Discrimination against spearos in Pembrokeshire

[Spaniard]

Originally Posted by spicer

We should ask Spaniard about this he seems to be the expert from his beach photos

[Andy Davies]

There are no specific byelaws (South Wales Sea Fisheries, PCNP or CCW) appying to spearfishing in the UK , even in the Skomer MNR, that I am aware of. I think it more likely that powers for a ban would come from the fact that someone was carrying a deadly weapon in a public place. I seem to remember from a long time ago that a speargun came under the same classification as a shotgun and required a license etc. although I have never heard of this being enforced.

It would be impossibel I think to create a byelaw to ban spearfishing as you cannot ban a type of fishing gear. A byelaw can only be created to protect a species. The issue of carrying a lethal weapon in a public place is whole different "kettle of fish"!!

[podge]

Originally Posted by Spaniard

Tell me where to sign.........I hate attitudes like that, ignorant fools

Spaniard you are the man how about we tow the do gooders out to sea and add them to an artificial reef.

On a more serious note I am a firearms dealer and on all my dealings and on all the paper work I have seen I have NEVER seen or heard of anything with regard to spearguns. As for carrying them around of course they would be regarded as a dangerous weapon if you were to walk down your local high street with one so would the best thing be to just keep them covered until you get in the sea or onto your boat.

[Spaniard]

I remember reading in David Way's book, Spearfishermans handbook, that he had consulted with the police with regard to spearguns and, back then anyway, you did not need any type of license. I used to import spearguns from various european countries and I didn't need any 'special' paperwork or license to do so. There have been cases of spearguns being used in this country in violent situations. A couple of years ago a bloke shot another guy in the face with a trident tipped spear from a pneumatic speargun after they got into a fight. The guy survived but surgeons had a task to say the least to remove trident from his skull.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/b...re/3830251.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/b...re/3835537.stm

[podge]

Just to make sure on the subject of licenses for spearguns I will talk to the head of the firearms licensing department for Avon and Somerset police and see if he can clarify this mater.

[Tim1]

Originally Posted by Andy Davies

There are no specific byelaws (South Wales Sea Fisheries, PCNP or CCW) appying to spearfishing in the UK , even in the Skomer MNR, that I am aware of.

You are absolutely correct Andy. I checked with SMNR and to all intents and purposes, spearfishing is not controlled by by-law but I am sure anyone will observe the voluntary 'no-take' rule within its boundaries. (which are from Grassholm Island to Hogang).

[Tim1]

Any firearm capabale of discharging a projectile at greater than 12 ft lb (fpe) requires a firemarms certificate. This is calculated as V2 (velocity squared fps) x weight (gn) / 450,240 = fpe. On that basis a football may be classified as a firearm!

Nevertheless, a bagged speargun is a very good idea!

[Robbo66]

Tim,
I suggest we just leave it. I went in today off Solva, and regularly spear with no problem of adverse comment from anyone. The bubblers are far worse.
I even spoke to a national Parks ranger re spearing at Fresh West, he replied no problem but watch the rips and keep off the MOD land. I never spear off busy public beaches however, prefering the solitude off the rocky coves after a bit of a hike. I do, however, sometimes go to St Brides, change and walk and again even the novice bubblers enquire as to whether I've caught anythting on my return.
Ignore it, there's only very few of us.
By the way, the Bass are in.
Rob

[Tim1]

Hi Rob,

Fresh West is no problem as the western range boundary is Little Furznip.

You can check the daily firing area on 01646 662367. The Range Officer (Col. Bulkley) is on 662496 and the tower (Dave Thomas) is on 662336. The range safety boats keep a listening watch on channel 16 and chat on 06.

The range is quite happy for you to fish inside their boundaries (but not inside the firing area) so long as they know you are there and what your intentions are. They have my mobile number and I am in touch with them on VHF (unless I'm in the water!). That said, the range in only operational Mon-Fri and often has no firing days during the week when the whole area becomes accessible.

I would launch my portabote at Stackpole Quay and enter through the eastern range boundary at St. Govan's Head. Can you get a 4x4 onto the beach at Fresh West?

I try to avoid bubblers like the plague as they are even greater bigots than me...

[podge]

Originally Posted by Tim1

Any firearm capabale of discharging a projectile at greater than 12 ft lb (fpe) requires a firemarms certificate. This is calculated as V2 (velocity squared fps) x weight (gn) / 450,240 = fpe. On that basis a football may be classified as a firearm!

Nevertheless, a bagged speargun is a very good idea!

O.K. here it is after speaking to the firearms licensing department of avon and somerset police i have been told that as long as the weapon has been designed for use underwater it is exempt from the licensing act.
For more have a look at Chapter 2 para 26 of the link below.
http://police.homeoffice.gov.uk/news...s-Guidance.pdf

[podge]

sorry guys i should have checked first the piece we need is page 7 chapter 2 where it reads
The Rules do not apply to an air weapon
designed for use only when submerged in
water such as harpoon guns.

[Tim1]

Originally Posted by podge

sorry guys i should have checked first the piece we need is page 7 chapter 2 where it reads
The Rules do not apply to an air weapon
designed for use only when submerged in
water such as harpoon guns.

It seems as though the Firarms Act is only specific regarding pneumatic guns and rubber powered guns are not detailed.

[Robbo66]

Originally Posted by Tim1

Hi Rob,

Fresh West is no problem as the western range boundary is Little Furznip.

You can check the daily firing area on 01646 662367. The Range Officer (Col. Bulkley) is on 662496 and the tower (Dave Thomas) is on 662336. The range safety boats keep a listening watch on channel 16 and chat on 06.

The range is quite happy for you to fish inside their boundaries (but not inside the firing area) so long as they know you are there and what your intentions are. They have my mobile number and I am in touch with them on VHF (unless I'm in the water!). That said, the range in only operational Mon-Fri and often has no firing days during the week when the whole area becomes accessible.

I would launch my portabote at Stackpole Quay and enter through the eastern range boundary at St. Govan's Head. Can you get a 4x4 onto the beach at Fresh West?

I try to avoid bubblers like the plague as they are even greater bigots than me...

Thanks Tim, no access as far as I am aware at Fresh West for 4x4. I've bought a Tarpon 100 kayak and keen to fish the Pole. Have you tried it ??
Another quick query, do you know anywhere where I might be able to store the Kayak around Pembes, south coat area ???. Willing to pay obviously. I windsurf and surf, and don't have the capacity to lug that and a Kayak down all the time.
Much appreciated,

Rob

[podge]

Originally Posted by Tim1

It seems as though the Firarms Act is only specific regarding pneumatic guns and rubber powered guns are not detailed.

Yes I asked about that and the best I could get was "rubber band do they work off them as well then" and then the line as long as its designed for underwater use that’s ok.
It seem’s to me that the law is more than a bit gray on the whole matter.
To be quite honest as long as we don’t go waving them around on packed beaches I don’t thing they care.

[Tim1]

Originally Posted by Robbo66

Thanks Tim, no access as far as I am aware at Fresh West for 4x4. I've bought a Tarpon 100 kayak and keen to fish the Pole. Have you tried it ??
Another quick query, do you know anywhere where I might be able to store the Kayak around Pembes, south coat area ???. Willing to pay obviously. I windsurf and surf, and don't have the capacity to lug that and a Kayak down all the time.
Much appreciated,

Rob

Too many toys Rob, buy a bigger van!

Seriously though, I'd try WEST WALES WIND SURF & SAILING
Dale, Haverfordwest, Dyfed SA62 3RB Tel: 01646 636642

I'm not familar with the Pole.