Spearfishing Anyone?

[sasto]

The past week I took up spearfishing. I'm hooked! I've done alot of diving in the past but mostly for lobster or bottom work on a boat. So far drum and sheepshead.

Anyone else have the bug? When I get into something like this I have the desire to learn all I can.

 

[pscrabber59]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

I'v been watching Shark week and they had alittle story on shark bites and it was some guys "spearfishing" near a reef in Florida and one of the guys got bit by a big bull shark.
Man his leg looked like lunch meat!!
I'll leave the spear-fishing to you brave people and stick to trolling for salmon and pulling crab pots here in the great northwest

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

I understand your thinkin', pscrabber.

I have a friend who has been spearfishing almost all his life. After some reading and studying about the sport I figured it was time to give it a try. 15 year old Colt, Jimmy, and I went offshore to 15' of water at a reef. Jimmy quickly showed us how it was done. While Jimmy was on top, Colt and I went down with our scuba gear and spearguns. I peered under a ledge where some big snapper were hanging out....there she was...about an 8' Nurse Shark! I lured Colt to the ledge, and there he was, staring this shark in the eye. I've never seen anybody swim upside down, away from the shark, so fast, with his spear pointed at the shark, till he reached the boat.

Nurse sharks are pretty docile during the day and usually hunt at night. I've never personally heard of anybody getting attacked by one. But I know one thing....Colt never went near that ledge again!

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

You gonna hate me for this. going for scallops today

http://www.spearfishingplanet.com/

I have never heard of anyone spearfishing and getting bit. You stand a much better chance swimming of surfing. Yes there are IDIOTS that play with them and eventually become shark poop. Nurse sharks don't bite because they have no teeth. They will gum you to death if you aggravate them enough.

I know of a few aggressive sharks that were made into unicorns and decided it was better to leave. And a few who ate a 45 caliber. But 99% of the time if you don't back off and get aggressive with them they run. Sharks know a wounded shark is probably a dead one. A good poke with the end of your spear and they have had enough. But for the fsjfksinjg bull sharks which is about all we run into. They are really nasty.

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Thanks for the link, Kahuna. I found alot of guys in my area on that forum. I think I will lurk around the site for awhile and learn a thing or two. I'm sticking with smaller fish (5lbs or less) for now till I get a better aim. I would hate to hit a big grouper in the tail and end up un Cuba.

We have a lionfish problem developing here. They outgrow aquariums and the owners let them go in the ocean. They are eating all our reef fish. They must be destroyed....and I'm happy to lend a hand.

Good luck with the scallops!

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

IF we can get the jewfish to eat them its all over. The problem with the lionfish is they also live deeper than we dive. I hear they taste pretty good. We killed the scallops today. Wasn't in the water an hour. Most drops was two and three at a time. We were in about 7-8 ft of water. My best was 7. The shop vac cleaning method is great.
You will get rid of that string on the spear eventually.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Congratulations on your new endeavor.

Enjoy your new sport.

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

IF we can get the jewfish to eat them its all over. The problem with the lionfish is they also live deeper than we dive. I hear they taste pretty good. We killed the scallops today. Wasn't in the water an hour. Most drops was two and three at a time. We were in about 7-8 ft of water. My best was 7. The shop vac cleaning method is great.
You will get rid of that string on the spear eventually.

Not many scallops in my area, I must travel several miles north for them. My lady loves them. I saw your cleaning method in another thread, Kahuna. A great idea if I ever get to use it.

Why get rid of the string?

Congratulations on your new endeavor.

Enjoy your new sport.

Thanks, Fly Rod. It is fun and exciting!

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Long story short much better distance and accuracy. We use a "removable" tie to the spear. When you get better and deeper you will learn to stay above the reef and shoot down and pin the fish. And a correct shot is a kill shot. There are times to use the string but not often.

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Long story short much better distance and accuracy. We use a "removable" tie to the spear. When you get better and deeper you will learn to stay above the reef and shoot down and pin the fish. And a correct shot is a kill shot. There are times to use the string but not often.

I'll give it a try, Kahuna. So far the string hasn't limited me. I get within 3 feet or so before I shoot, otherwise I miss. I'm learning!

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

I'll give it a try, Kahuna. So far the string hasn't limited me. I get within 3 feet or so before I shoot, otherwise I miss. I'm learning!

Oh... We're gonna have some fun in September!!!

...And good eats!!!

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Oh... We're gonna have some fun in September!!!

...And good eats!!!

If your relying on me for fish.....you will starve!

 

[capt sam]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

we spearfish in the keys when lobstering, grouper and hogfish are the most common targets, alot of times I'll just use a sling for those.

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

we spearfish in the keys when lobstering, grouper and hogfish are the most common targets, alot of times I'll just use a sling for those.

Don't get caught with a speared lobster, capt sam, they may take that cool flats boat away from you.

I used to use a sling, but since I discovered the spear gun, I'm not sure I can go back.

Good Luck!

 

[capt sam]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

lol, no spearing lobster, we carry the short slings with us while looking for lobster in case we see a nice hogfish.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

If your relying on me for fish.....you will starve!

I'll bring my guns. I'll need 2 new slings for the Aquacraft. I'll try to pick them up before I leave for your place in September. I've also got a small pneumatic which is really a pleasure to use.

Can't wait get out there!!!

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Don't get caught with a speared lobster, capt sam, they may take that cool flats boat away from you.

I used to use a sling, but since I discovered the spear gun, I'm not sure I can go back.

Good Luck!

Got a neat trick for recovering a lobster that was too quick for you and disappeared into the rocks...

Take a brand new cotton string-mop head with you when you dive. Hold the end that attaches to the handle in your dominant hand, and the loose end bunched up in the other. Place the bunched up loose end at the opening where the lobster disappeared and shove the mop head in as you release the bunched up end. Immediately start twisting the mop around quickly in one direction. If it's within reach of the mophead, you'll tangle the lobster up in it. You'll feel the lobster in it when it works (about 50/50).

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

Got a neat trick for recovering a lobster that was too quick for you and disappeared into the rocks...

Take a brand new cotton string-mop head with you when you dive. Hold the end that attaches to the handle in your dominant hand, and the loose end bunched up in the other. Place the bunched up loose end at the opening where the lobster disappeared and shove the mop head in as you release the bunched up end. Immediately start twisting the mop around quickly in one direction. If it's within reach of the mophead, you'll tangle the lobster up in it. You'll feel the lobster in it when it works (about 50/50).[/QUOT

Thanks my friend!....(born Brooklyn, now a Peach).

Are ya' tryin' to get me thrown in jail here in FL?

 

[sasto]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

double post

 

[capt sam]

Re: Spearfishing Anyone?

we used mop heads in the 60's, use them now and go to jail. bully net or tickle stick and net are the only legal methods in monroe county.