Ive never really been spearfishing but i would love to go and i had a few questions?
1)Are sharks a problem from the blood and dead fish?
2)Where do you shoot the fish so it kills them quick without much struggle?
3)Where are good spots to go?
4)And where do i get the proper equipment?
thanks,
Chris
Hey Bragin,
As a beginner, I found out that they definately are interested in what you shoot. I had to fight off a sand tiger the other day. He saw the fish wiggling around as I tried to get him in the bag and he would not leave until we kicked him a couple of times. It really didnt want anything to do with me, just the fish in the bag. What made me a little nervous was that there were 30 plus sharks just below and out from the wreck where we were and some were in the 8 - 10 foot range. I was behind and above them and they didnt seem to notice or care. Look around before you shoot. The guy that is teaching me suggests to let the fish trail behind you on a stringer.
Maybe some of the more experienced guys will reply to your post.
Key West 1720 90 4 srtk Yamaha
First thing about spearfishing is, don’t complicate diving with another task until you are TOTALLY comfortable with the diving part. Once you are, the best way to learn about spearfishing is from others that are good and safe at doing it. I patronize a boat out of Wilmington that specializes in it and without hesitation recommend them (see signature line).
My quick answers to your questions:
1)Are sharks a problem from the blood and dead fish?
They can be, but most sharks will not consider you a food source. If there are sharks present, it’s a good idea to not spear anything. If they show up after I spear something, I get out of the water and move. If I can’t get out of the water before they come too close, 90% of the time, they will go away with a jab of the spear point or butt of the speargun. The other 10% of the time, they might need to be speared or powerheaded for your own safety. VERY seldom are those drastic measures required.
2)Where do you shoot the fish so it kills them quick without much struggle?
Brain, or anywhere on the lateral line, the further to the front on the lateral, the better.
3)Where are good spots to go?
Find someone that will take you, help with gas, cleaning, etc…or book a charter that does it.
4)And where do i get the proper equipment?
Other than normal dive equipment, you only need a gun(ebay, yard sale, or buy a new 48 AB Biller for @ $200) and a stringer (@ $20).
I use a tight mesh laundry bag instead of a stringer. Only once had a shark get very curious about it so I left it on the first dive. Second dive, shark was gone, bag still on the bottom. Lucky I guess??? Had a 6’ cuda take all my fish off a stringer once so I got cleverer.
Once had two guns. Lent one to a newbie. He was behind me going down the anchor rope. Reef Donkeys appeared, one went by, another, another, then one with a spear in it with my new AB Biller attached. I turned to get an explanation. None given. Ever heard somebody laughing through a 2nd stage?
DillyDally
-19’ Cat-
Now thats funny!
Dont mean to chuckle at your generosity/misfortune.
But it is funny.
Key West 1720 90 4 srtk Yamaha