macawmagic
In Memoriam
I'm looking for a spot to go on saturday. I live in south florida now so it's not a long drive. Don't have a boat so we'd be swimming out from the beach, so nothing far! I'm hoping to pickup some snails or maybe a fish or 2.
anyone go snorkeling in the keys?
- Thread starter macawmagic
- Start date
DaveG99
New member
Islamorada ha sa couple great spots. On the right hand side you'll come to an area where the road is right on the water and there is a small 15-20 foot wide sand/gravel area where you can park. Its right before you get to a big bridge. I used to go there and snorkel in about 1'-4' of water and catch just about anything I wanted. Emerald crabs, decorator crabs, brittle stars, cukes, blennies, angels, hi hats, banded coral shrimp, hermits, and lots of other things. I miss the keys! I'll be there on vacation on June 23rd for a week though.
macawmagic
In Memoriam
thanks dave...any chance you know about what mile marker that is? I've never been down to the keys so this will be my first time! I hope its as amazing as everyone says it is. I was just diving down in honduras, guatamala and belize over winter break. that was amazing!!!
Bacchus_fl
New member
Definitely let us know, I will be going down the same time as sytanek.
What are the rules/ laws on collecting?
What are the rules/ laws on collecting?
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DaveG99
New member
I dont really know what mile marker. I just know it by looking at it. Just once you get into islamorada look to your right and it willl be one of the only areas on the right where you can park a car on a gravel/sandy area. Also there is a burger king before you get there on your left. Thats abotu all I can remember.
Collecting laws......Your not supposed to take any rocks. Fish and inverts are OK as long as you have a fishing license.
Collecting laws......Your not supposed to take any rocks. Fish and inverts are OK as long as you have a fishing license.
Reefworkschris
In Memoriam
There are regulations to that though. Here is a link that has any info you could need. Stick to these rules.
http://myfwc.com/marine/recreational/recharvestmls.htm
http://myfwc.com/marine/recreational/recharvestmls.htm
DaveG99
New member
I never even payed attention to the laws of collecting. I just grabbed what I wanted and thats it. People get all crazy when people say this but its true and the collecting laws are only made for the people who want to collect and sell things. If you just collect for your own aquarium I think its perfectly OK to take what you want. The key is to not get caught. I look at it liek speeding. I know every one of us speed on the roads and it is ILLEGAL but we still do it. Like I said......Just dont get caught.
cowboyswife
New member
Im sticking to the rules when we go. Im too paranoid 
Bacchus_fl
New member
I will be there for a week. Do you think a couple 5G buckets with airating (sp?) powerheads will be enough to keep everything alive for up to a week?
Also what do you use to collect fish? I assume a net but do you use a large one or just a regular sixe one that we use on our tanks?
Also what do you use to collect fish? I assume a net but do you use a large one or just a regular sixe one that we use on our tanks?
BoricuaMojao
New member
The collecting laws are for all of us.
Why the disregard for the collecting laws? they serve a purpose.
It is irresponsible of you to suggest otherwise.
theres decent off shore snorkeling location called Bahia Honda. I would really stay away from collecting in the keys. If the rangers dont catch you, many *many* of the locals love to turn you folks in.
actually, when I was there last year, I was reading a story in the local paper of exactly that. "Coleltors beware, locals are watching you too" or something to that effect.
You can also rent a kayak at Bahia Honda for not too much to get to some more remote area with some decent groups of fish, tangs, box fish, trumpet fish etc...
have fun
Luis
actually, when I was there last year, I was reading a story in the local paper of exactly that. "Coleltors beware, locals are watching you too" or something to that effect.
You can also rent a kayak at Bahia Honda for not too much to get to some more remote area with some decent groups of fish, tangs, box fish, trumpet fish etc...
have fun
Luis
Reefworkschris
In Memoriam
It is perfectly legal and ok to collect in the keys as long as you follow the regs and don't take anything from a park or sancuary. And Dave you do need to follow these rules....they ONLY apply to recreational collecting like you do. Commercial collecting is governed much harder. And if you are caught with illegal livestock (especially in the keys) they can and will take the vehicle (car, truck, and/or boat) that you used while taking these illegal items and throw you in jail along with big fines, so it is a big deal and don't encourage anyone to break the laws. There is plenty that you can take for your own tank, legally.
cowboyswife
New member
I agree. If there is a specimen that is so terribly desired, buying it an LFS is much cheaper than paying fines if caught.
DaveG99
New member
I said it before....You speed and you face the possability of a speeding ticket. You collect some live rock and you face the possability of a fine. You do a wheelie like my avatar and you can go to jail. But does it stop everyone? Just because its against the law it doesnt mean its hurting anyone. I can see it now. People are goinjg to flame away on me! And I have been on a boat that was searched by the florida fish and wildlife officers or whatever they are called. They found some dead corals this girl that was with us found on a beach along with some shells and such. All they did was make us throw it back in the water. You dont get in a lot of trouble for taking a rock or two. Most of the stuff I collected was legal anyway. And let me tell you the locals sometimes ***** at you for collecting fish. Its happened to me. They dont seem to understand that the guy fishing with a pole is taking more fish than I am collecting. And the laws ARE made for the guy who wants to collect and then turn around and sell the stuff. THAT could damage the keys. They just changed this law back in the late nineties. You used to be able to take as much rock as you wanted. This was the case for many years. The only reason the laws changed is political reasons and maybe a tree hugger got put into office. Do what you want. I personally would collect rocks in a heart beat if I lived near the keys still. But, unfortunately I live in Dallas now.
Also wanted to add so you people don't think I am the devil evil coral collector. I agree with the idea of having protected amrine sanctuaries such as the ones off shore in the keys. When ever I dive or snorkel the reefs I always respect it and never take anything. I also use the yellow bouys to tie up the boat. But on the side of a road about 10-20 feet from shore you should be able to do what you want.
Also wanted to add so you people don't think I am the devil evil coral collector. I agree with the idea of having protected amrine sanctuaries such as the ones off shore in the keys. When ever I dive or snorkel the reefs I always respect it and never take anything. I also use the yellow bouys to tie up the boat. But on the side of a road about 10-20 feet from shore you should be able to do what you want.
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