Hi All

Hi All

My name is Frank and I hale from South Africa but have no been living in the UK for just over ten years. I am now living in Portsmouth and feel its time to get back in the water.

I have some experience scuba diving and have been lucky enough to have dived some very nice locations in my time ranging from up and down the east coast of South Africa and Mozambique as well as the great barrier reef and the red sea.

I have never been spearfishing and feel its now or never so I have come here as my first point of call.

Im off to south africa for a nice warm xmas and new year with the OH and kids so hope to pick up some gear then but I thought it best to do my home work first.

So a few questions.

Wet suit: As im not so keen on getting cold I thought of a 5mm or even a 7mm semi dry suit but dot know which to look into and also would I need one with the pad on the chest for loading a spear gun? Also does it help if it camouflage

Gun: No hear I have not got a clue. I have read the a 75cm length gun would prob be best as its not to long but also has enough length to make it accurate. Also would it be wise to opt for a nematic or rubber powered gun?

Mask:I have seen a few of these floating around and like the idea of the purpose built free diving/spearfishing mask but in my experience I like to try before I buy when it comes to a mask. Had thought about cressi for as the one to try.

Fins: I have a pair of open heal tusa fins that i have had for about 13 years now and a pair of SA divers booties with hard soles. (I used these when diving) would they do the job? Or should I be looking at something a little longer?

Weight belt:Now I sure this I can sort out on my own, I guess as long as its quick release I'm good to go?


I guess I better stop here as I don't want to over load you all with questions.

Also if there is anybody in or near Portsmouth who can answer a few more questions or would be willing to show me around his or her gear that would be great.

Thanks all

cdavis said:

Hi knarf3, welcome to DB.

Wetsuit: get a freediving wet suit. Semi dry won't work if it retains air and freediving suits are close to leak free anyway. Get some local advice on thickness.

Weight belt: Definitely a rubber belt. Any rubber belt is better for freediving than a
nylon belt. If more than 5 mil suit, consider a weight vest.

Mask: any reasonably low volume mask will work in shallow water, as long as it is comfortable, has good range of vision, has a dark skirt and doesn't leak. Once you start getting under 50 ft or so, you will want a really small volume mask.

Fins: What you have will work, but there is much much better. Get long fins and soft neoprene socks, for sure. Lots of choices, do some research.

Gun: can't help you, I shot a sling.

Connor

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Thanks for the tips will look into all new gear me thinks...

Hey guys

Thanks for all the reply's. At least I know what sort of bits im looking for now.

Will have to wait till I get out to SA at the end of the year to pick up my gear as i'm under orders "no spending money until we are on holiday!". :naughty

Will hopefully cost a little less out there to.

speardaver I will take you up the offer once I have the gear I need to get wet I will give you a shout and maybe I could get a lesson or two.

Just out of interest do you guys hunt all year round?

Cheers

foxfish said:

The main season is from April - December with Jan Feb & march being pretty naff for hunting fish & very cold.
However some keen folk will fish all year around for certain species like flounder!
Oct, Nov & Dec are also the months for night diving.

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Night diving?? hmmmm looks like I will have to pick it it up in the new year then as I wont be in the water January till April.

No sir....Much to cold for me