| There are many laws and rules that apply to | | | | non game fish can be taken using a speargun. |
| using a speargun for fishing purposes. These rules | | | | Common freshwater sports fish like bass, |
| vary from one state to another, and because of | | | | walleye, pike, and trout are completely off limits |
| that an individual angler needs to know what the | | | | when it comes to using this method. |
| laws are for a specific area before going out on | | | | Catfish tend to be the biggest question mark and |
| the water. | | | | have the most variance in rules. Some states do |
| One of the most important rules is to understand | | | | not allow speargun fishing for catfish, while others |
| that a speargun is considered a projectile weapon, | | | | mark every species of catfish as being perfectly |
| so when you're not actually on or in the water | | | | legal to fish using this method. State to state, the |
| using the speargun, it should never be loaded. | | | | rules differ, which is why it is so important to |
| Likewise, for safety and legal reasons, a speargun | | | | learn first hand what the local DNR regulations are |
| should never be pointed at another person, or | | | | before jumping in. |
| shot in the direction of another person. | | | | Fishing with a speargun can be a very enjoyable |
| In many states, there are a list of fish that are | | | | recreational activity, but anglers need to make |
| considered "game fish" or "sporting game fish," | | | | sure to know all of the local state laws before |
| and fish that are not. While this doesn't hold true | | | | going out for a full day of fishing. |
| in all places, in most bodies of freshwater, only | | | | |