Finaly here

[Rick Murchison]

Definetly Any advice is good advice if iterpeted correctly.

Here's some advice...
Get several dives under your belt before you start messing with a speargun. As you've already learned in your class, Scuba is an equipment intensive sport, and adding equipment should be done incrementally. Get used to using the basic kit before adding to it. Concentrate on perfecting buoyancy control.
Practice finding and approaching fish without the spear; learn to identify them, learn to size them. Go with an experienced spearo & watch technique - also pay close attention to how much the fish shrinks from the time it is shot to the time it comes aboard the boat
Find and catch a few lobster.
While you can get a gun for your first spear, I personally recommend a pole spear first. If you can learn how to be successful with a pole spear, a gun will be a piece of cake. Besides, the pole spear's cheaper and easier to use (notice I didn't say easier to get fish with).
Start with smaller fish until you get competent with getting good kill shots; a big fish can whup you in a heartbeat.
Have fun... and welcome aboard.
Rick

 

[jbd]

"Concentrate on perfecting buoyancy control"

Hmmm :06: is the an echo here??

Ricks advice in post #11 makes complete sense to this non hunter, particularly about buoyancy control.

being able to hover or change depth without moving allows you to get very close to fish and other creatures of the sea. I've actually had fish swim right into my hand by remaining still. Fish have lateral lines on their bodies that detect pressure changes created by things moving through the water. If you are finning like crazy or flapping your arms and hands in the water to manuever the fish will sense the pressure changes and move away, reducing your chances of a shot, let alone a good shot.

Being absolutely motionless, compliments of excellent buoyancy control, you can get your shot from a foot or two away becuase the fish will be that close.

Spend time perfecting your buoyancy control. While you are waiting to start using the pole or the gun, practice with a camera--going for the close ups.