Spear Poles !?

[challenge]

I've been scouring the net looking for a straight answer on the legality of spear poles in the Bahamas. The Bahamian government website says only "Hawaiian Slings" but then other people comment on using spear poles all the time.

I've emailed the Bahamian government but doubtful about receiving a full and complete answer.

Are spear poles legal to have on board through the Bahamas even if they aren't "legal to use?" We would probably want to use them in the Turks and Caicos (our next destination after the Bahamas).

Is it illegal in all parts of the Bahamas?

Are you looking at jail time if you do use them in the Bahamas or a slip of a $20 dollar bill in someone's pocket. Is it even risky to use them (would anybody notice)?

Anybody know about the rest of the Carib if they're generally legal in most places?

Thanks!!!!



And I quote from there bylaws;

"6. No person shall use any spearfishing apparatus to fish —
(a) within one mile of the coast at low water mark of New Providence; or
(b) within one mile of the southern coast at low water mark of Freeport, Grand Bahama; or
(c) within two hundred yards of the coast at low water mark of any other Family Island."

So in conclusion, word for word from the "Statute Law of the Bahamas" it says:
"Spearfishing apparatus in certain areas prohibited."

hmm...

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome to the forum, Challenge!

You never know with the Bahamian Govt., but generally: pole spearing and hawaiian sling are allowed, but only if you get an endorsement from an official when you check in. You may not use a spear gun, you may not spearfish if you are using scuba gear, and you may not fish at all in no-take zones (and they enforce the no-take zones).
I would highly suggest confirming these rules before you check in. Happy fishing!

[Bash]

Originally Posted by challenge

I've been scouring the net looking for a straight answer on the legality of spear poles in the Bahamas.

In common parlance, "spear pole" and "Hawaiian sling" are synonymous.

Welcome to the forum.

[Cormorant]

A Hawaiian sling lets the spear shaft slide through a handle, propelled by the elastic and running free. The shaft is more like a speargun shaft, but not connected to the handle or the fisherman by any sort of cord. It is shot like a bow and arrow. You have to go retrieve your spear, with or without a fish on it. . . .

A "pole spear" is generally longer and thicker, maybe 5' or 6' or 7' long and 1/2" diameter, and the elastic is attached to aft end of the pole. You can hold onto the elastic and maintain contact with your fish.

But a lot of people use "Hawaiian sling" to refer to pole spears, probably including the Bahamaian government. . . . When we were there we used pole spears.

[mason_jj]

As far as I know the "pole spear" is legal in Bahamas, just not a spear gun.

In the Turks and Caicos, you are not allowed to use slings, spears or spear guns. This came directly from the DNR. Fine is $2000 for having spear available (not stored below)

However, all local fisherman use slings, DNR turns a blind eye.

[Vasco]

Pole spears are fine so are Hawaiian slings. Sometimes they endorse the fishing permit, sometimes they say it's not necessary. Have yet to hear of any cruiser fined for using the two. Don't worry about it.

[ReMetau]

We were there in March, and I told them that I had a pole spear for fishing. They said okay, and didn't provide me with a stamp, but I never got checked either.

[Tellie]

For years the Bahamian Hogfish have feared me and my pole spear.

[hellosailor]

AFAIK a pole spear is just that, a shaft and point. Add the rubber loop at the back end and it becomes a Hawaiian sling. Take a Hawaiian sling and cut the surgical tubing off, and it is a pole spear again.

If you're worried that your pole spear won't meet the regs...add a couple of feet of tubing to the back end, and just don't use the tubing when you lunge. No big deal.

[Tingum]

All good answers but to simplify it: No "trigger activated spear devices". When you get here practice on the lion fish, they are slow and good eating, just don't let them spear you!!!!!!!!!

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by Tingum

All good answers but to simplify it: No "trigger activated spear devices". When you get here practice on the lion fish, they are slow and good eating, just don't let them spear you!!!!!!!!!

Actually when I see a good sized trigger it activates my spear. Better eating than lionfish although they are a tad faster.

[colemj]

If you think queen triggers taste good, you should try ocean triggers - the pork chops of fish!

More difficult to get with a pole spear because you really need to outwit them to get close enough.

Mark

[Vasco]

Caught a good ocean trigger with a line in a cut on the incoming tide. Very nice.

[Tingum]

I jist want to get rid of the stinkin lionfish!!!!!!

[defever]

eat the lion fish... they're the lobster of the fish world..