Posts by shallow runner

  • skepticism in reef fish

    That is certainly an interesting idea, especially considering the "psychological effect" on hunted fish. I think that it would be difficult to manage though in order to make it effective in maintaining stocks since, as described, if the fish were less cautious in a no take zone that was suddenly opened up people would pick the area clean in a short time (especially considering most do not take just what they plan on eating that day but try to limit out every time they can and fill their freezer at home as well) so short open periods would be needed otherwise stocks would not necessarily increase and ultimately cold decrease even faster depending on the fish and fecundity/growth rate of that species (how long for that area to recover post closure after a fishing season?). There has also been a lot of research that shows that fishing pressure adversely effect stock bio-mass and fish size; especially in shallower reefs. I gotta say, I just did an extensive research paper/presentation on the Hogfish (which is important to us all) and the populations have dropped like 30% in the last 2 decades (now a status of vulnerable to extinction by IUCN); and much of this is attributed to recreational spearing and is the worst in our area with a 60% decline in stocks. I can imagine we will see some of these closed areas and season closures for hogs as well as size increases (to 18") occurring in the future. Hopefully they can work in maintaining and increasing stocks.

  • Goodmorning beautiful SFL

    Quote from LunkerBuster

    I agree. I was just thinking that it is not all off limits. Between the viz, the boats and the likely pollution, I would most likely skip too.


    I have dove a few spots with a SCUBA group and it would have been a nice place to hunt but most of the ICW is a no harvest area as far as I know. And like was mentioned, your taking your life in your hands with all the boats.


    Jpilot1, I have a yak and like Judah said most of us do. The plastic navy is a strong fleet. :thumbup:

  • Spear b que ?? 3-26-11

    My digs won't be ready for a few weeks for anything but I am down to do it up this weekend. I haven't been spearing in a while because of school. Let me know. I would love to make the bbq thing a tradition as well. Just need participants. :thumbup:

  • Spear b que ?? 3-26-11

    I wish bro, but this weekend is consumed with moving. I imagine with how it is all panning out I will be unloading till midnight since I can't get the truck till 5. As soon as I am set up I plan on doing a crawfish boil; maybe that day we can spear in the AM then do it up at the new place.


    I also sent you a message on Facebook about another challenge (like the warrior dash) I was interested in doing. Check it out and let me know.

  • Spear b que ?? 3-26-11

    Not going to be able to make this one man :angry5:; gotta move into the new place this weekend. But after that I shall host the next one at Ft Lauderdale beach and we can BBQ/chill in the pool at the new digs afterward 8).


    On that same note, soon coming condo warming/beach party. :thumbup:

  • Senate Bill 744

    While I too see both sides it is not a matter of freedom. Fact is we need the monies to pay for the items listed (Law officers to enforce fishing regulations, Habitat enhancement, Boating access, Grants for artificial reefs, etc) it takes money for these. So, rather than add an new tax to everyone they are essentially just taxing those who use these goods and services so they can continue to do so (are you going to upkeep the boat ramps or the reefs that support your fishing? ). If people would actually voluntarily donate the funds for these things perhaps they wouldn't need to do this; but you and I both know people won't and would still demand the services be rendered. It is not as if they are limiting anyone by making the qualifications for the license difficult or requiring a class; it is more just proof you made your contribution to the resources you are enjoying. All one needs to get a license is the money to do so and that cost is minimal at worst. I believe that the term license does have a negative connotation but regardless of what they called it someone would complain. It is not a matter of government control or liberties but a matter of it takes money for certain things that make us able to enjoy the waters and it has to come from somewhere; so why not from those who use that resource. I am sure you are also against us digging into more of a deficit, as am I; so this money lessens the amount that must be taken from state funds to provide these services. Trust me, without the income from the licenses you will see ramp closures and a lack of LEOs patrolling; and if left to their own devices humans will take all they can without regard to sustainability of stocks and we will be left with nothing to fish for and a ruined eco system. And the collapse of the fishing business in this state would have a devastating impact on the state economy. I know that example is on the extreme side but it is more to show a point. Myself, I pay my fees as well as donate money when I can for these services and for research as I try to be, as we all should, a steward of the ocean and in my opinion that includes assisting those that seek to maintain that.


    Stepping off soap box now. 8)
    US Army, 82nd Airborne. Greetings to a brother in arms.

  • Senate Bill 744

    I am re-posting this as I feel it is important to Florida fishing community.


    Please consider sending our already prepared email asking Senator Negron to withdraw his bill that abolishes fishing licenses.


    This is the link to the form: http://florida-fishing.net/take_action_form.php?message=20


    The 2011 Florida Legislative Session beings on March 8, 2011 with Senate Bill 744 seeking to abolish fishing licenses in Florida.


    Senator Joe Negron, the sponsor of Senate Bill 744, said "I don't believe a citizen should have to get written permission from the government and pay a fee to throw a couple of fishing poles in a truck and head to the beach. That's an intrusion into what is a common activity in Florida. The question is why do we have fishing licenses? The burden of proof is with the people who want to hassle and annoy citizens by requiring written permission from the government."


    It would appear that Senator Negron has not inquired with the multitude of sport fishermen groups, guides and leaders in Florida before deciding that he wants to do away with a user fee that costs less than most anglers spend on bait in one fishing trip.


    Florida salt and freshwater fishing licenses produce $32 million which is used for:


    • Law officers to enforce fishing regulations.
    • Habitat enhancement.
    • Boating access.
    • Grants for artificial reefs.


    Abolishing fishing licenses would also cost the state most of the $13 million it receives under the federal Sport Fish Restoration Act, from federal excise taxes on fishing gear, fuel and electric motors.


    These state and federal fees that are collected for the benefit of our fishing resources in Florida is why most angler groups, rather than feeling "hassled and annoyed," support the fishing license law.


    The Florida Legislature needs to know that the benefits to Florida’s fisheries and the sport of fishing that are provided by license fees are important to most sport fishing enthusiasts. An email from you will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal especially if Senator Negron decides to withdraw his bill.


    Floridafishingreport.net has prepared an email message for you to send to Senator Negron and his co-sponsor which asks them to withdraw their bill which abolishes fishing licenses in Florida.
    Sending your email is quick and easy. Simply click the following link, enter your name and email address then click the "Send Your Message" button. You may change the subject and/or text of the email.


    Please send your email to Senators Joe Negron and Anitere Flores asking them to withdraw their bill which abolishes fishing licenses in Florida.


    Please forward this email to fellow anglers and encourage them to send their email to these senators.


    This is the link to the form: http://florida-fishing.net/take_action_form.php?message=20

  • Best spearfishing snorkel

    I think with snorkels, like most equipment, it is a matter of preference really. I use an old purge type scuba snorkel with a dry top that is 15 years old and love it. I like the wave protection and purge ability and that mouth piece is worn in perfectly. But what I consider a perfect snorkel another would find cumbersome or garbage. Again, preference; it's all subjective.

  • Portable depthfinder / bottom machine

    Quote from LunkerBuster

    i think hau's unit is a lot nicer, but the eagle cuda 250 s/map is what I use and it was about 200 bucks when I got it..gps, chartplotter and FF and i use a small 8amh 12v battery that runs the whole unit for like 15 hours without a break...way longer than i want to be out in my yak <img src= " height="23" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x">


    I found the 350 on ebay for like 170. Looks nice, I may be picking that up soon. Definitely like the map/trip plotter for the everglades/10k islands trips.