I am a very avid hunter and fisherman. I also enjoy diving as much as I can. (which is not usually very much due to lack of time and funds). Anyway, I am really interested in trying to spearfish. I will usually be staying in the navarre beach/destin area when I am in Florida. Does anybody know of a good guide that could take me spearfishing and show me the ropes around that area. Also, I would like to get some equipment eventually so I could do it more often and on my own. I have a boat that I can use when water is calm enough. Does anybody have recommendations for good guns, equipment needs for a beginner. I have everything required for diving already but nothing for hunting. Thanks for any input.
Newbie Spearfisherman needing help getting started
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Hank49
Contributor
What conditions are you hunting in as far as visibility? What kind of fish are you targeting? There are many brands of guns but this information will help determine at least what size gun and possible other gear you might need.
I really don't know. I know that sounds stupid but I have literally never spearfished before. When I have dove in this area it has been more than 5 miles offshore and I would say vis was about 50-65 feet. I really don't even know what people fish for around there. Maybe grouper, redfish? I'm really not sure. Sorry that I'm not much help but I really don't know anything about it. I guess I just need to find a guide that can show me the ropes.
Hank49
Contributor
Where ever you go, check the local fisheries laws regarding what you can take, how many and what size. From what I saw in the US when I was on the pier at Sebastian Inlet last year, the game wardens don't mess around. You'll lose all your gear and maybe go to jail.
If you're in 60 foot vis, a longer gun is better in my opinion. You can see the fish farther away and can make longer shots.
I predominately hunt snappers (dog, mutton and cubera) a few grouper, jacks, cobia if I see one, and mackerels. Except for the grouper, most are shot midwater, not pinned to the bottom.
To do this i use a Riffe Comp 3XS and a Wong super magnum if I'm looking for bigger fish.
If you're shooting fish over 25 lbs, you better get a reel or a floatline to attach to your gun. Otherwise you may lose gun and fish.
Go to Riffe's website. You can see a lot of guns and gear there. Then try Spearboard.com. Lots of good info there too regarding gear for specific fish in your area.
If you're in 60 foot vis, a longer gun is better in my opinion. You can see the fish farther away and can make longer shots.
I predominately hunt snappers (dog, mutton and cubera) a few grouper, jacks, cobia if I see one, and mackerels. Except for the grouper, most are shot midwater, not pinned to the bottom.
To do this i use a Riffe Comp 3XS and a Wong super magnum if I'm looking for bigger fish.
If you're shooting fish over 25 lbs, you better get a reel or a floatline to attach to your gun. Otherwise you may lose gun and fish.
Go to Riffe's website. You can see a lot of guns and gear there. Then try Spearboard.com. Lots of good info there too regarding gear for specific fish in your area.
Adding as much detail as you can about your current dive experience and the locations you frequent will help with recommendations as well. If you're a relatively new diver it's best starting off with smaller game and working your way up. If you're a more experienced diver used to adverse conditions, you may be ok going after something a bit larger.
vanndelism
Guest
WRD,
Panama city dive charters-Pat Green- is spear friendly. He has a web site and now has a dive shop. Give him a call and he can probably take you out on some of the stuff off Panama city. As far as guns, most people in the upper gulf coast eventually end up free shafting. No line attached to spear-kind of like bow hunting under water. It is much faster therefore more fish in shorter time. I spearfish between Destin and PC on mostly natural rock bottom. Destin has little and PC has little it is mainly in between. We spear red snapper (when allowed) triggerfish, grouper, Mangrove snapper, occasional Hog fish, Cobia, and AJ's. If you are serious about getting into spearfishing I would recommend getting a longer gun initially so you don't have to turn around and buy one once you get started and want the extra range it gives. The grouper (Gags) don't give many close shots. I started out with a cheap JBL sawed off Magnum and other than range it was a fine cheap gun. I now have an Ocean Rhino 52" shooting 60" free shafts. Great gun for my type of hunting. You very well may be able to rent or borrow a gun from Pat to see if you really like it. BEWARE it is worst than a crack addiction. If you love to fish and hunt and dive it rolls all 3 into 1. A real powerful combination. Hope this helps.
Panama city dive charters-Pat Green- is spear friendly. He has a web site and now has a dive shop. Give him a call and he can probably take you out on some of the stuff off Panama city. As far as guns, most people in the upper gulf coast eventually end up free shafting. No line attached to spear-kind of like bow hunting under water. It is much faster therefore more fish in shorter time. I spearfish between Destin and PC on mostly natural rock bottom. Destin has little and PC has little it is mainly in between. We spear red snapper (when allowed) triggerfish, grouper, Mangrove snapper, occasional Hog fish, Cobia, and AJ's. If you are serious about getting into spearfishing I would recommend getting a longer gun initially so you don't have to turn around and buy one once you get started and want the extra range it gives. The grouper (Gags) don't give many close shots. I started out with a cheap JBL sawed off Magnum and other than range it was a fine cheap gun. I now have an Ocean Rhino 52" shooting 60" free shafts. Great gun for my type of hunting. You very well may be able to rent or borrow a gun from Pat to see if you really like it. BEWARE it is worst than a crack addiction. If you love to fish and hunt and dive it rolls all 3 into 1. A real powerful combination. Hope this helps.
Hank49
Contributor
I eat it. The biggest fish I've shot was a 130 lb grouper. My family of 9 here in the house ate it for about a month and a half.
Sometimes I give fish to friends.
shark bait 8762
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Omer cayman Hf 110. Great gun with a far kill capability. Ive hunted with many guns. Riffe's, A.B. Billers and this is by far my favorite gun. But again it is always what the person themselves are comfortable with. If at all possible try out a couple guns before you actually make the investment that way you know what you are looking for and not what people are telling you. And especially look around you will always be able to find a better deal. Good Luck down there
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