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.
Ultimo aggiornamento Giugno 16, 2026
Quadro normativo di riferimento
- §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)
- Licenza obbligatoria
- Obbligatoria
- Fucile subacqueo
- Consentito
- Stranieri
- Ammessi
La legge, integrale
Testi legali
Le esatte disposizioni di legge e regolamentari che disciplinano la pesca subacquea qui, citate come pubblicate, con un link a ogni fonte ufficiale.
Federal definition of spearfishing
50 CFR Part 600, Subpart P - Marine Recreational Fisheries of the United States
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).
Federal definition of powerhead
50 CFR Part 600 - Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions
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.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - spearfishing prohibition in management areas
National Marine Sanctuaries Act regulations, 15 CFR Part 922 Subpart P (Florida Keys NMS)
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."
Florida definition of spearing and spearfishing
Florida saltwater recreational fishing regulations (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
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.
Florida prohibited spearing gear and geographic restrictions
Florida saltwater recreational fishing regulations (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)
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.
Texas spearfishing and bowfishing - permitted species
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department fishing regulations (Outdoor Annual)
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.
Federal billfish sale prohibition and definition
Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 (codified at 16 U.S.C. 1827a)
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).
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)
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.
Quando puoi immergerti
Stagioni e restrizioni temporali
Periodi di chiusura, apertura e restrizione nel corso dell'anno. Conferma sempre localmente le chiusure specifiche per specie.
- LimitataConnecticut 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.
- LimitataFederally 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.
Permesso di pescare
Licenza
Cosa ti serve per poter entrare in acqua, quanto costa e come ottenerla.
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.
Ottieni la tua licenzaApre il portale ufficiale · fisheries.noaa.gov
- Tipo
- 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.
- Costo
- Varies by state and residency (typically USD ~10-50 for residents; higher for non-residents and annual vs short-term).
- Validità
- Varies by state (typically annual; short-term/multi-day options available).
- Come ottenerla
- 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.
- Autorità
- State fish and wildlife agencies (e.g. FWC Florida, CDFW California, Hawaii DLNR/DAR, TPWD Texas); NOAA Fisheries for federal waters/HMS permits.
Attrezzatura e tecnica
Regole sull'attrezzatura
Quale attrezzatura è consentita, come può essere usata e le condizioni associate.
Restrizioni
- 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.
Cosa puoi prelevare
Limiti di cattura e specie protette
Quote giornaliere, taglie minime e specie che non devono mai essere prelevate.
Limite giornaliero
Set per species by state and by NOAA Fisheries region; no single national limit. Bag and possession limits vary by species, region and season.
Specie protette — non prelevare
- ProtettaBillfish - 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.
- ProtettaMarine mammals (Marine Mammal Protection Act)
- ProtettaEndangered/threatened species (Endangered Species Act), e.g. sawfish, sturgeon species
- ProtettaGoliath grouper and Nassau grouper (no harvest)
- ProtettaFlorida 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
- ProtettaMassachusetts: 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.
Chi può pescare
Visitatori e residenti
Come le regole differiscono per i visitatori stranieri e i residenti locali.
Visitatori stranieri
ConsentitoLicenza speciale obbligatoria
Requisiti
- 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.
Restrizioni
- 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.
Residenti
State resident recreational/sport fishing license with relevant endorsement (saltwater/freshwater).
Requisiti
- 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).
Vantaggi
- 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.
Dove sulla costa
Zone consentite e vietate
Aree denominate aperte o chiuse alla pesca subacquea. Vedi il quadro completo sulla mappa interattiva.
Aree consentite
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.
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.
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.
Aree vietate
- Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - Key Largo and Looe Key Management Areasnational marine sanctuary
Spearfishing and possession of spearfishing equipment (except while passing through without interruption) are prohibited.
- Florida Upper Keys no-spearfishing zone (Miami-Dade County line to Long Key)state no-spearing zone
Spearfishing prohibited throughout this stretch of the Upper Keys.
- Everglades, Dry Tortugas and Florida state parksnational park / state park
Possession of spears and spearguns is prohibited within Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park and Florida state parks.
- California State Marine Reserves (SMRs)marine protected area / marine reserve
All take, including spearfishing, is prohibited inside State Marine Reserves. Many State Marine Conservation Areas also specifically prohibit spearfishing. Coordinate is the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve (Monterey County) as a representative SMR; California has many SMRs along its coast - check the CDFW interactive map per site.
- Hawaii Marine Life Conservation Districts and West Hawaii Regional FMA (SCUBA)marine life conservation district / fisheries management area
Spearfishing restricted or prohibited inside Marine Life Conservation Districts and Fish Replenishment Areas; SCUBA spearfishing banned in the West Hawaii Regional Fisheries Management Area.
- New Jersey State Park Service watersstate park waters
Spearfishing is prohibited in all waters under the jurisdiction or control of the New Jersey State Park Service.
Condizioni in acqua
Condizioni in tempo reale
Istantanea marina e meteo in tempo reale vicino a un punto di riferimento costiero in United States of America, da Open-Meteo. Le condizioni variano lungo la costa — considerale indicative.
Condizioni marine e meteo in tempo reale vicino a Florida state and adjacent federal waters (general).
Sul posto
Negozi e charter locali
Negozi di attrezzatura, charter, corsi e club in giro per United States of America. Le inserzioni di esempio sono chiaramente contrassegnate mentre verifichiamo gli operatori reali.
Florida Keys Dive & Spear
Key Largo, Florida, USA
example.com
A chi rivolgersi
Autorità
Gli enti ufficiali responsabili della pesca e delle licenze.
NOAA Fisheries (National Marine Fisheries Service)
federal fisheries authority
fisheries.noaa.govhttps://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/contact-directoryOffice 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/ContactHawaii 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/
Da dove provengono
Fonti
Ogni affermazione su questa pagina risale a uno di questi riferimenti.
- [01]
50 CFR 600.1400 - Definitions (Marine Recreational Fisheries) - Cornell LII
Ufficialelaw.cornell.eduConsultato il Giu 15 - [02]
50 CFR 600.10 - Definitions (powerhead, spear) - eCFR
Ufficialeecfr.govConsultato il Giu 15 - [03]
Sanctuary Regulations - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA)
Ufficialefloridakeys.noaa.govConsultato il Giu 15 - [04]
Spearing - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Ufficialemyfwc.comConsultato il Giu 15 - [05]
Florida Saltwater Fishing - Spearing (eRegulations, FWC official guide)
Ufficialeeregulations.comConsultato il Giu 15 - [06]
Bow Fishing Regulations - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Ufficialetpwd.texas.govConsultato il Giu 15 - [07]
16 U.S.C. 1827a - Prohibition on sale of billfish (Billfish Conservation Act) - Cornell LII
Ufficialelaw.cornell.eduConsultato il Giu 16 - [08]
Billfish Conservation Act - NOAA Fisheries
Ufficialefisheries.noaa.govConsultato il Giu 16 - [09]
Haw. Code R. 13-60.4-4 - Activities prohibited within the West Hawaii regional fishery management area - Cornell LII
Ufficialelaw.cornell.eduConsultato il Giu 16 - [10]
Fishing Regulations - Connecticut DEEP
Ufficialeportal.ct.govConsultato il Giu 16 - [11]
Current Fishing Regulations - South Atlantic - NOAA Fisheries
Ufficialefisheries.noaa.govConsultato il Giu 15 - [12]
Resources for Fishing: Recreational Fishing - NOAA Fisheries
Ufficialefisheries.noaa.govConsultato il Giu 15 - [13]
Fishing Regulations - Hawaii (eRegulations, DLNR/DAR official guide)
Ufficialeeregulations.comConsultato il Giu 15 - [14]
New Jersey Finfish Regulations (eRegulations, NJ Fish & Wildlife official guide)
Ufficialeeregulations.comConsultato il Giu 15 - [15]
Spearfishing Regulations & MPAs in CA
Secondariacaliforniastate.blogConsultato il Giu 15 - [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)
Secondariatrickyfish.coConsultato il Giu 16 - [17]
Exploring the Legal Depths: Where is Spearfishing Legal in the US? - Lancaster Scuba
Secondarialancasterscuba.comConsultato il Giu 15
Note dei ricercatori
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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