New Diver interested in trying spear fishing

[SJmatthews]

Does anyone have any suggestions for a new diver who is very interested in spear fishing. Any suggestions on trips, or what is recommended as far as dive experience before trying this or just anything at all about the subject. Oh I live in SC.

 

[WetDawg]

As an Instructor I would of course suggest taking a spearfishing class with a qualified Instructor. That way you get all the basics covered and don't miss out on any details.

However, most folks learn by going spearing with experienced friends first. The only problem with this is if you do as they do you may get in over your head (literally) too early on.

Also, most folks who have been at this for a while will naturally try to sell you on whatever gear they have. This is not always bad but often limits your exposure to what's out there. For example, I have all my U/W hunter students test fire (yes, in the water) just about every gun in our store (including pole spears, slings, pneumatics (gasp!) and various band guns) and let them decide for themselves what they like and can handle.

BTW, I got my start spearing off the coast of SC running out of Little River Inlet.

Good luck. If you are ever in South Florida look me up and I will be happy to take you out spearing.

BTW

Wes

 

[mudhole]

Wetdawg is offering good advice, and if you will use the search function, you'll see good advice from lots of good spearfishermen. Only to get you started before you buy any speargun, learning to hunt fish doesn't require equipment.

Before diving underwater, start your search with the local wildlife department for laws for spearfishing in your area. Find out seasons and fish you can take. Talk to other divers about what is good to eat from the list of fish you can shoot. Most won't tell you the exact spot, but will help you find the areas, and depths to hunt.

On every dive look for the small fish, usually the food for bigger fish. In our area, every diver sees small sunfish. . . then swims right on by. Small fish can tell you, what depth, and water conditions are good for that day. Small fish frequently are feeding on algae, so they are moving around like cattle in a pasture. During those travels they will move close to hiding spots for the predators. . . congratulations you've just found a "secret" hunting spot. If there is good cover, that spot will attract the predators for many years to come.

 

[MuddyRubberDuck]

The best thing I can tell you is to work your tables and stick to them. Some people become "fishmatized" and forget to check their air. I'll be honest and tell you that I have done it a time or 2. When its time to make your ascent, it doesn't matter how big that hog is. If you can't breath, you can't eat him anyway.

 

[100days-a-year]

charlestondiving.com has a buddy hookup and is populated by some very good spearfishermen.

Avoid most charters.Spearit in NC is awesome however.
Get good gear.What every one else in your area uses.
Learn to be self sufficient(solo dive).
I dive SC during the summer and Fla and Ga the rest of the year,I use..

a HP120,ScubaPro reg,a B/P and #18 wing,54"Biller speargun and carry a dive-alert and 6' sausage.

 

[AquamanKauai]

Great replies here. In Hawaii learning is much different due to water conditions but I've always encouraged divers to learn in a very conservative manner when exploring spearfishing. A little reading first goes a long way and there are some great books out there. To be successful you should feel very confident and self assured as a diver. Like starting underwater photograhy - you are task loading onto a basic set of diver skills. Not a bad thing by any means - but just important to remind yourself that with the addition of new responsiblities and tasks some of the focus on air,buoyancy, depth etc. that you are used to will be lessened.

I like the thought process of starting with a pole spear (3-prong). If you can get close enough to shoot fish with a three prong - you'll be in great shape when you move to a banded gun. Along the same lines - start with a smaller gun. You can still land large fish with smaller equipment. You should see the fish local boys here bring in with just pole spears! And if you have the ability to start slow...not easy...I was forced to... Target practice is GREAT. When I have taught here I have had great success with weighted water bottles set at different distances and depths. Learning your guns/spears range and firing personality (couldn't think of how else to put it) ahead of time and your success will improve 10 fold. As you learn you will hear many experienced hunters talk of responsibilites of taking "good shots" to avoid losing fish. You can actually have being "Eco-friendly" in mind even when hunting. A "gut-shot" that loses the fish is a terrible feeling. Sloppy shooting can also lead to damaged gear. $$$ Bummer.

So, in short...

Read, read, read
Practice, practice, practice (start small with gear and targeted prey)
and forgive me for sounding like a PADI ad...but, SAFETY is always priority 1.

Good luck and best of wishes to you