Spearfishing in MN

[Freedive WI]

I believe you can only spear rough fish in Minnesota- thus, the carp.

Carp are ok if you smoke them, my grandfather always prefered a smoked carp to a smoked trout. I think that has to do with the fact that it's a fattier fish. I have a friend from the Czech Republic who has books of carp recipies- I guess they make it for Chrsitmas dinner over there.

In many Wisconsin counties you can spear rough fish and pan fish. I normally go for crappie and bluegill, with an occasional perch who wanders by. I will say that I ONLY spearfish while freediving, and don't consider it to be sporting to spearfish while on scuba.

As far as just wanting to "plug" something with a bullet instead of a camera, all I can say is I have my camera mounted to my gun- shoot the fish I can eat and take pictures of the ones I can't shoot.

Fred would be the Expert on the Dakota's, but I think you can even spear gamefish over there.

If you think it's easy, try doing without scuba gear and let me know how you did. I got skunked last weekend and never even took a shot.


Jon