Taking up Spear fishing

[Pookie]

no law, you would spook plenty of fish tho

[GregL]

I reckon casting would be an issue with that....

I've recently begun spearing and I too have got the bug bad.
Been meaning to do it for years after spending time in Fiji and going out every day with the owner of the boat I was staying on - I loved it.
I've been ab diving very regularly since then, but only made the decision just before christmas to get a gun and start shooting.
I bought an Undersee Godfather 90 - Aussie made railgun, and I've been absolutely rapt with it so far. Kinda wish I'd gone a little bigger, but I'll wait for another gun to come up in the future. I think the slightly smaller size has been great for getting used to working around the rocks and reef, and also getting into good firing positions.
Currently still using a decent pair of Mares snorkelling fins rather than long diving fins (they are to come), and still in the surfing wettie, but that will also change before too long.
Picked up a decent Oceanic mask last week though, but haven't had the chance to get out there and see what difference the low volume makes.
Running a float line with quick spike too.
I'm doing my best not to rush out and 'get everything now', and I honestly think that this is going to be something that I do for many many years to come.
Having the ability to be so particular about precisely which fish out you want, whether its a big single blue groper or one blackfish out of a whole school, having that choice, rather than having no say on what fish takes your bait is simply awesome - when it comes to equally spearing for sport and for the table.
I've also been very pleasantly surprised how little damage actually gets done to the fillet if you do make a bad shot too. I'd always assumed that a shot through the side would ruin the whole fillet - but from my experience so far its that other than a little bruising, it really doesn't seem to make much difference at all - I guess its because the fish gets killed very quickly after its been shot? However, the real accuracy of the gun has been making head shots a breeze 90% of the time.
Anyway, I'm loving it - can't wait for this bloody weather to clear so I can get out there again!
Regards,
Greg

[Barrabundy]

In my younger days I used to shoot a lot, hunting mainly but competition in later years, and spearfishing seems like the best of both worlds, fishing and hunting. I'm realistic and cautious about my ability but am really keen to get some basic gear and dip my toe in and give it a go.

[RedPhoenix]

I bought an Undersee Godfather 90 - Aussie made railgun, and I've been absolutely rapt with it so far. Kinda wish I'd gone a little bigger, but I'll wait for another gun to come up in the future.

Probably a good call Greg. I have a Rob Allen spawar 110, and it's a real stretch to pull even for a big mongrel like me. The 90 will make for a much more pleasant reload, without too much of a difference in distance. I generally take my 90 out for any reef work; the 110 only comes into play for pelagics.

whether its a big single blue groper or one blackfish out of a whole school

Just be aware, I'm pretty sure NSW still has no-spear restriction on the blue's. Blackfish are GREAT fun to chase though.. and the reward is awesome - great tasting fish. There should be red morwong in your area too - worth targeting.

Red.

[Shwa]

Hi all, I'm just starting out with the whole Kayak thing and I have to say there's some great info and ideas to be found on this site. Some pretty cool stuff for weekend trips and the food some people are knocking up on their little trangi camp stoves....! Anyway, getting off topic, I would like to eventually work towards weekend kayak camping/ fishing get aways with a bit of spear fishing thrown in for good measure. I'm looking at starting with combining spear fishing and yaking. I live in Townsville and just wondering if anyone of a similar mind lives up this way? Not particularly keen to try spearing nor fray collecting on my pat Malone.

[Barrabundy]

Hi Schwa, welcome to the forum, I'm just down the road a bit at Ayr. I've been doing the kayak fishing thing for a few years now but the spear fishing hasn't really happened and, to be honest, I think I'd really struggle.

Unfortunately I'm flat out getting my couple of hours fishing fix of a weekend, let alone camping etc. This last year has been mad for me at work so I'm not going to kid you about organizing a trip sometime soon.

I've learnt a lot from this forum and have even caught up with a handfull of members for a coffee or a fish over the years too. Maybe we can catch up sometime but can't really commit to anything just yet. I'm happy to drive up there for a fish and have done so a few times in the past.

Have you done much fishing from your kayak yet and, of so, what sort of fishing has it been blue water, estuary or fresh?

[Shwa]

Hi Barabundy, I have to say my work life has been much the same. I'm lucky if I get to wet a line during my r&r, admittedly the weather often contributes. So far I've only been for a trial fish around the rock pool which was a learning experience regarding layout and positioning of rod holders. I've since made some mods and have yet to trial these for ease of use and location. Between work, renovations and the weather I'm finding it hard to get out on the water. Going to have to make some time this r&r I feel.
I'm more than happy to head north or south an hr two for a fish myself so as soon as I get this yak set up for a basic fish (& some roof racks on the new ute) I'm keen to get out when ever we both can make the time. Think I'd feel better in the esturys starting out with a fellow yaka near by.

[Digger]

i started spear fishing when I was 12, did my ocean qualifying SCUBA dive on my 14th birthday. That was off the Mt Martha rocks and I can remember being surrounded by a large school of snapper. Those were the days! There was little equipment available off the shelf then and I even had to have a wetsuit tailor made in England as there were none here.

My first interest was in spearfishing and I did that for years and had lots of success with my old Bazooka twin rubber gun....it was deadly! I turned to photography after that.

I dived all over the place including in the Med and it was a great activity, one that has left me with many fine memories. The best of all was getting big crays off our west coast of Vic. Can't dive for them now as I'm too old, and can't afford to buy them either...Sigh~ Best catch was 11 3/4 pounds, a state record at the time if only I'd recognised it.

I would love to be able to dive again, the ocean is magnificent!

Whatever you do, take your time and don't over extend yourself.

Digger