My first time going blue water spear fishing comming up next week

[jtvann]

So I was invited to go out with a dive group next week. The group will be a crew of scuba divers, but I will be free diving. Going to be going off shore in the Outer Banks of NC. Im not really comfortable yet with going what most of you would consider really deep. I plan on mainly hanging around the top of the water column. I think the depth may go down to about 70 feet to 130 feet depending on the dive location.

I think Ive got all of my gear ready to go, but as it is my first time, Im still second guessing myself. Im set up to use a float line on an ocean rhino rx4. Without biting off more than I can chew on my first trip, do any of you more experienced guys have any advise for me.

What do you remember of your first deep blue water experience? Was it more than you bargained for, or was it what got you totally hooked from then on. Im very excited to go, but also nervous at the same time. Need some words of wisdom from those who can give it.

 

[alaskaseahunter]

Hello, I just made my first blue water spearfishing trip in Kona Hawaii. I purchased a Riffe 60" 4X Euro gun, tiger campo 3 mm wet suite and hood. On my first trip I caught a 40 lb Mahi Mahi. Rob White from from Bluewater Huters in Kona guided me out to the Buoys offshore Kona. I nailed the bull within 5 minutes of entering the water. We were free diving so some of what I learned may not apply. Here are some of my learnings:
1) Make sure you under water when you shoot, submerge your head at least 1' before firing your gun. My shot was low due to the surface slosh causing me to bob up and down.
2) Be stealthy, keep hand movement and fin movement to a minimum.
3) Carry a mirros or flashers to attract fish to you, they may come closer to check you out if your non threatening and offer what looks like food.

You can see my shot on video on Youtube, search schuitt bluewater hunter

Good luck, Paul

 

[Don Paul]

Back at you tonight mate...working.

Cheers, Don Paul

 

[alaskaseahunter]

Hey Don, I was born and raised in Newport, graduated from Newport Harbor. I have been in Alaska for 35 years and loving every minute.

Regards, Paul

 

[Don Paul]

Hey Don, I was born and raised in Newport, graduated from Newport Harbor. I have been in Alaska for 35 years and loving every minute.

Regards, Paul

Sorry for the late reply Paul. what area are you in ?
I moved to Oakwood Garden across the street from NPHH in 77 when that place was wild.:friday. .....So many Flight Attendants:inlove So little time..

I'm off to work again, back later....

Cheers, Don

 

[hteas]

Hey Paul S,

I didn't know you were freediving

Give me a call

Howard Teas

 

[Don Paul]

I looked up the specs on the Ocean Rhino...
48'' of barrel and a 5/16 shaft is a short gun for clear blue water.
What is your target species ? AJ are very friendly and will get very close if you wear a white glove and wiggle the fingers of the non gun hand.One does not need to dive much deeper than 30 to 40 FSW for most pelagic fish if they are up.
Cheers, Don