Alright then....where do I start?

Gatesy said:

John

This means any bities will take the fish and not me

would be very keen to come along with you a few times John as i am not too experienced either. I have done ok once or twice with black fish and a nice big fat drummer. Geez they eat well :twisted:

Let me know and we can try and organise something

Click to expand...

Nice theory on the bities Michael :roll:

There was a fella that was taken by a shark in NZ years ago when he was spear fishing. The conclusion drawn as to how and why was that he was threading the fish just as you advocate but was basically keeping them attached belt style around his waist. Talk about ringing the dinner bell! I reckon the fish dropped into the back of the yak in a leak proof bag or cooler or something would be the way to go.

Very interested in doing some trips with you mate. There are some decent places that spring to mind. One was off Balmoral. As you pass the Navy base and go around the point there is a little tiny beach/bay. The water looked very clear as it was open water and there was plently of rock ledges etc. I was also thinking Lake Macquarie in places like the sand flats.

I used to free dive for Paua (abalone to the non-Kiwis) with a butter knife off Makara in NZ amongst the kelp beds and rocks. You gotta get that butter knife in real fast before they work out whats happening and suck to the rock (it takes them a moment to come to terms with the fact that some idiot is actually using a butter knife to try and pry them from the rock). From the water straight onto the bbq!

Anyway..there is simply nothing like being that close to nature. I am not a religious man but I do think you are closest to God when immersed in the elements. The sea, salt air, sea breeze (listen carefully for the violins) and being down amongst the inhabitants of the sea is what appeals.....oh and also a free feed afterwards .

Any further insight by the more experienced is appreciated.

Let's plan a trip Gatesy...again all welcome.

JT

Well this has been a long time coming.....almost 4 months in fact.

This was the first dive off Kiama. A couple of options in terms of rocky sides to the bay. The first thing I kinda worked out is that it isn't that wise to go after 3 schooners of VB, a BBQ and against a run out tide. Some of us need to learn the hard way

Anyway, plenty of fish life at about 3 metres which was about my limit on this dive. Drifting over sand when suddenly I spot the unmistakable signs of a flathead: 2 beedy eyes out and sideways, partially buried in the sand, line above the sand where the tail swept back. Right...here goes. Tally Ho! I'm going in! I drew back the hand spear, took a breath and dived down. I stealthly positioned myself bove the good sized flatty, aimed just behind the eyes and let the spear go. BAM! Suddenly all hell broke loose as this giant underwater sandstorm arose from the bottom. Next I see the beastie rising from the bottom with.....what the hell?!?! it's flying! Oh crap! I've shot a stingray. Next thing I know I am desperately trying to get the ray off the end of my spear by yanking it back and forward. Finally off it sprinted away clearly very unimpressed.

The hunt continued with 2 further potential flatties identified. This time I gave them a gentle prod prior to spearing them to make sure they weren't rays. Sure enought both were and quickly made their exit. Dived for about 40 minutes encountering a good silvery and shadowing school of Bream. Took some snaps with the Olympus 725 and generally got a feel for things. Was shagged when I finally made shore and made a prat of myself infront of some sunbathing hotties by being caught up in the wash with the over sized flippers.

Next time off the yak!

JT