I have been trolling offshore for some years now, but after getting dive certified last year I’ve been dying to start spearfishing. I have all my dive gear to get down and poke around, but I know nothing of the equipment needed to shoot fish. What are good brands of spear guns? Length needed? I’ve noticed some carry bags and others seem to float their catch up on some type of rings??? Don’t need any secret numbers, but if anyone has a good reference point for me to find some nice fish, that would be great. Ideally, I’d like to target some grouper and other such monsters. Also, is there a good dive shop around that sells the equipment. I’ve found low country scuba on google, but they never seem to answer the phone. Any help is appreciated.
All the local divers do their business with lowcountry scuba. Hop on another boat of divers a couple of times and you will know all you need to know about technique and equipment.
edit: skinnee was already telling you the same thing as me as I was typing my reply.
Hit up the dive shop on shem creek next to Waters Edge and the Teaser2. Vic posts here and runs the shop.
Would suggest going on a few trips those guys run from time to time and seeing the different options for technique and gear in action before you spend your money on certain things.
Look forward to seeing video and pics from you in the future. We have a lot of life off our coast.
Where are you located? If around Charleston, then Lowcountry is really your only spearfishing friendly shop. They’re located on Shem Creek. If you’re north of that, then Scuba Express in Murrells Is your option. Don’t *****-foot around with some little 42" gun. Go ahead and buy a 52-54" Ocean Rhino or Biller. Learn to shoot freeshaft. Buy extra shafts, stainless fish stringer and lift bags. If you’re not already, get nitrox certified. You’re going to need it off SC. Point your boat in 130-150 degree direction and head to 100 feet. Look at bottom machine. When big blobs of fish and good bottom structure pop-up, throw out poly ball/marker buoy attached to reef anchor. Put on gear. Swim to bottom. Shoot big fish. Avoid shark. Lift fish attached to stringer with lift bag. Ascend. Make deco/safety stop. Return to boat. Do it all over again on next spot. Enjoy.
In all seriousness, get with some experienced guys and simply watch them for a few months. When you feel comfortable and have absorbed some good info, start doing it yourself.
Actually, I think that the spearfishing up by yellabird is a LOT better than down in Charleston…
But just remember, before you buy all of this stuff, practice turning your head around 180-360 degrees. SC has some very big sharks. In fact, the 4th largest shark in the world was landed in SC @ 1780lbs tiger shark… I would hate to see what it’s father looked like.
Actually, I think that the spearfishing up by yellabird is a LOT better than down in Charleston…
But just remember, before you buy all of this stuff, practice turning your head around 180-360 degrees. SC has some very big sharks. In fact, the 4th largest shark in the world was landed in SC @ 1780lbs tiger shark… I would hate to see what it’s father looked like.
Be sure to support your local dive shop, they will support your diving and give you lots of tips.
Wanna kill fish, then let’s go! Always ready, always willing to teach the ways.
x10. If they don't survive then where will you fill tanks? You had better hope that they do, otherwise I am buying a compressor and charging $50 per fill... Muhahahaha... Muhahaha...
I appreciate all the help guys. Gofshn, if you’re seriously up to it, I’d love a good lesson. I don’t even really have any buddies to dive with, so I need to get involved.
Probably the best way to get into it is start out slow, shallow and with other divers who have more experience. If you can, go down to the keys with some friends and have fun. There is lots of stuff to shoot, good visibility, and you will learn safety first versus plunging into open water. With yourself being recently certified you will want to focus primarily on your safety, NDL’s, hand signals, orientation and direction, and your dealing with the overload of your senses on your first series of dives. These are what will keep you alive, too many people jump into the sport and instantly want to go shoot fish, safety first,fun second. With our dive depths here in the carolinas sometimes adding more things on top of your mind before the dive fundamentals are down pat can be dangerous.
Wanna kill fish, then let’s go! Always ready, always willing to teach the ways.
Dive alot before you ever pickup a spear gun. Especially try and tag along with some people who are spear fishing and be their fish caddy. Picking up a gun when you are already overwhelmed by the whole dive experience is suicide for anyone diving with you.
Dive alot before you ever pickup a spear gun. Especially try and tag along with some people who are spear fishing and be their fish caddy. Picking up a gun when you are already overwhelmed by the whole dive experience is suicide for anyone diving with you.
Shooting fish in the face is my hobby.
Yep, dat’s right.
Wanna kill fish, then let’s go! Always ready, always willing to teach the ways.
I hope all of you will consider shooting the tournament in Murrells Inlet this year. It’s not often we have a spearfishing tournament in our own backyard. Here’s a link to the rules and regs:
