Private Spearfishing & Lobstering Guide in South Florida
Private Trip
Scuba Diving
Private spearfishing and lobstering instruction with certified guide HopeCustomized training covers techniques, gear use, and target identificationOneonone guidance ensures personalized pacing and maximum water time
Ready to level up your underwater hunting game? Hope Chadwick from Diving With Moon offers completely personalized spearfishing and lobstering instruction that'll have you diving with confidence and coming up with dinner. This isn't your typical group dive where you're fighting for attention – you get Hope's full focus as your private guide, whether you're just starting out with a Hawaiian sling or ready to fine-tune your technique on bigger game fish.
Every session starts with Hope sizing up your current skill level and what you want to accomplish. Maybe you've been diving for years but never pulled the trigger on a fish, or perhaps you've got some lobster bugs under your belt but want to target bigger grouper. Hope tailors each dive to push you just enough without overwhelming you. You'll hit South Florida's productive reefs aboard commercial dive boats, but once you're underwater, it's just you and Hope working on proper approach angles, breath-hold techniques, and reading fish behavior. The beauty of going private means you can spend extra time on that tricky shot or work through gear adjustments without holding up a group. Hope knows these reefs like the back of her hand and will position you where the fish are actually hanging out, not just where the dive sites look pretty on paper.
Hope covers all the essentials before you splash – local regulations, bag limits, size restrictions, and the spots that are off-limits during certain seasons. South Florida has some specific rules about what you can and can't take, and she'll make sure you're diving legally and ethically. As for gear, you'll need to sort out your own rental equipment since it's not included in the guide fee. Hope will walk you through proper speargun selection, pole spear techniques, and tickle stick use for lobstering. She's big on teaching you to read the reef structure and fish behavior before you even load your gun. You'll learn about proper buoyancy control for hunting – staying neutral while lining up shots and avoiding damaging the reef. The focus is always on clean, ethical harvests and sustainable practices that keep these reefs productive for future generations.
Red Grouper are the bread and butter of South Florida spearfishing, and Hope knows exactly where they like to post up. These chunky fish typically range from 5-15 pounds and love hanging around ledges and rocky outcroppings in 60-120 feet of water. They're curious fish that will often come investigate you, but they're also smart enough to duck into holes when they sense danger. Best action happens during cooler months when they're more active and feeding heavily. What makes red grouper so rewarding is their fight – they'll try to wrap you around the reef structure, so you need solid technique to land them clean.
Hogfish are the holy grail for many spearfishermen, and South Florida's reefs hold some beautiful specimens. These weird-looking fish with their pig-like snouts are actually incredible table fare – sweet, flaky meat that's worth the effort. They're typically found rooting around sandy areas near reefs, using those distinctive snouts to dig for crustaceans. Hogfish are skittish and require excellent approach technique. They're more common in spring and fall, and the bigger breeding males with their pronounced foreheads are absolute trophies. Hope will teach you to spot their feeding behavior and get within range before they bolt.
Black Grouper represent the ultimate challenge for South Florida spearfishermen. These apex predators can grow massive – we're talking 30+ pound fish that look like underwater bulldogs. They're found around deeper reef structure and are incredibly smart, often requiring multiple dives to pattern their behavior. Black grouper fishing peaks in winter months when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is their intelligence – they learn to avoid spearfishermen and will test every bit of your hunting skill. Landing a quality black grouper is a milestone that separates casual hunters from serious practitioners.
This private guide experience with Hope is perfect for certified divers who want to add a productive element to their diving. You'll come away with real skills, better understanding of South Florida's marine ecosystem, and hopefully some fresh fish for the grill. Remember to budget for your boat seat and any rental gear you'll need – Hope can point you toward quality equipment based on your specific goals. The one-on-one instruction means you progress faster and develop proper technique from the start. Book your session with Diving With Moon and Hope will have you hunting like a local in no time.
Mycteroperca BonaciBlack grouper are the heavyweights of South Florida reefs, commonly running 10-30 pounds with giants reaching over 100. These olive-gray fish with dark rectangular blotches are ambush predators that lurk around wrecks, ledges, and deep reefs from 60-200+ feet. They're solitary hunters with massive mouths that inhale prey whole. The fight is legendary - pure power that'll test your gear and stamina. Meat is mild, firm, and excellent eating. Best spearfishing is during cooler months when they move shallower, around 80-120 feet on the outer reef. They're smart and wary, so stealth is key. Pro tip: once you make your shot, get them away from structure immediately - they'll try to hole up in caves or under ledges where you can't reach them.
Lachnolaimus MaximusHogfish are one of the most prized spearfishing targets in South Florida waters. These curious wrasses average 2-5 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds and 3 feet long. You'll spot them rooting around hard bottom areas, coral heads, and ledges in 15-80 feet, using that pig-like snout to dig for crabs and mollusks. They're naturally curious and will often approach divers, making them great targets for newer spearfishers. The white, flaky meat rivals lobster in taste - sweet and delicate. Best hunting is during cooler months when they're more active in shallower water. Males have a distinctive black spot behind their pectoral fins. Local trick: they're attracted to noise, so gently tapping your spear tip can actually draw them closer instead of spooking them away.
Epinephelus MorioRed grouper are solid fighters that'll give you a real workout once hooked. These rusty-red fish with white spots typically run 5-10 pounds, though some reach 50+ pounds. You'll find them around reefs, ledges, and wrecks in 30-150 feet, hanging near rocky or hard bottom areas. They're aggressive feeders that love shrimp and crab - perfect for spearfishing since they'll often hold their ground rather than bolt. The meat is outstanding - firm, flaky, with a sweet shellfish taste that makes the fight worth it. Best months are fall through early spring when they're more active in shallower water. Pro tip: once you shoot one, get it secured fast - they're tough and will try to wedge into the nearest hole or crevice.
Palm Beach