Hi from Okinawa

[schlegs]

New to the board and spearfishing in general. A bit regretful, though, that I didn't discover the sport sooner, especially since I have limited time remaining out here in Okinawa where there are plenty of reefs, warm water, and of course fish. I've sworn off diving (illegal here to spear with scuba) since "stumbling" across spearfishing when I borrowed a neighbor's hawaiian sling during a recent snorkeling trip. I started with a Beuchat and "upgraded" to a JBL 38 special (and am back to using the Beuchat), and it's only been one month. Lots to learn...

Looking fwd to the journey

Kevin

 

[BatRay]

Good to have you with us, Kevin Thanks for letting us know a little about yourself. I'm looking forward to hearing more from you. Where will you go after Okinawa?

 

[schlegs]

Thanks, Bat Ray. I have just over a year left on this current tour and not yet sure of our next duty station, likely back in the US, and maybe in Patuxent River, MD.

No matter where we end up, it will be tough to match the fishing here, no doubt.

Schlegs

 

[BatRay]

It must be nice to dive in that warm water . I guess you'll have to make the most of your time left in Okinawa, then! Is your JBL a Northwest 38 Special, or the regular 38? I have a NW Special, and it's quite powerful. Feel free to ask questions, browse, and have a great time on DB.

 

[schlegs]

It's the 38 special magnum xhd. I've learned from this "venture" that power doesn't necessarily mean velocity/range. It's got to be a function of the gun's length and maybe the mass of the spear. It's 42", butt to speartip and has a 9.5mm spear. Maybe I could use a smaller diameter spear?

Incidentally, I got a report from one of my spearo buddies (also a newbie) who used a Wong 110cm on loan (he owns a Beuchat, probably a 90cm too). He reports that the range increase was dramatic. He nailed a parrot fish at 12' - a dream with the equipment I'm using now..

 

[BatRay]

Yep, the JBL that I use is pure power with very little finesse. It has the super-strong bands that were strengthened further after factory. I tried shooting through one of those diving rings not long ago, and I didn't get the spear through the ring once. I'm a fairly good aim with shotguns, handguns, & bows, too.

 

[schlegs]

That's funny. You could put a truck tire out there and I wouldn't get close...

 

[BatRay]

With the speargun or shotgun and pistols?