The spearfishing process

[nkw5]

If legal fish are caught and eaten, spearfishing seems like an interesting and exciting sport. I tagged along recently on my dive buddy's spearfishing adventure and had a great time. But I just gotta ask...is there a way that spearfishermen make sure fish die quickly--something akin to clobbering salmon with a mallet? (Scuba diver carrying and swinging a huge rubber mallet makes a ridiculous picture. )

 

[Amphibious]

we use a spike or a sharp stilletto type knife to "brain" the fish as soon as it's in our grasp.

it;s not only ethical, but sensible as faster you still the fish the better chance you have of getting in on the stringer.

 

[JustinW]

Another thing we do is to try and get a head shot to begin with. In addition to braining with a knife, a fish can be gilled. A thrashing wounded fish is only good for the shark looking for a meal. I want that fish still and silent ASAP for more than one reason.

 

[MichaelBaranows]

They die alot quicker by spearing that the way most fish do on a hook and line which is freeze to death in a cooler Or flop around in a fish box.

 

[Wayward Son]

Fish that are small enough, grab them over the gills & squeeze hard on the gill covers. This cuts off the water flow, puts them out very quickly.

Bigger ones you can cut the gills at the bottom, on the body side. This will also terminate them very quickly.

 

[Johnoly]

...is there a way that spearfishermen make sure fish die quickly )

Getting a fish into an icey solution upon securing it, is the best way to make sure that it is the freshest. Proper fish handling procedures and preparation will make sure that when you eat the grilled fish that you just caught today, that it will taste fresher and better than anything you purchased in a restaurant or off a strofoam tray.

 

[nkw5]

Thanks guys for the education. I was afraid I would get flamed and labeled a bleeding heart. I'm really glad to know spearfishering can be humane.

JustinW, you killed a china rock? I've only seen one in my many dives at Monterey. Go for the kelp rock. (Oops. I guess I am a bleeding heart. :11: )

 

[Wayward Son]

This is a creation of another spear fisherman. If you shoot a large fish & don't kill it, it poses some problems. I've been using a diving knife. He came up with this gizmo and a mount for it, so it can be mounted on the speargun. Simply grab the handle, pull it out of the holder. Stab the fish through the brain, and put it back into the holder.

He makes them from a wide variety of woods. This one is made of lignum wood, which is a very dense, hard wood, effectively impervious to salt water. My gun is mahogeny, which is why it has a more red color:

 

[ReefGuy]

Wayward, who makes those?

 

[Wayward Son]

Go to www.spearboard.com

Look for a user LuvMyRedDog. He's in FL & makes them from a variety of woods.