Social Icons

Pages

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Why Spearfishing In Florida Keys?

By Harriet Porter


The quest to conquer and explore is part of human nature. One thing that should be on any adventurer's bucket list is to go spearfishing in Florida Keys ! It is one of the most idyllic venues for this popular water sport. Azure blue waters teeming with fish and other marine species annually lure thousands of visitors to this tropical paradise which reminds one that heaven is a place on earth.

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.

Spearfishing, like all other water sport, is not without risk and one should never throw caution to the wind when one is dealing with the ocean. The first rule is to never dive alone. Always go with a group or at least one reliable, skilled person whom you can depend on in times of trouble. Beautiful as they are, the Florida Keys are also home to various species of sharks who won't mind a bite of your catch. Another safety precaution is to always keep speared fish in a special game bag tied to a long nylon line and letting it trail behind you at a safe distance.

To hunt fish with a spear gun requires not only good swimming skills, but also physical fitness and the ability to carry heavy diving equipment. It is thus important to train regularly and to keep fit.

Having the right equipment and keeping it in good condition is equally important for a safe and successful spearfishing experience. A good dive knife is highly recommended - not only for killing speared fish humanely, but it might also come in handy when you have to disentangle yourself or a diving buddy from seaweed, bamboo or fishing lines. Spear guns must always be kept in good working order and handled with extreme caution - both on land and offshore.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment