fisheries for federal waters/HMS permits.
Opisyal na portal sa pagpapalisensya · fisheries.noaa.gov

Gear at teknik

Mga patakaran sa kagamitan

Anong kagamitan ang pinahintulutan, kung paano ito maaaring gamitin, at ang mga kondisyon na nakakabit dito.

SpeargunPinahintulutan

Mga Paghihigpit

  • Powerheads, bangsticks and explosive devices are commonly prohibited (e.g. Florida, California). Florida also prohibits rebreathers for spearfishing except for lionfish harvest.
  • SCUBA spearfishing legality varies by state and area: prohibited in some zones (e.g. Hawaii's West Hawaii Regional FMA), allowed in others.
  • Allowed gear typically includes spearguns, pole spears and Hawaiian slings (varies by state).
  • Federal: a 'powerhead' is defined as any device with an explosive charge attached to a spear gun/spear/pole/stick (50 CFR 600.10).

Gear rules are set primarily at the state level and differ significantly. Always verify allowed gear, SCUBA permissibility and powerhead rules for the specific state and dive site before diving.

Ano ang maaaring kunin

Mga limitasyon sa huli at mga protektadong isda

Mga araw-araw na quota, pinakamaliit na sukat, at mga isdang hindi dapat kunin.

Araw-araw na limitasyon

Set per species by state and by NOAA Fisheries region; no single national limit. Bag and possession limits vary by species, region and season.

Mga protektadong isda — huwag kunin

  • ProtektadoBillfish - blue marlin, striped marlin, black marlin, sailfish, shortbill spearfish, white marlin, roundscale spearfish, Mediterranean spearfish, longbill spearfish (Billfish Conservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 1827a; swordfish excluded). Note: the Act prohibits the sale and custody-for-sale of billfish, not recreational catch-and-release or take, which is governed by NOAA Fisheries HMS rules; Atlantic billfish sale has been prohibited by regulation since 1988.
  • ProtektadoMarine mammals (Marine Mammal Protection Act)
  • ProtektadoEndangered/threatened species (Endangered Species Act), e.g. sawfish, sturgeon species
  • ProtektadoGoliath grouper and Nassau grouper (no harvest)
  • ProtektadoFlorida prohibited-spearing species: billfish, bonefish, blue crab, stone crab, Caribbean spiny lobster, goliath grouper, manta ray, Nassau grouper, permit, pompano, red drum (redfish), all sharks, snook, spotted eagle ray, spotted seatrout, sturgeon, tarpon, tripletail, weakfish
  • ProtektadoMassachusetts: striped bass may not be taken by spearfishing

Protected-species lists differ by jurisdiction. Federal protections (billfish, marine mammals, ESA-listed species) apply nationwide in addition to state prohibited-species lists.

Sino ang maaaring mangisda

Mga bisita at residente

Kung paano naiiba ang mga patakaran para sa mga dayuhang bisita at lokal na residente.

Mga dayuhang bisita

Pinahintulutan

Kinakailangan ang espesyal na lisensya

Mga Kinakailangan

  • Obtain the applicable non-resident state recreational/sport fishing license for each state where you will dive.
  • Comply with the same gear, species, area and seasonal rules as residents.

Mga Paghihigpit

  • Non-resident license fees are typically higher than resident fees.
  • No general federal prohibition on non-citizens spearfishing recreationally; rules are governed by state licensing.

Foreign visitors generally need the same state fishing license (non-resident rate) as U.S. visitors from out of state. There is no nationwide spearfishing permit; licensing is state-by-state.

Mga residente

State resident recreational/sport fishing license with relevant endorsement (saltwater/freshwater).

Mga Kinakailangan

  • Hold a valid resident fishing license for the state of residence/where diving (some exemptions, e.g. certain shore-fishing or age categories, vary by state).

Mga Benepisyo

  • Lower license fees than non-residents.
  • Some states (e.g. Hawaii) historically required no permit for resident shore/spearfishing in certain cases - verify current rules.

Resident vs non-resident distinctions and exemptions are defined per state.

Saan sa baybayin

Mga pinahintulutan at ipinagbabawal na zone

Mga pinangalanang lugar na bukas o sarado para sa spearfishing. Tingnan ang buong larawan sa interactive na mapa.

Mga pinahintulutang lugar

  • Florida state and adjacent federal waters (general)

    Spearfishing is permitted in most Florida saltwater areas outside restricted buffers, sanctuaries, parks and no-spearing zones, subject to FWC gear and species rules. Coordinate is a representative offshore point on the Florida reef tract (Atlantic side), not a precise boundary.

    No powerheads/bangsticks/rebreathers (rebreathers allowed only for lionfish); no spearing within 100 yards of public bathing beaches, commercial/public fishing piers or fishing bridges; no spearing within 100 feet of jetties (with stated exceptions); prohibited species list applies; all freshwater closed.

    myfwc.com
  • California ocean waters (outside MPAs)

    Recreational spearfishing is permitted in California ocean waters outside of closed Marine Protected Areas, with a sport fishing license and ocean enhancement stamp for those 16 and older. Spearguns and Hawaiian slings are generally permitted; powerheads are generally prohibited. Coordinate is a representative offshore point in Monterey Bay (central California coast), not a precise boundary.

    License + ocean enhancement stamp required (16+); powerheads generally prohibited; no take inside State Marine Reserves; many State Marine Conservation Areas prohibit spearfishing - check the CDFW interactive map per site.

    californiastate.blog
  • Hawaii nearshore waters (freediving)

    Spearfishing by freediving is broadly permitted in Hawaiian waters with a license where required, outside protected zones.

    SCUBA spearfishing banned in the West Hawaii Regional Fisheries Management Area (cannot possess SCUBA gear and a spear simultaneously there); restricted/prohibited in Marine Life Conservation Districts and Fish Replenishment Areas; night spearfishing restricted in areas such as Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline FMA and Haena CBSFA.

    eregulations.com

Mga ipinagbabawal na lugar

Tingnan sa mapa

Mga kondisyon sa tubig

Mga live na kondisyon

Live na marine at weather snapshot malapit sa coastal na reference point sa United States of America, mula sa Open-Meteo. Nag-iiba ang mga kondisyon sa buong baybayin — ituring bilang indikatibo.

Live na marine at weather malapit sa Florida state and adjacent federal waters (general).

Mga Kondisyon

Sino ang dapat tanungin

Mga Awtoridad

Ang mga opisyal na katawan na responsable para sa mga isda at pagpapalisensya.

  • NOAA Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service)

    federal fisheries authority

    fisheries.noaa.govhttps://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directory

  • Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (NOAA) - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

    marine protected area authority

    floridakeys.noaa.govhttps://floridakeys.noaa.gov/

  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

    state fisheries authority

    myfwc.comhttps://myfwc.com/contact/

  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)

    state fisheries authority

    wildlife.ca.govhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/Contact

  • Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources - Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR/DAR)

    state fisheries authority

    dlnr.hawaii.govhttps://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/contact-us/

  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

    state fisheries authority

    tpwd.texas.govhttps://tpwd.texas.gov/business/feedback/

Saan nagmumula ang impormasyon

Mga Pinagmulan

Bawat pahayag sa pahinang ito ay nagmumula sa isa sa mga sangguniang ito.

  1. [01]

    50 CFR 600.1400 - Definitions (Marine Recreational Fisheries) - Cornell LII

    Opisyal
    law.cornell.eduNa-access Hun 15
  2. [02]

    50 CFR 600.10 - Definitions (powerhead, spear) - eCFR

    Opisyal
    ecfr.govNa-access Hun 15
  3. [03]

    Sanctuary Regulations - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA)

    Opisyal
    floridakeys.noaa.govNa-access Hun 15
  4. [04]

    Spearing - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

    Opisyal
    myfwc.comNa-access Hun 15
  5. [05]

    Florida Saltwater Fishing - Spearing (eRegulations, FWC official guide)

    Opisyal
    eregulations.comNa-access Hun 15
  6. [06]

    Bow Fishing Regulations - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

    Opisyal
    tpwd.texas.govNa-access Hun 15
  7. [07]

    16 U.S.C. 1827a - Prohibition on sale of billfish (Billfish Conservation Act) - Cornell LII

    Opisyal
    law.cornell.eduNa-access Hun 16
  8. [08]

    Billfish Conservation Act - NOAA Fisheries

    Opisyal
    fisheries.noaa.govNa-access Hun 16
  9. [09]

    Haw. Code R. 13-60.4-4 - Activities prohibited within the West Hawaii regional fishery management area - Cornell LII

    Opisyal
    law.cornell.eduNa-access Hun 16
  10. [10]

    Fishing Regulations - Connecticut DEEP

    Opisyal
    portal.ct.govNa-access Hun 16
  11. [11]

    Current Fishing Regulations - South Atlantic - NOAA Fisheries

    Opisyal
    fisheries.noaa.govNa-access Hun 15
  12. [12]

    Resources for Fishing: Recreational Fishing - NOAA Fisheries

    Opisyal
    fisheries.noaa.govNa-access Hun 15
  13. [13]

    Fishing Regulations - Hawaii (eRegulations, DLNR/DAR official guide)

    Opisyal
    eregulations.comNa-access Hun 15
  14. [14]

    New Jersey Finfish Regulations (eRegulations, NJ Fish & Wildlife official guide)

    Opisyal
    eregulations.comNa-access Hun 15
  15. [15]

    Spearfishing Regulations & MPAs in CA

    Pangalawa
    californiastate.blogNa-access Hun 15
  16. [16]

    Is Spearfishing Legal in Connecticut? - Trickyfish (secondary; its claimed May 1-Oct 31 CT freshwater spearfishing season could not be confirmed against Connecticut DEEP and was removed)

    Pangalawa
    trickyfish.coNa-access Hun 16
  17. [17]

    Exploring the Legal Depths: Where is Spearfishing Legal in the US? - Lancaster Scuba

    Pangalawa
    lancasterscuba.comNa-access Hun 15

Mga tala ng mananaliksik

The USA is a federal jurisdiction: marine spearfishing is regulated by individual coastal states within state waters (generally 0-3 nautical miles; ~9 nm for Texas and Gulf-side Florida) and by NOAA Fisheries in federal waters (3-200 nm EEZ). There is no single national spearfishing law; rules differ markedly by state and dive site. This record captures the federal framework plus verbatim provisions for representative jurisdictions (Florida, Texas) and key restrictions for California, Hawaii and New Jersey. All ~23 other coastal states (and inland states for freshwater) have their own rules not individually enumerated here - users must verify the specific state and site. Federal protections for marine mammals and ESA-listed species apply nationwide regardless of state rules; the Billfish Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 1827a) prohibits the sale of billfish rather than recreational take. Overall confidence is set to medium: the cited federal and Florida/Texas/Hawaii provisions rest on official sources with verbatim text, but the California, Connecticut and New Jersey summaries draw partly on official guides and secondary sources. A previously listed Connecticut 'May 1 to October 31 freshwater spearfishing season' was removed because it could not be confirmed against Connecticut DEEP. Coordinates given are representative offshore/approximate points for mapping, not precise zone boundaries.

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