Differences Between Winter & Summer Dives In The UK

[Woohoo]

Can somebody tell me what to expect when I next get in the water in comparison to my first bit of spearfishing done last month, and how it will change throughout winter. I notice a lot of people don't seem to dive in the dark depths of winter. Is that just because it's obviously more enjoyable in Summer or is there actual reasons why winter spearing isn't possible.

For example, is the visibility much worse all the time, a bit worse all of the time, a bit worse some of the time etc?

Numbers of fish always fewer, slightly fewer, same?

Is it just simply too cold in December/January that even with a 5mm suit it's uncomfortable or is the cold not a factor at all?

I realise these are questions with no real answers, and it will vary from year to year, but just an indication would be good. Living where I do I'll be doing some very long round trips to dive and I want to know a little about what to expect before I go. Obviously checking weather and winds etc before hand.

I will be be mainly close to the shore in relatively shallow water if that makes a difference.

Oh and one last question, what are the differences the further West you go. Does Cornwall stay closer to it's summer conditions than Sussex for example?

Appreciate any info whatsoever.

Cheers.

 

[foxfish]

The best fishing is often from now till December, lots of folk get excited when the clocks change so they can go night diving at 6pm.
However by January most fish are well gone from the shallows & the sea get very gloomy cold and storms can last for weeks!
So basically - most guys dive from April until end of December but of course there are always the tough guys who dive all year.

 

[Woohoo]

Thanks for the info. I've got a few months left this year then, just what I wanted to hear.

P.S Please don't read the post I just made in the cooking section.

 

[foxfish]

Oh I read all the post!

 

[Mr. X]

The weather in Feb. & March is usually so awful you wouldn't even consider diving. Didn't see any fish about when I tried diving in Dec./January although I have speared some good fish in early November, when the weather was unusually fine, sunny & warm.

 

[Woohoo]

So realistically it's at an 8 month season tops then. Still, that's not too bad considering how ropey our weather is in the UK.

Thanks for the info.