Hi Everyone,
I am a complete newbie, having just taken up spearfishing three months ago. I purchased a pole spear on a whim while visiting Hawaii, and when I returned to my home in Japan, found myself determined to give this a real go. I have never fished before, and therefore do not know the basics of regular rod and reel fishing. Hence my question.
I got myself ready to get into the water with my pole spear for the first time, gathering my gear and walking to the beach near my apartment. I swam out and bobbed around the reef for a good hour, trying to practice my aim before going after a real fish. Soon enough, I decided to go after something. The fish in my neck of the woods are very naive and exhibit almost no fear of humans. I believe this is due to the remoteness of my island and their lack of human interaction. Regardless, this works out well for me!
I swam up on a fat little silver fish and took my first shot at a real fish. I missed by a mile! Surprisingly, the fish didn't swim away, but instead, stopped, turned around, and looked right at me! I pulled my pole spear back in, aimed, and missed him (but by less than a mile this time!). His reaction was to give me a look that said, "And just what the **ck do you think you're doing?" and actually swam in closer to me! I got my pole spear ready a third time, took aim, and let loose. I hit him right in the middle of his body where all the meat is (oh well, at least I got him!).
I was pumped! My first fish! Alright! I took a look at him squirming around at the end of my spear and couldn't believe I actually hit something. It was a great feeling!
Then I thought to myself - what now? The fish didn't look happy impaled on my spear, and I thought it best to dispatch him ASAP, but how? I decided to swim back to shore with the fish still writhing on my spear. On the beach, I took him off of my spear and my girlfriend and I looked at him wondering what to do. I didn't have a knife with me. I tried spearing him again through the head, but he still was alive (I supposed I missed the brain). So, my question is:
What is the correct technique for killing a speared fish? How can I do this effectively and safely in the water? Any other tips/comments for me?
I appreciate the advice. I can say that after spearing my first fish (and grilling and eating him!) I am hooked on the sport. I'll never forget the feeling I had when I speared the first fish, and I'm going to be spending many hours in the water chasing that high again!
-Fatman
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