Private Spearfishing & Lobstering Guide South Florida
Private Trip
Scuba Diving
Private spearfishing and lobstering instruction with certified guide HopeCustomized training covers techniques, gear use, and local regulationsOne-on-one coaching on commercial boats with personalized pacing
Ready to take your underwater hunting game to the next level? Hope Chadwick from Diving With Moon offers hands-on private instruction that'll have you targeting South Florida's best reef species like a pro. This isn't your typical follow-the-leader dive – it's a completely personalized experience where you'll learn proper spearfishing and lobstering techniques while exploring some of the most productive reefs off the coast. Whether you're just getting started with a pole spear or looking to dial in your shooting accuracy, Hope tailors every session to match your skill level and goals. You'll be diving from commercial boats but getting private guide treatment the entire time, which means more bottom time, better instruction, and way less crowded dive sites.
This private guide experience puts you right where the action happens – South Florida's thriving reef systems where grouper, hogfish, and other prime targets hang out year-round. Hope knows these waters inside and out, so you'll hit the spots where fish actually are instead of wasting dives on empty bottom. Each session starts with a thorough briefing covering target identification, local regulations, and safety protocols. You'll learn to read the reef structure, understand fish behavior, and position yourself for clean shots. The beauty of going private means you can spend extra time working on specific techniques, whether that's improving your breath hold, perfecting your approach, or getting comfortable with different spear configurations. Hope's been guiding these waters for years and knows exactly how to help divers build confidence while staying within Florida's strict collection laws.
Your hunting arsenal depends on what you're targeting and your experience level. Most divers bring pole spears for close-range work and Hawaiian slings for longer shots, though Hope can recommend the best setup based on conditions and target species. For lobstering, you'll need a tickle stick, measuring gauge, and a good catch bag – all standard gear that's easy to master with proper instruction. The dive sites typically range from 40 to 80 feet, with plenty of ledges, swim-throughs, and coral heads where fish like to hang out. Hope covers proper approach techniques, how to read fish body language, and the best angles for clean kills. You'll also learn lobster behavior patterns and how to spot the legal-sized bugs hiding in their favorite crevices. Since you're booking seats on established boat charters, you'll have access to proven dive sites with good visibility and healthy fish populations. The private instruction means you get personalized feedback on your technique without competing for guide attention with other divers.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of South Florida spearfishing, and for good reason. These chunky fish typically run 5 to 15 pounds and love hanging around ledges and rocky outcrops in 50 to 80 feet of water. They're curious but spooky, often approaching divers before darting back to cover. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Red grouper have excellent table fare and fight hard when speared, making them a favorite target for both new and experienced hunters. The key is patience – they'll often circle back if you stay still and let them come to you.
Hogfish are probably the most prized eating fish on the reef, with sweet, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant catch. They're surprisingly smart and can be tough to approach, especially the bigger breeding males with their distinctive long snouts and flowing fins. These fish prefer sandy areas near reefs where they root around for crabs and small invertebrates. Summer months bring the best hogfish action, with fish ranging from 2 to 8 pounds being fairly common. They're fast swimmers and quick to spook, so you'll need solid technique and good positioning for consistent success. Hope teaches specific strategies for reading hogfish behavior and timing your shots when they're feeding and less alert.
Black Grouper represent the trophy fish of South Florida hunting, with mature fish reaching 20 pounds or more. They're deeper water specialists, typically found in 60+ feet around prominent ledges and wrecks. These fish are incredibly smart and often require advanced techniques to approach successfully. Black grouper season runs through spring, with cooler months producing the largest specimens. They're ambush predators that like to tuck into overhangs and crevices, making them challenging targets that require precise shot placement. The payoff is worth it – black grouper are fantastic eating and provide the kind of hunting experience that keeps spearfishermen coming back season after season.
This private guide service gives you everything you need to become a confident, ethical underwater hunter while exploring some of Florida's most productive reefs. Hope's personalized instruction approach means you'll actually improve your skills instead of just following someone else around underwater. The combination of proven dive sites, expert local knowledge, and one-on-one coaching creates the perfect environment for taking your hunting to the next level. Remember that boat seats and rental gear are separate costs, so factor those into your planning. With only one spot available per session, this top-rated experience books up fast during peak season. Ready to start targeting South Florida's best reef species like a pro? Get in touch with Diving With Moon to lock in your dates and start planning your next hunting adventure.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of South Florida reefs - olive-gray bodies with dark rectangular blotches, averaging 20+ pounds with monsters pushing 100. These ambush predators lurk around deep wrecks and ledges, typically 60-200 feet down. They move shallower in winter, giving spearos better opportunities in 30-60 foot range. What makes them special is the incredible fight they put up - pure power and stubbornness that'll test your gear and technique. The meat is mild and firm, perfect eating. They're loners most of the year, making each encounter memorable. Key tip: once you make the shot, get aggressive getting them up. They'll try to hole up in structure, and with their size and strength, they can easily break your line if they find cover.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most rewarding targets on South Florida reefs - distinctive pig-like snout, bright colors, and they max out around 20 pounds. You'll find them rooting through sand and rubble between 20-80 feet, especially around hard bottom and coral edges. They're curious fish that'll actually swim up to check you out, but landing one with a spear takes patience since their snout makes the target tricky. The payoff is worth it though - hogfish meat is incredibly sweet, even better than grouper according to most divers. Spring and summer give you the best shots when they're more active. Pro tip: make some noise by tapping your tank or gear. They're attracted to sound vibrations thinking it's food, and they'll come investigate.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are South Florida's bread and butter reef fish - rusty red bodies with white spots, averaging 5-10 pounds but capable of hitting 50. These tough fighters hang around wrecks, ledges, and rocky bottom from 30-200 feet deep. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam crabs and shrimp without hesitation, making them perfect for newer spearos to build confidence. The meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, with that sweet shellfish taste from their crab-heavy diet. Best action happens during cooler months when they move shallower. Here's the trick: once you shoot one, get it up fast. They'll try to wedge into rocks and crevices, and their powerful jaws can snap your line if they get leverage.
Palm Beach