Monday, September 1, 2014

Florida Keys Best For Spearfishing

By Harriet Porter


Mankind will always be inspired by the beauty and extreme forces of nature. One of the most exhilarating outdoor activities man can embark upon, is spearfishing in Florida Keys. The natural beauty of the area, balmy climate and clear, turquoise waters not only attract drones of tourists and adventurers, but also marine creatures of all creeds and kinds. It is renowned as one of the best spearfishing destinations in the world.

The outstretched coastline along the keys offers a myriad of Edenic spearfishing locations where schools of fish and other aquatic creatures flourish in the balmy crystal clear waters.

Especially the living coral reef south of Miami provides an excellent breeding ground for popular game fish species such as yellowtail snapper, amberjack, hog snapper, black grouper, mutton snapper and many more less common species. Here one can go spearfishing with or without scuba equipment in a friendly location that suits spearfishing enthusiasts of all levels of experience.

Hunting fish with a spear is one of the oldest sports mankind has embarked upon since the earliest times. Sure, the technique and equipment might have improved over the centuries, but the thrill of getting close to these evasive creatures for the kill, is still the same. Whether you look for these marine beauties from a boat or shore, in blue waters or fresh water locations, it remains an adrenaline boosting activity that still appeals to the primitive hunting instincts in most menfolks.

As with any water sport, there is a certain amount of risk involved in spearfishing. One of the golden rules is to never dive alone. Always dive in a group or take a trusted buddy along who has more of less the same level of experience. The Florida Keys is also known for marine hunters such as lemons, bulls and nurse sharks looking for easy prey. It is thus safest to put speared fish in a heavy duty game bag and trail it behind on a lengthy and high-visibility nylon line. A combination of adrenaline, loaded spear guns, hungry sharks and breath-hold diving techniques can be a recipe for disaster if one is not cautious.

Spearfishing is also physically demanding and one should try to maintain a reasonable fitness level to handle unforeseen difficulties more easily.

Good advice is also to always carry a dive knife - it might just come in handy when you have to entangle yourself or a diving buddy and it is still the most humane way to kill a speared fish. Although one of the best aspects of the sport is to enjoy the freedom of the ocean, it is essential to invest in proper gear and to take good care of it. A spear gun that is not in working order can mean the difference between life and death. On the other hand, it is a deadly weapon and should only be loaded and fired underwater. Know your weapon and always handle it with caution.

Florida Keys, like most places where spearfishing is popular, has one or more renowned companies that offer specialist diving and spearfishing courses. Knowledge is power and the better one is trained, the better the changes of a safe, successful and enjoyable outing. The rules and regulations are strict and they differ from place to place. It is thus important to first explore a new diving area and the rules that apply there before one embark on a spearfishing expedition.




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