Anyone who has curiosity when it comes to spear fishing must first understand that most areas do have certain rules that apply to it. For instance, unlike the fishing license that you need to be in a boat fishing, there is a license that you must get before you can go spear fishing in many areas. This is because a lot of areas, especially in the US feel that spear fishing is a form of commercial fishing. This automatically ensures that the laws of spear fishing are different from normal fishing laws.
For instance, in Florida, there are certain types of fish that you cannot catch using a spear, a bow, gigging, or any other device that may pierce the fish’s body. You have to understand the type of fish that you are allowed to catch and you must also be mindful of the seasons during which you are allowed to spear fish for a certain type of fish.
In many places, you are not allowed to spear fish if there are people swimming nearby. This does include spear fishing near a public beach. In some cases, you may also be prevented from spear fishing near a bridge or dock where rod and reel fishermen are located. Spears will also not be allowed in areas that are protected.
If you choose to go spear fishing in other areas of the world, such as Australia, you may be limited by the area as well. In some cases, you cannot fish outside of a certain depth of water. They also like for people to be selective about the amount of fish that they catch. You should only catch the amount of fish that you need and leave the rest for others to catch. It is a way to preserve the fish for the future, so that Australia does not end up having one type of fish nearing extinction.
There are laws in all areas to protect the wildlife, including fish. There are rules for rod and reel fishermen, but it does vary from the rules regarding spear fishing. It may seem like a complicated rule list, but once you get started spear fishing, you will figure it all out. Mostly, though, it is simply for you to be courteous and considerate to the environment and others who may also want fish for dinner.