Spearfishing in Bermuda: Current Rules, Limits, and Lionfish Hunting

 

 

Updated: August 2026 

Bermuda has massive offshore reef systems holding world-record rockfish and black grouper. If you are an experienced spearo, looking at the crystal clear water here will make your trigger finger itch. 

 

However, spearfishing in Bermuda is heavily restricted. The government tightly controls who can hunt and what gear they can use to protect the fragile marine ecosystem. 

 

At a Glance

 

 

 

Can Tourists Spearfish in Bermuda?

 

Let me save you a lot of time and frustration right now. Tourists cannot legally spearfish for local game fish in Bermuda. Traditional spearfishing licenses are strictly issued to Bermuda residents only. If you plan to visit for a week and free-dive for snapper or grouper, you need to leave your gear at home. 

 

Marine police actively patrol the waters, and ignorance of the law will not get you out of a massive fine. Do not try to sneak a spear in your luggage. Customs officers know exactly what to look for at the airport. 

 

The Tourist Exception: Lionfish Culling

 

There is one major exception to the tourist ban. You can legally hunt invasive lionfish. To do this, you must complete a specialized lionfish culling course through a recognized local dive shop. 

 

Once you have your culling permit, the rules change entirely. You are actually allowed to use SCUBA gear while hunting lionfish, which is strictly banned for traditional spearfishing. You can also hunt much closer to shore. It is a highly rewarding way to dive, and you are doing the local reefs a massive favor by removing this invasive predator. 

 

What Surprises Visitors the Most: The "Pole Spear Only" Rule

 

Even if you are a resident, Bermuda has a rule that shocks most international spearfishers. Spearguns and Hawaiian slings are 100 percent illegal. You cannot own, import, or use them anywhere in the territory. 

 

Only traditional pole spears are permitted. This makes hunting pelagic fish here incredibly difficult and highly sporting. One has to get uncomfortably close to large, smart fish like wahoo or tuna. It requires immense breath-hold capacity and stealth. 

 

Bermuda Spearfishing Regulations (For Residents)

 

If you live here and hold a valid license, the rules remain incredibly strict. You must be at least one nautical mile from any shore before you put a spear in the water. Hunting on the inner reefs or inside harbors is a quick way to lose your license. 

 

You are also limited to free-diving only. SCUBA gear is strictly prohibited when hunting game fish. The daily catch limit is tight, allowing only two fish of any one species per day. You absolutely cannot spear lobsters, and protected species like parrotfish are entirely off-limits. 

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 

The biggest trap for boaters is Bermuda's "Presumption of Guilt" law. If marine police board your boat and find a pole spear and SCUBA gear on board at the same time, you are legally presumed to be poaching. It does not matter if the spear is dry and stored away. 

 

Unless you have a specific lionfish culling permit that allows SCUBA, never mix diving tanks and spears on the same vessel. I also recommend double-checking your GPS distance from shore. The marine police use precise coordinates, and guessing you are a mile out will not hold up in court. 

 

Best Offshore Spots (The 1-Mile Rule)

 

Licensed locals head far offshore to find the best action. The Argus Bank and Challenger Bank are legendary spots located about 20 - 25 miles southwest of the territory. These underwater seamounts rise from the deep ocean floor, creating massive upwellings that attract baitfish. 

 

Challenger & Argus Banks (Location Map) 

 

You will find massive black grouper and rockfish hanging around the 200-foot drop-offs. The currents out here are notoriously brutal. You will often smell heavy diesel exhaust from charter boats trolling nearby, and the open ocean swells require serious physical fitness to navigate safely. 

 

Practical Details: Licenses and Fees

 

If you qualify as a resident, you must apply for your license in person. Head to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources located in the Botanical Gardens in Paget. Look for the main administrative building past the visitor center. 

 

The recreational spearfishing license costs $130. The license is not transferable. All licenses expire on August 31st every year, regardless of when you bought them. You are also legally required to submit a monthly catch log, even if you did not catch anything that month. 

 

Pro-Tip: Set a calendar reminder on your phone to submit your catch statistics by the 15th of the following month. Failing to report your catch is the easiest way to get your renewal denied. 

 

Alternatives: If You Can't Spearfish, Do This Instead

 

Since most visitors cannot spearfish, you still have incredible options to get on the water. If you want to battle massive pelagic fish like wahoo, tuna, or marlin, you should book a trip for Bermuda Deep Sea Fishing. The charter boats have the heavy tackle needed to pull monsters from the offshore banks. 

 

If you prefer a lighter day on the water, look into Bermuda Reef Fishing. You can catch plenty of snapper and triggerfish using hook and line over the coral heads. 

 

Finally, if you want to stay on dry land and avoid boat fees, check out my guide to Shore Fishing in Bermuda for the best spots to cast from the rocks. 

 

Related Articles

 

Bermuda Fishing Guide: Know all about fishing in Bermuda. 

Bermuda Water Sports: Various water sport activities in Bermuda. 

 

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