Bahamas · Spearfishing zone
Out Islands (Family Islands) offshore waters
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Out Islands (Family Islands) offshore waters.
Spearfishing with a Hawaiian sling / pole spear is permitted around the Family (Out) Islands provided it is beyond 200 yards from the coast at low water mark, on breath-hold only (no SCUBA/compressor), under a sport fishing permit with spear endorsement, and outside any national park / no-take reserve.
What applies here
Restrictions
Specific rules and limits that apply within this area.
Hawaiian sling or pole spear only (no spear gun); no underwater breathing apparatus other than snorkel; must be more than 200 yards from shore; spear endorsement required on permit; vessel catch limits and closed seasons apply.
When it applies
Seasons
Time-of-year periods that affect spearfishing in this zone.
Subject to species closed seasons (crawfish Apr 1 - Jul 31; Nassau grouper Dec 1 - Feb 28; stone crab Jun 1 - Oct 15).
Source
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Bahamas
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.
Apply to the Minister/Director of Fisheries (Form 7); for vessels entering The Bahamas, application is made to the customs officer at the first Port of Entry. To use a spear, the applicant must request this on the permit application; when granted, the spear use is endorsed in writing on the permit by the issuing officer.
Get your licenseOpens the official portal · bahamas.com