Decompression spearfishing

[East West]

Hi . I must say this form of diving increases the danger of accident or death when you do extreme spearfishing . My friend told me how he rescued a unconscious diver before at this same wreck 150 feet deep . He must of passed out from carbon dioxide build up . Exertion is a no no at depth and must be limited much as possible . Your workload may increase to a overload if you overestimate your ability or underestimate the conditions . Like the saying goes '' older and less bolder " I would think twice about deco spearing today . Twin 100's gave me a 30 minutes bottom time and plenty of reserve . I used a mix of 20 -80 another name "air" for these dives . It is a mistake to let your guard down because you have dove this site many times . Shooting and scootering brings more complexity to this dive profile . Less carbon dioxide but more hazards with equipment and decompression . The effects of narcosis can be tested 100% under these conditions . Big ling cod and huge calico bass were the fish to spear. I was fighting with a three foot lincod on my shooting line which easily can rip your mask or regulator off , another ling cod came out of a hole charging me , swimming really fast right into my face stopping a few feet away . Another dive had 28 minutes bottom time and was fighting a fish when a huge ling cod came out of his hole to see all the commotion . Greed was my first emotion , hurry up ,you still have time to shoot that big fish . A tiny voice in me said you are going to pay a price if you decide to go for one more. I may not be here to post this thread if that voice was ignored . I was thinking today to put my family baby pictures on my tanks to remind me of my responsibility to be a safe diver .

 

[100days-a-year]

I normally limit my total time to under 30 minutes both for less exposure and as a courtesy to others on the boat.That being said once you reach 180-200' or dive mix deco starts to decrease the return on time and gas investment.
90% of my dives are deco spearfishing.

 

[Shcubasteve]

Hi . a three foot lincod on my shooting line which easily can rip your mask or regulator off , another ling cod came out of a hole charging me , swimming really fast right into my face stopping a few feet away ... .

Thats spooks me or sure- deco obligation and no mask... Im working my way up to deco spearfishing and have considered the risks. For me, a good buddy team helps balance out the serious risk of entanglement with a big fish at depth. Powerheads are attractive- no struggle with most fish while minimizing exertion by the diver. In Florida, most 150'+ dives are out of State waters where PHs are prohibited. Additional gear should include the appropriate gas mixes and a few liftbags to evac fish.