First timer questions

[JONES]

Hello all,
My new wife, Tamra, and I are coming from Colorado Springs to Abaco for our honeymoon in July. We have the Pineapple cottage at Watercolours and a 17' Whaler from Island Marine. 147 days and counting. I have done a lot of reasearch but still have questions. Any local insight is much appreciated.

Is it acceptable to gather shells and return to the states?
Is a license required to fish?
Can a rookie with pole spear have success at getting something tasty?
Will it be any problem renting snorkel gear in July?
Can I rent a pole spear?
Is it proper to bring my custom embroidered Dark Side of the Moon boat flag and display it on the rental boat?
Jolly Roger?
Is there anything that I can bring down that a local would REALLY appreciate?
Is Sea Safe the hands down preferred sunscreen?

I know this is a lot of questions. I have already done a ton of research, read the faq, and chased many links but the input from this forum seem to be my next step. Thanks much.

Jones

[johnrudy]

Great questions! I don't have answers tho. We'll be there in June for our 1st time, so we eagerly await answers to your questions. (BTW - I can't imagine there'd be a problem with a Pink Floyd flag - my 15 yr. old's favorite band!)

[Henz]

got to Dr. Ralphs page..

[dogfish]

Is a license required to fish? No. If the boat you are renting is registered in the Bahamas


Can a rookie with pole spear have success at getting something tasty? Yes, but be aware of the rules about distance from islands and such. Also be aware the speared fish become a beacon for fish with teeth, so the less time the speared fish is in the water the better. My preferred method is to spear near the boat and hold the speared fish out of the water until you get it to the boat where it is removed by someone on the boat. I also don't stay in the same place long.



Can I rent a pole spear?Don't know


Is Sea Safe the hands down preferred sunscreen?Sea Safe protects against sea lice (not sure if it is a sunscreen). Generally Sea Lice is said to be an issue between Mother's Day and Father's Day. I just make sure I rinse good with fresh water when I get out of the ocean. Rinse around the bathing suit lines is really important.

Have fun!

-Doug

[momshell]

As far as spear fishing, we have had success from the first try. You need to look at the Bahamian fishing regulations/wildlife regulations( look at Dr. Ralph). You need a Hawaiian sling to spearfish- no spearguns allowed. You have to be a certain distance from shore, too. I don't think you can rent a spear, we bought ours down there- sling and spear. Spears about $40 each, i can't remember the sling cost( but not too much), it is like a giant rubber band with a handle. We bring our own snorjel gear, but i think you may be able to rent it in Hopetown on Elbow. By the way, you will love staying on Lubbers! As far as sunscreen, we prefer the Bullfrog( can get online at drugstore.com) You will need several bottles at least because of the intense sun and being in/around water all day ! It is the ultimate in protection- I use it on myself and our fair-skinned red head child- no burns ever in Abaco.

[JJ]

Taking sea shells is ok, just make sure there are no critters living in them. Sand dollars should be white (dead) and not brown (living).

Most people recommend purchasing snorkel gear over renting. You can buy the gear in the states for what it costs to rent the same during your stay. Also, you are guaranteed a better fit on a mask if you buy your own.

I have just used regular drug-store-bought sunscreens with high SPF with no problem. Finding one that is waterproof and has a high SPF should be your criteria. Sea Safe is supposed to protect from "sea lice" and includes a sunscreen. I have yet to have a problem with sea lice anywhere except one time in West Palm Beach when I did not rinse in fresh water after an ocean swim.

[wregle]

My husband and I are going for the first time also but in April. We have decided on Lubbers too. After researching alot of the same info you have requested, we decided to buy our snorkle gear. I found a great web site with really good prices. We go to the Gulf Coast alot so figured it wouldn't be wasted anyway. Hopefully this will be our first trip of many. I have researched daily, I just can't get enough about it! PM me and I will give you the web site if you are interested.

[JONES]

It's been my favorite since 1972 when it came out.....when I was 15
Enjoy your trip

[JONES]

got to Dr. Ralphs page..Thanks for the response.
I have checked out Dr. Ralph. He has some really great info and links.

[norvell]

Many of us like to collect shells/sand dollars/sea biscuits to return.
Please know that often they are damaged in transit home. Try to keep your selection of these wonderful treasures to a minimum quantity, so that those who come after us will be able to see and enjoy them as well.

[JONES]

As far as spear fishing, we have had success from the first try. You need to look at the Bahamian fishing regulations/wildlife regulations( look at Dr. Ralph). You need a Hawaiian sling to spearfish- no spearguns allowed. You have to be a certain distance from shore, too. I don't think you can rent a spear, we bought ours down there- sling and spear. Spears about $40 each, i can't remember the sling cost( but not too much), it is like a giant rubber band with a handle. We bring our own snorjel gear, but i think you may be able to rent it in Hopetown on Elbow. By the way, you will love staying on Lubbers! As far as sunscreen, we prefer the Bullfrog( can get online at drugstore.com) You will need several bottles at least because of the intense sun and being in/around water all day ! It is the ultimate in protection- I use it on myself and our fair-skinned red head child- no burns ever in Abaco.Thank you for the input momshell. I am leaning toward taking my own gear. I wonder if the airlines or customs will have trouble with the spear. I will have to go wade through the customs site again. Good to here enthusiasm for Lubber's. Also have heard good reports on Watercolours. BULLFROG ! I agree 2 thumbs up. I have been using it for many years. Don't know if the original concentrate spf 36 is still available. I have very light skin and on our many houseboating trips to Lake Powell it only took 1 application in the morning and I was good for the entire day. Highly recommend it for children. Thanks again
Jones

[JONES]

Taking sea shells is ok, just make sure there are no critters living in them. Sand dollars should be white (dead) and not brown (living).

Most people recommend purchasing snorkel gear over renting. You can buy the gear in the states for what it costs to rent the same during your stay. Also, you are guaranteed a better fit on a mask if you buy your own.

I have just used regular drug-store-bought sunscreens with high SPF with no problem. Finding one that is waterproof and has a high SPF should be your criteria. Sea Safe is supposed to protect from "sea lice" and includes a sunscreen. I have yet to have a problem with sea lice anywhere except one time in West Palm Beach when I did not rinse in fresh water after an ocean swim.Thanks JJ.
You and others definitely got me thinking we need to bring our own mostly for sizing issues. Seems like my old reliable Bullfrog is the way to go. Might also get some Sea Safe for the beltline. Heard it is also used for protection against jellyfish.
Thanks again

Jones

[R]

Good day,
Your Pole Spear will have to be checked, but other than that - no problem with Customs, or Airline.
There are also "take down" travel spears available if you look around a bit.

Regards,
R.

[juless]

Not familiar with Sea Lice??? Please advise.....
(travelling in April)

[Jerry S]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=sea+lice

[Jerry S]

http://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/showthread.php?t=3420&highlight=lice

[Jerry S]

http://www.************/SeaLice.html

[momshell]

We have no problems checking our spears each summer. We tape the pointed end, and then tape them together. One year they were lost in transit( in Nassau) because they got stuck somewhere in the baggage compartment. We have found that if you tape them together, and them tape a towel around them for thickness, they are less likely to be lost. BULLFROG comes in 36 still.

[JONES]

Many of us like to collect shells/sand dollars/sea biscuits to return.
Please know that often they are damaged in transit home. Try to keep your selection of these wonderful treasures to a minimum quantity, so that those who come after us will be able to see and enjoy them as well.Thanks norvell
It is always good to have a reminder.
I was taught to leave it better than I found it.

[JONES]

We have no problems checking our spears each summer. We tape the pointed end, and then tape them together. One year they were lost in transit( in Nassau) because they got stuck somewhere in the baggage compartment. We have found that if you tape them together, and them tape a towel around them for thickness, they are less likely to be lost. BULLFROG comes in 36 still.Thanks for the input.
I am looking at getting the 3 piece aluminum.
Do you have any opinion on that verses a 1 piece say 5 footer?
What about the tip. Toggle type or a 3 prong "paralyzer" type?
When I find it I really prefer the 1 oz concentrate, spf 36.
Thanks again.