Help regarding everything ? Northeast England

Ingo Sundowner said:

As I am very much a newbie and haven't got the first idea of what I need to start spearfishing, from what to wear in these cold waters here in the Northeast to ...... and that is my main concern right now ..... where do I get face to face advice? Is there a snorkelling/speargunfishing retailer here in the area?
Another question is, do people go out spearfishing this time of the year?
The only good news I have is that I have been sailing up and down this coast for many years and know a few nice and clear spots

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Well there is a lot of things to know, some of it you can only really find out by having a go and making a few mistakes. You may be best contacting Steve Millard at apneists UK. He runs freediving and spearfishing courses and will be able to help you with kit advice and you may be able to borrow some stuff while you learn. It could be cheaper that way than buying something not right for you. Or you may just not take to it, I think it's probably not for everyone, even if you like the idea of it. If you want to just get some gear and have a go, look at a 5mm two piece spearfishing /freediving wetsuit, elastic weight belt, full foot long fins. Mask and snorkel that fit your face well, knife strapped to arm or leg, a dive float is very important with a line, lastly and least important a gun around 70cm, just buy a basic cressi or something and make sure you have a soft dyneema wishbone, articulated metal ones will relieve you of some flesh on your fingers if your careless. As you get more into it you will certainly want more specialist guns and more sizes if you decide it's for you. Start very shallow just staying on top and get used to your gear , without any tide, also don't forget to read up on catch size limits and regulations, should you be so lucky to find anything for the table.

North East coast you may want to look at a 7mm wetsuit.

I've said it before but I don't believe paying someone to learn to spearfish is a good idea. I would suggest that you find some local spearos and get involved, you'll learn fast and it's free.
If you can get down to the S Coast I'll show you the ropes for nothing. I think it would be good if spearos around the UK could offer some time to help people get started - that's what we used to do before business minded people realised there's a buck to be made.

Ingo Sundowner said:

Thanks so much Will. That was the sort of advice I'm after. Will try and contact Steve M.
One more stupid question.....do ppl spearfishing this time of the year?
Thanks again

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This time of year fish will be scarce and underwater visibility will be low, and it's damn cold, and there won't be many other water users around if you need help. I would leave it til may/ June really maybe July, warmer seas better viz, you will have a much nicer day even if you don't see anything. Never dived the east coast, could be good if you know where to look, probably mostly pollock you will be targeting I guess, North Wales may provide easier opportunity for bass and mullet. When in season. Although I hear the lobstering on the east can be off the hook in the right area! Let us know how you get on

Johndory Hunter said:

I've said it before but I don't believe paying someone to learn to spearfish is a good idea. I would suggest that you find some local spearos and get involved, you'll learn fast and it's free.
If you can get down to the S Coast I'll show you the ropes for nothing. I think it would be good if spearos around the UK could offer some time to help people get started - that's what we used to do before business minded people realised there's a buck to be made.

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I kind of agree about spearing courses, I can't speak for Steve's spearfishing courses but I do believe a freediving course will really help fast track someone with good technique and safety awareness and give you confidence to tackle deeper spots Especially if you are not really someone who has snorkeled a lot. Plus it's a really exhilarating and addictive sport in its own right, without the gun.

I have to disagree about going on a course. I have speared and snorkelled on my own but did a freediving course this year(with Steve incidentally). It was the best thing I have done, my confidence and ability came on in leaps and bounds. Also you get to meet like minded people who you know have professional qualifications. Deeper blue is a great way to get info but like Wikipedia how can you tell good advice from poor advice however well intentioned. I have been in around Beadnel bay before now but the vis was appealing. There are North East spearfishing forums on here have a look there and see if anyone's going in(I doubt it though)