South Devon Report

[Robbo66]

We use a 5m Spora Sub rib in France, and I've a planche as shown. Not seen any kayaks in France or over here for that matter. Just too bulky to carry to most of the rocky coastline spots. Planche is inflatable, carry like a ruck sack. Accessories attach to planche. Many French spearos make their own from old windsurfers etc....mmmmm

[Mr. X]

There is French kayak that looks better than average, made by Bic (of Pen/razor fame) -- too pricey currently though. Omer also has a boogie board type float now too, with flag & bag (handy for water/spare/camera/mini-flares/car keys?), looks pretty good. I like Miles' heavy duty boogie board float -- I think he said Tommy Botha(sp?) in SA made it -- reinforced attachment point, etc..; I have seen pictures of West Coast USA spearo's using something similar.

I think we had the 2-man kayak/4-man+ type rib in mind though. There is no great hurry, I am still having a lot fun diving from the beach -- often I see fish on the swim out to the supposed fishing spot ...which I would never see from a boat. The exercise helped me knock a couple of inches off my waistline last year too.

Back to Devon: Anybody spearing around Brixham? The first spearfishermen I ever saw were in Brixham, many years ago.

[Mr. X]

Originally Posted by Robbo66

We use a 5m Spora Sub rib in France, and I've a planche as shown. Not seen any kayaks in France or over here for that matter. Just too bulky to carry to most of the rocky coastline spots. Planche is inflatable, carry like a ruck sack. Accessories attach to planche. Many French spearos make their own from old windsurfers etc....mmmmm

Looks like you can get these in Britain now, I see our friends, Paul & Colin, at Rob Allen Europe (www.roballeneurope.com) have just started selling them:

"An all new Spearfishing Platforn , super light, highly visible and with very little cluttering.
The platform will allow spearos to move across the water more quickly and securely.

Provided with a window bubble to allow easy viewing of the reef without getting off or putting your head in the water.

Dim: 120x70 cm - Weights: 3KG - 4 big stainless steel rings of which 3 are underneath - Multiples plastic rings hang plastic to fix spearguns and other equipment to.

Supplied in a small net bag net - 4 inflatable compartments - A small true jewel!!

£115 inclusive of postage in the UK"

[Also available (with similar products) in USA apparently: http://diversdiscount.com/resources/...ategory=Kayaks ]

Alternatively... home made boogie board floats have also been described in other threads & forums.
e.g. http://www.peskybeaver.com/catalog/tips.php#diveboard
or, for big game, Miles' SA Tommy Botha Tuna board: http://forums.deeperblue.net/showthr...1&page=2&pp=15

[Pav]

I sometimes use a speed hunter bouy. Advantage is it fits inside the boot! Not inflatable like the new style, but rigid plastic construction. Advantage of this is the actual bouy itself has a hatch and items can be stored inside it. Its similar to the bouys the mad french people swim down white water rapids with!, but with dive flag and spearfishing fixtures!

[nomad1966]

I think we had the 2-man kayak/4-man+ type rib in mind though. There is no great hurry, I am still having a lot fun diving from the beach -- often I see fish on the swim out to the supposed fishing spot ...which I would never see from a boat. The exercise helped me knock a couple of inches off my waistline last year too.

http://www.acoloca.com/fbs/Apex2.htm
hey Mr X try this place, they are on sale now for £330

[Adrian53]

When I lived in the UK I used a 1metre competition gun, bought from Sandford and Down; not sure if they are still going. This was fantastic for bass, and accurate enough for a vertical shot through the top of the head. I still use it after 24 years.When I visit the UK, I bring along my NZ gun, which is 120cms, single rubber, with spring-steel shaft and long flopper. This is great for long-distance shots, when the bass think they are out of range. The extra reach is also helpful. The downside is trying to turn the gun quickly, especially in weed. Was back last year and had a lot of success around Start Point at low tide around rocky and weedy outcrops, especially where there were sandy bottom channels between the rocks.

[Jez]

Well back to the topic at hand. No offence!

Dived Budleigh Wednesday. In a word, disappointing. Viz was less than hoped for as there was a bit of swell running in the channel. Nice to get wet though (if a little frozen). No fish seen, plenty of starfish as usual and lots of empty shells (I assume that there's some explanation there - greedy little starfish!).

Not planning on diving for while.