Spearfishing/diving on STX or STT

We went last week near carambola. Got 2 decent sized spinys (~2lb, 3.5 lb), yellowtail snapper and a mackerel. Speared about 8 lionfish. Should be making another trip soon- if you want to join PM me!

http://stthomassource.com/content/news/local-news/2013/03/07/st-thomas-man-cited-pot-fishing-monument

No fishing of any type is allowed in the monument. Line fishing is allowed in the national park waters outside of swim zones, Morris said. Spearfishing is not allowed in either location, and Morris said the park confiscates spear guns when they catch someone. Spearfishing for lionfish is allowed by those with permits to catch them.

To report illegal fishing as well as other incidents, call the park at 776-6201 ext. 244, 246 or 254.

Thank you Alana, for posting the rules yet again. Judging by the comments, you'd think the topic title was "I'm clueless about spearfishing, tell me what not to do".

Thank you Alana, for posting the rules yet again. Judging by the comments, you'd think the topic title was "I'm clueless about spearfishing, tell me what not to do".

I am sure you may not be clueless, but others that visit this post may be new to island and not know the rules and regs, so what is the harm in educating them regarding spearfishing/diving in STX/STT and STJ.

Did not mean to offend you, surely!:-o

Bringing this one back! I just got my first pole spear and looking for more information on species of fish that are good to eat but that are less likely to contain cigutera, everything I found was like 2008ish. I read through the NOAA fishing book and I went ahead and got a recreational fisher license although I read you don't need one for spearfishing? That didn't make sense so I got one anyways.

My main questions are on locations for spearfishing. I dont plan to do any blue water spearing yet, I need to get better before I do that I think. I know what I can and cant fish for but the NOAA shows only areas ion the east end of STT towards STJ non-fishable. I am betting other beaches/waters are preserves or protected but I cant seem to find the info. Thanks!

This document http://www.mpa.gov/pdf/fac/rothenberger_usvi_mpa_network.pdf (although long) shows the areas that are protected throughout the USVI. The St Thomas East End Reserve (STEER) is the area encompassing the lagoon, Secret Harbour through the Jameses, Cowpet, etc.

Thanks so much... Thats the same map I've seen, I am just surprised that theres not more beaches that don't allow fishing on STT. It looks like from the maps I found that much of STT of OK to fish in. Like Coki and Brewers... they're not on the map in a non fish zone but I'd assume they are no fish spots??? I want to make sure of course that I am 100% compliant to the laws but from a weeks of research I am not finding much to go off of than the map. SO I am thinking that from Sapphire all the way around to Bolongo is free game? Are there any places that are no-no's that are just frowned upon?

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/medicine/aquatic/CiguateraCard.pdf

Fish most commonly associated with ciguatera fish poisoning include barracuda, groupers, snappers, jacks, mackerel, and
triggerfish. In general, the larger the fish, the greater the potential for poisoning.

See this link and scroll all the way to end to see pics of types fish associated with ciguatera poisoning:

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/medicine/aquatic/CiguateraPosterRevised.pdf

I would contact fish and wildlife to ask if any other areas besides those East Ender mentioned.
Remember, no spear fishing in National Park waters, at all.

Here's another interesting link:
http://www.bvidef.org/main/content/view/31/80/

Good Luck!