Cornwall 2010

[TomH]

Did you get any spearing in?
I'm off there in a couple of weeks and am hoping to manage one or 2 dives.

Definetely take a snorkel and mask! I was on Syros and Santorini. There are some really cool drop offs around the islands, it gets deep very quick in places. I didn't take a speargun, I think you need a licence anyway. It was cool just to shoot things with my camera instead!

As for fish, most of them are tiny. Saw plenty of bream and mullet in the shallow water but they were all a bit small. The only fish of a decent size I saw were on scuba at about 25m ish.

Oh and keep an eye out for octopii! They are fairly easy to spot and really cool to look at. Just look for rocks with lots of shells in front and that's where their dens are.

 

[TomH]

Went in on the north coast this morning at low tide. It was a bit murky, but there were spider crabs everywhere!!

I assume they were breeding or something? There were piles of them all over the place!

 

[Padaxes]

Went out for a couple of dives yesterday on the north coast, despite the swell the vis was surprisingly good. Found some shoals of small bass and mullet but nothing worth taking home so struck out for deeper water. Swell and currents made it fun but I managed to get my PB Pollack (only 6lb but i don't go for pollack very often).

Waited till about 11pm and went in again , the vis was really good and it was a nice dive with the loads of phosphorescence. Did some dives (just to about 20ft) and did find some Bass but couldn't decide if they were big enough to shoot, lots of smaller ones with the odd legal one thrown in. Decided not to risk it and came in empty handed.

 

[diver9]

Went out for a couple of dives yesterday on the north coast, despite the swell the vis was surprisingly good. Found some shoals of small bass and mullet but nothing worth taking home so struck out for deeper water. Swell and currents made it fun but I managed to get my PB Pollack (only 6lb but i don't go for pollack very often).

Waited till about 11pm and went in again , the vis was really good and it was a nice dive with the loads of phosphorescence. Did some dives (just to about 20ft) and did find some Bass but couldn't decide if they were big enough to shoot, lots of smaller ones with the odd legal one thrown in. Decided not to risk it and came in empty handed.

Nice pollack, know what you mean about sze at night....I have always found that depth perception and distance is harder at night.

Well done for ering on the side of caution.

Diver9

 

[Padaxes]

Talking of erring on the side of caution saw two guys with spearguns getting out of the water at Sennen harbour earlier with a brace of microscopic looking Pollack, maybe 8 between them :rcard

 

[gutshot]

I saw the same at Crantock the other day. One guy flapping around in the river shooting v small mullet,..... with bathers close by too! I tried to catch up with him as he got out but he didn't hang around!

Had a dive today which was ok. I started going thought the "i hate this place. No bloody fish anywhere" routine and a nice sized bass stuck his head out of the weed in a clearing. I got another smaller one not too long after. I was lining up a shot on a good sized mullet when a small school came in behind him. I took the biggest there.

Got to get my GoPro mounted on my new gun. Missing some lovely footage!

 

[andycornish]

Talking of erring on the side of caution saw two guys with spearguns getting out of the water at Sennen harbour earlier with a brace of microscopic looking Pollack, maybe 8 between them :rcard

They must be tourists as anyone with more than a few dives under their belt will know that its pointless and counterproductive taking anything small enough to be classed as 'microscopic'. I have had many a person come up and ask what i was doing and is it legal etc. I do consider sometimes saying you need a license to try and deter toursits from 'just giving it a go'

Unfortunately its these sort of people that give spearo's in general a bad image

 

[sj257]

They must be tourists as anyone with more than a few dives under their belt will know that its pointless and counterproductive taking anything small enough to be classed as 'microscopic'. I have had many a person come up and ask what i was doing and is it legal etc. I do consider sometimes saying you need a license to try and deter toursits from 'just giving it a go'

Unfortunately its these sort of people that give spearo's in general a bad image

Isn''t that the license that's only available to full time residents of Cornwall? :t

My standard response is evolving to it being something that requires a lot of time a dedecation to produce results, and you get cold quick with all but the best of wetsuits. Seems to put off some of the "have a go's" but doesn't totally deter the genuinely interested.

I see there's a glimmer of improving vis. Got a chance to get out tomorrow morning with only a 10am meeting on the roseland to get to after my session. Trying to decide whether to get in closer to the St Austell area then drive down or try a roseland mark closer to my meeting. Any suggestions gratefully recieved by pm.

sj

 

[SurfnSpear]

Newquay - Just got back from a rod session off my rib and it never ceases to amaze the stupidity in the water.
3 surfsuit type spearos out of Little Fistral, 2 staying within the bay and one venturing out and around the Cribbar all MINUS floats.
I saw the one who went around the Cribbar climb up the rocks and you were obviously then talked to by the coastguards and will be appearing on Seaside Rescue no doubt going by the camera crew.
The other two heard from me on my opinion about no floats.
Issue I have is that it goes out on the marine VHF and at least 8 coastguards and reserve RNLI in a private boat also come out after being called by members of the public with reports of people in the water off the headland. Going on the recent 2 fatal incidents with yet to be recovered bodies...er its obvious people are a little jumpy.
Oh and as I cruise up the Gannel back home another scientist minus float going out off Crantock on a big tide stripping ebb....(think this was the bloke you might of seen Si)
That is a waste of resources and people's evenings, and if any on here reading this realise I'm talking about them, how about saving all the hassle and get some floats...it's not rocket science.

 

[andycornish]

Isn''t that the license that's only available to full time residents of Cornwall? :t

My standard response is evolving to it being something that requires a lot of time a dedecation to produce results, and you get cold quick with all but the best of wetsuits. Seems to put off some of the "have a go's" but doesn't totally deter the genuinely interested.

sj

I think it is one of those license's ! :t Your response sounds like the best way to deter people who are not genuinely interested, will definately be using it in the future.

With the vis went in on the north coast yesterday evening and had about 6-7m vis when i first got in, went down to about 5-6 by the end but still enough to be able to see murky shapes at the bottom when it was 10m. Didnt see anything apart from a few undersized pollack, but managed my first edible crab which was a decent size, a spider crab and a load of muscles was a tasty seafood platter

 

[Kernowsniper]

one venturing out and around the Cribbar all MINUS floats.
I saw the one who went around the Cribbar climb up the rocks and you were obviously then talked to by the coastguards and will be appearing on Seaside Rescue no doubt going by the camera crew.
The other two heard from me on my opinion about no floats.
Issue I have is that it goes out on the marine VHF and at least 8 coastguards and reserve RNLI in a private boat also come out after being called by members of the public with reports of people in the water off the headland. Going on the recent 2 fatal incidents with yet to be recovered bodies...er its obvious people are a little jumpy.
That is a waste of resources and people's evenings, and if any on here reading this realise I'm talking about them, how about saving all the hassle and get some floats...it's not rocket science.

Err yeah SurfnSpear that was me.. I know its not rocket science.. in fact far from it! Its a float and a line?!?!

Ok so I have been a spearo for about three years now and in that time the float/flaotline setup has actually nearly drowned me several times by tying me off to the kelp or getting hooked under ledges.. both things that as spearos you naturally encounter on nearly every deep hold.. I like to get camoflaged!! - as a recent discussion goes I believe that spearing bass in open water is next to impossible.. so getting amongst it is the only way.. focussing on your breath and ambush position is key to survival and getting fish.. worrying constantly about getting tied up is not that great really?! Fair enough when I dive a new spot I always use it.. cos in effect I would be new to the environment.. not knowing currents etc etc.

However.. over the last month or two I have dived Cribbar about twenty/thirty times.. and over the last few years probably thrice that if not more.. I only ever dive it in slack water when there is less than 2 feet of swell, and I have learnt to be comfortable with that, I know the currents and always keep my eye out for boats tending to stay near the rocks as much as possible to avoid getting anyones way. On this dive I did notice quite a few families out on the headland.. I guess they're not used to seeing this sort of thing so they called the coastguard thinking I was in trouble.. far from it.. the only reason I climbed the rocks round the back was because the viz crapped out and I had only seen 2 small schoolies so I was over it!

Don't get me wrong.. I do have a float.. bought for the very reason you have pointed out.. but surely others on here have had problems with floats and lines.. especially over here where the seemingly relentless winds and currents push them up onto the rocks.. round the kelp.. round debris etc etc. ??

I might as well point out that I did apologise to the coastguard but don't really feel that I did anything wrong.. I know numerous spearos who prefer to dive solo (without a float) including some lifeguards/coastguards!!

Hmm.. I see a possible mass debate on the horizon!

 

[TomH]

Hmm I found my float to be a right pain the first time I used it, just got tangled in all the kelp, round my legs and all over my fins! :headNeedless to say I hated the thing very quickly!

Now I just tie 1kg weight to end and tow it in my hand. Much easier and you can drop it somewhere and fish around it. I guess the only disadvantage is that i'm not always right next to the float.

Personally, i'm taking my float everywhere now, seeing as we are in 'silly season' with all sorts of people on the water!

 

[andycornish]

Il agree floats are a right pain in the ar*e but for the inconvience with the method TomH uses it worth it to save the coastguard the hastle in the 'silly' season, even if it is like dragging a dead dog around on a line.

On the other hand the float is useful if there is nothing worth spearing and there are crabs/shellfish around.

 

[Padaxes]

I also take my float out with a weighted line when i dive I anchor it and dive nearby until I'm ready to move on or if its a quick dive I just hang onto the weight.

 

[Kernowsniper]

Some fair points made there guys.. loving the term "silly" season!! - Influx of "silly tourists" to our coasts means we have to do things the hard way.. typical!!

I gotta ask does anyone ever hang their fish off a floatline? I figured Mr Hungry Seal would be more than happy to remove the fish from a floatline stringer or keep net?!

 

[Padaxes]

My float is a modified bodyboard that has the catch bag on the top, I always use that when I there are seals around and I dont want to use my stringer.

 

[SurfnSpear]

If you are happy enough to continue in that position...then....I offer this up for debate...
I'm sure you could understand that being a coastguard or lifeguard and not using a float, would probably lead them to think to themselves that they should know better. Also whatever their voluntary work, it does not put them on a higher tier of survival either. I bet if it's the same one I had diving off my boat the other day then he really SHOULD know better.
I completely disagree with the deep hold and camouflaged theory. If you have a decent floating polyprop or sealed tube line of enough length for your limits and to get back to the top, I cannot see the problem?
...With three years under your belt perhaps you might like a review of tactics here on the subject if you are dead sure that a float and line will possibly kill you. A lot of spearos particularly overseas go GUN>LINE>FLOAT with the appropriate use of drop weights or D rings in each situation (i.e. deep and camouflaged?).
Occasionally I have snagged and I hole dive a lot, however, perhaps you need to fine tune your entry and exit points and also your breathhold limits to take in the whole down as a well exercised routine.
I know mine and will always make sure I have the buffer zone to allow a quick slash through with the knife, however with my polyprop it always feeds and cuts through weed and overhangs, holes etc. are as per the track you take. No fish is worth your life and all the top guys with many more years of experience than I would tell you the same.
I have dived Sussex, Dorset (Portland Bill just this last weekend), Wales, Devon and Cornwall under all conditions and the only time I have not had a float on was some specific offshore boat diving with plenty of flag and top cover and we are out of sight of the general public on a headland well cornered by boat traffic.
I think the point to be made here is a divers flag and float says, I'm okay and I am involved in some sort of activity and not just floating face down on the scene of two unrecovered bodies from recent incidents.
Without assuming you don't have already, and if you may fancy some proper polyprop spearo line (not B&Q) then let me know

 

[sj257]

I think it is one of those license's ! :t Your response sounds like the best way to deter people who are not genuinely interested, will definately be using it in the future.

With the vis went in on the north coast yesterday evening and had about 6-7m vis when i first got in, went down to about 5-6 by the end but still enough to be able to see murky shapes at the bottom when it was 10m. Didnt see anything apart from a few undersized pollack, but managed my first edible crab which was a decent size, a spider crab and a load of muscles was a tasty seafood platter

It's a response born of experience. I've spent quite a bit of time in the water without much to show for it. I'm using a 6,5,3mm windsurfing suit that I've used in the snow, but that still leaves me cold if I'm in for any decent length of time.

I'm looking to sell my boat soon and I'm hoping to divert some of the proceeds to some spearo specific gear, like a new suit, snorkle, mask and fins.

sj

 

[diver9]

Newquay - Just got back from a rod session off my rib and it never ceases to amaze the stupidity in the water.
3 surfsuit type spearos out of Little Fistral, 2 staying within the bay and one venturing out and around the Cribbar all MINUS floats.
I saw the one who went around the Cribbar climb up the rocks and you were obviously then talked to by the coastguards and will be appearing on Seaside Rescue no doubt going by the camera crew.
The other two heard from me on my opinion about no floats.
Issue I have is that it goes out on the marine VHF and at least 8 coastguards and reserve RNLI in a private boat also come out after being called by members of the public with reports of people in the water off the headland. Going on the recent 2 fatal incidents with yet to be recovered bodies...er its obvious people are a little jumpy.
Oh and as I cruise up the Gannel back home another scientist minus float going out off Crantock on a big tide stripping ebb....(think this was the bloke you might of seen Si)
That is a waste of resources and people's evenings, and if any on here reading this realise I'm talking about them, how about saving all the hassle and get some floats...it's not rocket science.

I totally agree - I have the same issue with kayaks and people out with kids and no pfds.....what do they think will happen if they come off..the wind blows the yak away from them and they all stay afloat?????

All a waste of time and effort and puts peoples lives at risk.

Stay Safe all and please use a float or if on yak use the CG66 scheme with RNLI as well as a paddle plan or vhf! I appreciate people view, but as someone who nearly lost out be doing something out of routine 450 metres offshore, I can say
that I am bloody glad I had my float and a quick release belt....I was nearly a statistic and it still affects me to this day as I have to take things gently gently catchy monkey to make sure I get my mojo back!!


Stay Safe all...especially as it is now idiots on jetskis and speedboats season!

Rich

 

[Highlander]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to this & I will not labour too long on this subject.

I use the "Gun-Line-Float" system & I haven't........... let me rephrase this, "it works fine for me". If I do have problems I would just drop the gun & carry on to the surface, knowing that my spear is attached to the float & hopefully I should be able to get to my float & bide my time & catch my breath & either do a couple of things. Pull from the surface or if it is lodged somewhere go down & collect.

I know it is easy to say these things & hopefully you wouldn't like to encounter problems of any sort, but if you go in fore warned & fore armed with the knowledge that this is a course of action you could take then it can bring the element of panic away knowing that you are not snagged, but said rope/gun is.

Sorry I did labour a bit on this.

Scott