Foreigner fishing in Devon

[sottolegno]

Hello!

I'm from Austria and a passionate spearfisher. I have some questions concerning cornwall and devon.
Next summer my family wants to go to dawlish near Exeter for at least one month. (My wife and our oldest son have been living there once for half a year.)
I just want to give my okay to that plan, if I can do some spearfishing. I couldn't do without it on a holiday. (Normally we go to itally, croatia, corsica, the canary islands or cape verde or something like that.)

So my question:
Can I do spearfishing in your country as an Austrian citizen?
Do I need some kind of permission?
How can I get it?
Are there spots where I can do fishing to 15/20 mt depth withou having a boat?
Will I be able to fish being used to the med? (More dangerous?)
Can I bring my speargun by plane or at least by some other vehicle?

I know, these are a lot of questions. I would be glad if anybody could at least answer some of them.

Thank you

Franz

 

[Pav]

I can confirm our coast beats the hell out of the Austrian coast rofl.

You'll get some replies from the south devon crew, but I'd say you have some spearing not too far along the coast. No permits here... only restriction is fish size.

I do all my spearfishing without a boat!

I always think the biggest hassle with spearfishing overseas is your weight belt! Hopefully someone can hook you up with some lead during your stay.

Your welcome up here on the North coast (1 1/2 hr drive) if you want to see another side to Devon.

 

[sottolegno]

Thank you!

That was a very quick reply! Unfortunately it's still more than half a year. Because after your perfect answers I would like to start fishing at your coast immediately. I will contact you when we're going!

 

[north1]

Keep watching this thread. I am sure you will find plenty of places to fish in this area. Get in touch before you come and we will be able to help.

 

[sottolegno]

I'll do so, thank you!

 

[misterlizard]

If you fancy a dive in the West Dorset area (up to an hour's drive East from Dawlish) I'd be very happy to show you around my local spots. Just send me a message on the forums and I'll give you some contact details nearer the time.

 

[sottolegno]

First of all we'll have to check if the landlady we once got the flat from still sells the place in summer. But if we come I'd be very happy to go fishing with you!
I'll tell you when I know something mor concrete ...

 

[Mr. X]

You should be able to pack your speargun as fishing gear (e.g. in a rod bag/tune) to go in the hold of a plane. Or perhaps you could post it, or buy one here (if vis. is poor, you'll want a short one).

Perhaps Anthony at Venture Sports in Paignton, Torbay would rent or loan a weight belt? (ScottWilson?). Lots of good coastline to spear fish around south/south-east and east Devon.

 

[venturesports]

Hi,

No problem, We can help out with some lead/belt if required

 

[sottolegno]

In fact when I flew to the canarys or also cabo verde or cyprus I always checked the speargun in as fishing gear. There never was a problem. I'm not sure yet if I won't come by car -- that would make fishing easier.
Anyway: all the offers of you are EXTRAORDINARILY KIND! I can't wait to come to England!