Agua Azul, just moved to Costa Rica from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I'm having difficulty mapping out where spearfishng is legal and how to hook up with locals for boat access etc., at least, it seems much more difficult compared to Brazil, where spearfishing is extremely widespread and rules are minimal. Is there a site where I can check this? Also, I'm interested in exploring the Puerto Viejo area, but have been unable to see what the regulations are and whether it will be hard to find a local captain.
Any help is very much appreciated!
Martin
jcomesana@na.ko.com

Ok, I am not going to respond to this again after this one! if you read the above it says
1. Spearfishing commercial is illegal
2. spearfishing on scuba or hooka is illegal
3. spearfishing with numatic is illegal
but after all that it is ok.
At least that is what it says! Anyways, i was just trying to show some fun pictures, and talk about a fun time!
Take care, and Pura Vida!

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Recreational spearfishing is legal, there is no doubt. However, the proper permit must be obtained. We take care of that.
I wanted to re-emphasis this as I had been misinformed by the myriad of Panamanian authorities telling me different things. However, the final authority is ARAP and they have informed me that there is no problem with recreational spearfishing. The confusion was that the law had changed and not all government organization were informed.

Ryan,

Do you have a link where we can read the regs for CR?

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http://www.panamacityspearfishing.com/

look up Incopescacr, i have not looked it up on the internet, i just went into the office and had the show me in the book!

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Looks like they are having trouble:

Attached Images

Screen shot 2012-01-16 at 9.33.38 PM.png (46.8 KB, 32 views)

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http://www.panamacityspearfishing.com/

try this www.incopesca.go.cr/

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Eyep.

That is where I was.

They need more bandwidth, it seems.

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They dont really have it together very well, but what are your concerns, i go by the office often, and am on a captains association here in Playa Garza. For a long time there was a lot of confusion about the legality of spearfishing, It is in fact legal with a normal fishing license, as long as you are not do it for commercial sale. In other words do not go and kill the whole ocean, and say it is for your freezer! There is a special license for spearfishing commercially, and you can apply for that at Incopesca. Also, spearfishing on SCUBA is ok too! Just if asked you have to be clear to the officials you are not a commercial guy! Hope this helps, and let me know if I can help any more!

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The SCUBA question was what I was mainly after.

Mike had mentioned that it is legal but he was referencing the lack of documented restriction on the fishing license itself.

I just wanted a little more than that.

There is a fishing association north of here in Tarcoles.

I think I will go see those guys and see what I can find for documentation.

Thanks for clarifying.

BTW, I took a bus to the border and went to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua for my visa run, so I missed you.

I will catch up with you at some point though.

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http://www.panamacityspearfishing.com/

Hit me up any time! I have a good friend that actually has a scuba spear fishing out fit here, I personally just do freediving, so let me know when you want to go!

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