I'm not sure why. Maybe they don't want us competing with or getting in the way of fisherman bound to the shore.
Anyway, here is an excerpt from the regulations:
You May NOT Spearfish (excluding bowhunting and gigging):
-- Effective July 1, 2001, Spearfishing of marine and freshwater species in freshwater is prohibited. Possesion of a spear gun in or on freshwater is also prohibited.
-- Within 100 yards of a public swimming beach, any commercial or public fishing pier, or any part of a bridge from which public fishing is allowed.
-- 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.
-- In Collier County and in Monroe County from Long Key north to the Dade County line.
-- For any fish for which spearing is expressly prohibited by law.
-- In any body of water under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks. (Possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited in these areas, unless it is unloaded and properly stored.) Fishermen who catch and/or sell fish harvested by spearing are subject to the same rules and limitations that other fishermen in the state are required to follow.
So if we can't spear at Navarre Bridge, are there any nearby spearable bridges that are holding sheepshead? I'd love to spear a few when I'm back for Christmas break.
Also, thanks for those of you who take time to write reports. It's always a great help when I come home and I know where the fish are and what to target.
