The Tribune

SPEARFISHING in The Bahamas is exciting, an abundance of challenging gamefish and crustaceans in crystal-clear water.

But keep in mind that you should be a strong free diver as scuba gear is illegal to use in The Bahamas for spearfishermen. In the winter you’ll need a wetsuit; in the summer you may want a thin wetsuit or just your bathing suit.

As for your spear, you can use a pole spear or a Hawaiian Sling. As with scuba gear, spear guns are illegal in The Bahamas.

Beyond equipment, you also need a permit to spearfish. When you arrive in The Bahamas, ask the Customs agent. Unlike other fishing techniques, there is no catch and release for spearfishing, so know what you can and can’t kill in the season you’re there.

One of the other things The Bahamas are known for is an abundance of sharks. Get your kill out of the water fast to avoid losing it to sharks or putting yourself into a precarious position. As with all water activities, have a buddy with you.

Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout The Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242.com or www.bsfn.biz.

BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.