Hello All

[karl_h]

Hi first post so please be kind.

Just completed my Padi open water course in Turkey and was speaking to the guy there about spear fishing back home in england. Ive hunted and shot on land before so it seems a natural progression. I am an experienced snorkeler but have a few questions if you could possibly answer.

1. I gather spear fishing in the uk is legal (When you free dive) but, can you just turn up wherever and start hunting whithin reason e.g any beach/cove. I live in Warrington so will be heading for N.Wales/Angelsey. I understand not to walk about waiving the gun around having owned a rifle before but getting in and out of the water? can anyone shed any light.

2.Is it legal to gather shellfish e.g Lobsters,Crabs,Mussels,Scallops (if i can actually find some). I am aware of the minimum sizes.

3.Are there any spear fishing shops Manchester?Liverpool area.

4.Any good Marks or other tips you can offer.

Sorry for all the questions

thanks karl

 

[WillUnderwater]

Not sure about any of your questions as I live on the opposite side of the big blue but some people in your area will help you out with all your questions soon!

Just wanted to say welcome to db and congrats on certification!

 

[Broseidon]

Hi Karl - welcome to the site!

Your questions:

1) Yup - you can turn up anywhere you want in North Wales with no problems. I've heard that spearing is banned on some beaches in the south (engand), although I'm not 100% sure of the legality of the 'ban' and whether it could be enforced by actual 'law'.

2) Totally legal to gather what shellfish and crustation you wish.

3) Not that I know of, I would recommend www.apnea.co.uk who are based in Gurnsey - very good guys!

4) I have no idea abut Anglesea but I know a few on the Llyn peninsular if you're interested!

 

[karl_h]

Thanks very much for the replys.

Ive got mask and snorkel, just need all the other bits.

Ive a local dive shop to get fins, wet suit and knife, just need somewhere to go in and have a chat whos into hunting.

Any where to get started wold be ace not really botherd what i catch (well if anything at all).

 

[Broseidon]

I recommend you buy some proper freediving fins, not the crappy little snorkling ones like I did last year!

Don't forget your weights belt and weights - you can't spearfish without them, as I found out last summer! You'll also need a stringer, to attach the fish you shoot to!

I've just got my first 'proper' spearing gear, I bought:

Fins - OMER Millenium -£66.50

https://www.apnea.co.uk/product_inf...d=182&osCsid=8ac4691d4a48b767d11686d81e16e707

Belt - OMER - £8.50

https://www.apnea.co.uk/product_inf...d=259&osCsid=8ac4691d4a48b767d11686d81e16e707

Stringer - OMER - £11.50

https://www.apnea.co.uk/product_inf...d=317&osCsid=8ac4691d4a48b767d11686d81e16e707

Haven't used it all yet but VERY impressed with the build quality!

As for a suit, I've ordered a custom made spearing one from Elios in Italy which should be arriving this week - if you're really keen on spearing, I'd recommend going for a proper two piece spearing suit over a normal surf suit. The quality and heat retention will be MUCH greater and they don't cost half as mush as you'd think! My fully custom one was only about £160!

The only reason I brought a custom one is that I'm a funny shape, standard sized ones start at about £110 - well worth it in my opinion!

eg: Omer New Master Pro Wetsuit - 5mm £110 https://www.apnea.co.uk/product_inf...d=678&osCsid=8ac4691d4a48b767d11686d81e16e707

Hope that all helps and don't worry, there are companies other than OMER out there

 

[karl_h]

thanks for the advice,

what about the actual gun. Does everything you need come with it, like the spear and line.

 

[Broseidon]

thanks for the advice,

what about the actual gun. Does everything you need come with it, like the spear and line.

Yep - it should come all rigged up with the spear and line

What's you're budget for a gun, I'll see if I can recommed something!

 

[karl_h]

looking around the net prob £100 ish, if i needed to spend more i would

 

[Broseidon]

looking around the net prob £100 ish, if i needed to spend more i would

For that money in Welsh waters, I'd recommend a Seatec Gabbiano TRB 77:

Get one from www.spearo.co.uk - that's what I'm getting anyway!