Section 9-11-170 Spearing of Commercial or Nongame Fish for Sport - When, Where and How Permitted; Notice of Competitive Events.

(a) The spearing of commercial or nongame fish solely for the purpose of sport in all waters of this state, both fresh and salt, shall be lawful; provided, that the person engaged in the act of spearing shall be completely submerged. “Commercial or nongame fish” as used in this article shall be limited to those freshwater fish designated as such by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and all species of saltwater fish. “Spearing” as used in this article shall be limited to the use of a spear or similar instrument that is held in the hand of the person using same and the use of a weapon, other than a firearm, which propels or forces a projectile, arrow or similar device therefrom to which a wire, rope, line, cord or other means of recovering the propelled projectile, arrow or similar device is attached and is secured to the weapon or to the person using the weapon. (b) When a group of individuals shall meet for the purpose of a competitive spearfishing event, notice thereof shall be given to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources at least one week prior thereto designating the time, date and place of the event.