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Spearfishing Licenses &
Regulations 2026

Spearfishing regulations vary dramatically by state, water type, and species. Most states allow spearfishing with a valid fishing license — but freshwater spearfishing for game fish is restricted in many states. Find your state's rules, endorsement requirements, and allowed species list.

34 States Covered Freshwater & Saltwater Rules Species Lists Included
34States Covered
3Endorsement Required
22Saltwater Allowed
Key Concept: In most states, spearfishing is permitted with a standard fishing license — no additional endorsement is needed. However, freshwater spearfishing for game fish (bass, walleye, trout, etc.) is prohibited in many states. Saltwater spearfishing is generally more permissive. Regulations vary significantly — always check your state's specific rules for the water body and species you intend to target. Covered states include: AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MT, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, and WI.
Know Before You Go

Understanding Spearfishing Regulations

Spearfishing sits at a unique regulatory intersection — it requires accuracy and selectivity that limits bycatch, but the same precision also makes it effective at harvesting game fish. This is why freshwater regulations tend to be stricter. Saltwater and ocean spearfishing is widely permitted in coastal states and Hawaii, where free diving and SCUBA spearfishing for pelagic and reef fish is a rich tradition. Understanding which waters, species, and methods are legal in your state is essential before entering the water.

Freshwater Restrictions
Most states prohibit spearfishing for trout, bass, walleye, and other game fish in freshwater. Non-game species like carp, gar, and catfish are often allowed. Always check the specific prohibited species list for your state's inland waters.
Saltwater Freedoms
Saltwater spearfishing is legal in most coastal states with a standard fishing license. Hawaii, Florida, and California have robust spearfishing cultures. Marine protected areas (MPAs) and marine reserves may prohibit spearfishing in specific locations.
Equipment Rules
Some states restrict equipment type. SCUBA-assisted spearfishing is prohibited in Hawaii and some California marine reserves. Pole spears, Hawaiian slings, and spearguns all have different legal standings by state. Check your state's specific gear rules.
Base License Required
Spearfishing always requires a valid fishing license as the base credential. Some states require an additional spearfishing endorsement on top of a standard license. Federal rules apply in federal waters (beyond 3 nautical miles).

Spearfishing Regulations by State

Select your state to view specific allowed species, endorsement requirements, and applicable restrictions.

34 states shown
AL
Alabama
Resident $17.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
AK
Alaska
Resident $25.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
AZ
Arizona
Resident $37.00
View regulations
CA
California
Resident $55.15
View regulations Saltwater allowed
CO
Colorado
Resident $35.08
View regulations
CT
Connecticut
Resident $19.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
FL
Florida
Resident $17.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
GA
Georgia
Resident $15.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
HI
Hawaii
Resident $0.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
ID
Idaho
Resident $30.50
View regulations
IL
Illinois
Resident $15.50
View regulations
KY
Kentucky
Resident $24.00
View regulations
LA
Louisiana
Resident $15.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
ME
Maine
Resident $26.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
MD
Maryland
Resident $20.50
View regulations Saltwater allowed
MA
Massachusetts
Resident $27.50
View regulations Saltwater allowed
MI
Michigan
Resident $26.00
Endorsement Required
View regulations
MN
Minnesota
Resident $51.00
Endorsement Required
View regulations
MS
Mississippi
Resident $9.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
MT
Montana
Resident $21.00
View regulations
NH
New Hampshire
Resident $22.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
NJ
New Jersey
Resident $22.50
View regulations Saltwater allowed
NM
New Mexico
Resident $22.00
View regulations
NY
New York
Resident $25.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
NC
North Carolina
Resident $25.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
OR
Oregon
Resident $44.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
PA
Pennsylvania
Resident $23.00
View regulations
RI
Rhode Island
Resident $18.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
SC
South Carolina
Resident $10.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
TN
Tennessee
Resident $26.00
View regulations
TX
Texas
Resident $40.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
VA
Virginia
Resident $23.00
View regulations Saltwater allowed
WA
Washington
Resident $30.05
View regulations Saltwater allowed
WI
Wisconsin
Resident $20.00
Endorsement Required
View regulations
FAQ

Spearfishing License Questions

In most states, yes — a standard fishing license covers spearfishing. However, freshwater spearfishing for game fish is prohibited in many states regardless of license type. Some states require an additional spearfishing endorsement. Always check your state's specific spearfishing regulations before heading out, especially for the specific water body and target species, as rules can vary by location even within the same state.
Freshwater spearfishing regulations are among the most restrictive in the country. Most states prohibit spearfishing for popular game fish like bass, walleye, pike, and trout in freshwater. Non-game species like carp, gar, bowfin, and buffalo are commonly allowed with a standard license. Some states like Florida allow spearfishing in freshwater for non-game species only. Always check the prohibited species list specifically for inland waters in your state.
SCUBA-assisted spearfishing regulations vary significantly. Hawaii prohibits all spearfishing while using SCUBA equipment — free diving only. California prohibits SCUBA spearfishing in most state marine protected areas. Florida allows SCUBA spearfishing in most saltwater areas except coral reefs and certain protected zones. Most other coastal states permit SCUBA spearfishing in open ocean waters. Always check local restrictions before diving with both SCUBA gear and a speargun.
Legal spearfishing equipment typically includes pole spears, Hawaiian slings, and pneumatic or band-powered spearguns. Some states restrict speargun power or type. Spearguns with explosive heads (powerheads) are prohibited in most states for fish (though allowed for shark deterrence in some areas). Electrical or chemical-assisted spearing devices are universally prohibited. Check your state's specific equipment restrictions before purchasing gear.
No — marine protected areas (MPAs), marine reserves, state parks with underwater habitat protections, and National Marine Sanctuaries typically prohibit all take, including spearfishing. Florida's coral reef areas, California's network of MPAs, and Hawaii's marine life conservation districts all restrict or prohibit spearfishing. Always verify the specific regulations for the exact location where you plan to dive. Violations can result in significant fines and equipment confiscation.
Yes, a fishing or spearfishing license is required regardless of whether you're shore diving or boat-based spearfishing. The method of entry into the water doesn't change licensing requirements. If spearfishing from a boat in saltwater, additional federal regulations may apply in waters beyond 3 nautical miles. For shoreline spearfishing, local ordinances may also apply — some beaches prohibit spearfishing to protect swimmers. Always check both state and local rules for your specific location.