- Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

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Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Tim S (---.ei.psu.edu)
Date: 03-17-15 13:01

Has anyone been permitted to harvest lionfish in the nature preserve? Last time down there while snorkeling I saw many. They were in most of the places we snorkeled. Melones, Malena, Fulladosa, Dakity, Soldiers Point, Carlos Rosario, Tamarindo, off Culebrita, everywhere. The lionfish were anywhere from just a few feet deep to 40 feet plus. I hear they taste good. With the way they let you approach, spearfishing would be very effective.

Tim

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Michael (107.168.80.---)
Date: 03-18-15 03:17

It would certainly make sense, to kill them. If we could develop a market where they are not only legal - even (or especially!) in the preserve - but tasty, then we could get ahead. They do threaten the preserve ..

The biggest issue I see with this is oversight. If you see a lionfish next to a big yellowtail (that is coming up to you ..) which would you rather have?

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Tim S (---.hsd1.pa.comcast.net)
Date: 03-18-15 15:27

Michael,

I agree with killing them, plus eating them. From all that I've read about the palatability of lionfish, there's practically a consensus that they are delicious. Your point is good about oversight once you've allowed harvesting in the preserve. I for one, would take the lionfish over the yellowtail, even though I drool in my snorkel when I see a big yellowtail swim by within arms reach.

It's just a shame they can't turn spearfishers loose on this increasing population of lionfish. Last year, while swimming the waters of Culebra, I could have put the hurt on 30 or more, and fed some folks as a result.

Tim

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 03-19-15 07:17

Well, go spearfishing outside the reserve!!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Darrell (69.24.197.---)
Date: 05-18-15 15:57

Hey all
I've been living in Culebra for about 7 mos now. I probably spear fish at least once, if not twice, a week. I've seen one lion fish. What am I doing wrong?!?! Lol. I like Soldado but haven't been able to fish it since the gate went up. I go to Playa Cable and Zoni, Playa Larga, even Flamenco once in a while. But no lion fish. Any suggestions? I'm open to any new spots, nor just for Lion Fish.
Thanks
Darrell

Just Do It

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 05-19-15 04:30

Darrell, you need to get into a boat. Fortunately gear is light and you can do it with a kayak!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Tim S (---.ei.psu.edu)
Date: 05-19-15 12:20

Darrell,

I've seen them at Melones, Dakity, Melena, Soldado, Fulladosa, and several other places. They ranged from depths of 3 feet to 40 feet. All I saw while snorkeling. Some where just a single fish. Others were in groups of 3-4 at most. While snorkelling Fullados, I came across an underwater structure of plastic bakery crates that had 4 lionfish just hanging out inside. They would have all been dinner for a spearfisher.

Here's a map I made showing some of the places we snorkeled. We used kayaks to get to Melena and Soldado, leaving from Fulladosa.

I haven't spear fished in Culebra yet, but our next trip down it will happen. Hopefully the spear in hand won't send the lionfish into hiding.

Tim

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Tim S (---.ei.psu.edu)
Date: 05-19-15 12:22

Darrell,

The link to the map.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z8ddU5tnpxgk.kklpZ16UQwT4

Tim

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Re: Spearfishing for Lionfish

Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date: 05-20-15 12:44

nice map, Tim; I made the link live!

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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