new to spearfishing in tampa

[Gary stransky]

Hey all! Just wanted to know what people think of my choice in equipment. I did a lot of research! Just want opinions? Mask is sealite eagle eye, 3 mil wetsuit, jbl woody elite with new trigger!, fins cressi long blade, dive socks, 3 mil gloves, cobra pro mate snorkel! Just starting out have not been on first dive yet, looking forward to it!!

 

[MozSpearer]

I haven't tried any of the brands you've chosen sounds like you got the basics though. Always keep it safe, dive with a friend. You didn't mention a weightbelt. You'll probably need it with a wetsuit. Depends on the depth you're diving. CHeck some other threads on DB for the exact science. I also use a 3 mm suit and for about 3-8m depth i use a 3.75kgs on my belt. HAppy hunting, full stringers. Let us know how your trip goes. Cheers

 

[Mr. X]

Sounds ok as far as I can tell. Do you have/need a float with "diver down" flag - or will you dive from a boat (with a "diver down"-flag)?
If you have a float, you'll need a float-line (polyester cord floats, as does aquarium air-pipe, if sealed). How about a stringer to hang all your fish on (already hinted at by MozSpearer above). A knife or spearo dagger (not essential if you have a pointy fish stringer but usually recommended for safety & dispatching fish).

 

[MozSpearer]

Thanx Mr. X .I totally forgot the knife, float and floatline. Definetly good equipment for the beginner spearo. cheers

 

[Andrew the fish]

I disagree with MrX, knife is a must for everybody for just walking the streets these days. A few days ago I was out of the water and near my truck, I was storing the gear and getting ready to drive back to my cabin and then there was a big (fat) older dude walking right up to me, face angered, with the hacksaw in his hand (he was pruning trees on bordering property). He was walking closer and closer and shouting to me "what were you doing in the water". Apparently he was worrying about his small aluminium boat anchored right there in a lagoon. I was still in my wetsuit and had a knife strapped on my calf. I am 200# weightlifter, martial arts and all, no sweat really, but I was actually thinking about pulling the knife to control my personal space from this idiot. After being told to get lost he finally walked away murmuring something about assholes. So, methink knife is good thing to have, almost like good old 45ACP, and not just for the fish.

 

[Mr. X]

Hi Andrew. Can't condone inappropriate use of fishing equipment. Can't carry knives in public in the UK without good cause (so now only the bad guys carry them) beyond a small pen-knife (like your grandpa used to whittle with). Can't easily own guns in the UK either. It used to make the UK a safer place, not so sure nowadays though . You can carry a hacksaw though - as long as it is not used as an offensive weapon, of course

If you are 200#, etc. how big was the big guy?!

 

[MozSpearer]

It's true what mr. x says. Once I forgot my knife but had my stringer to spike the fish. I only took the knife to clean the fish after I shoot them. When I get back to camp(back inside marine reserve) it can raise a few eyebrows cleaning fish in the reserve. So i prefer cleaning, descaling and gutting fish at diving spot. The crabs sure love it! The small fish are already jostling for a good feeding spot while I'm still busy gutting the fish. A few mins later, no guts left! that must've been a massive guy andrew. With all respect, i wouldn't like to confront anyone, that will most likely worsen the situation. Better to leave in peace and avoid a lawsuit, which would rob you of precious diving time!

 

[mariusshobo]

knife is a must for everybody for just walking the streets these days

Haha!
There are other more nonviolent ways to deal with idiots (not that I know one, just read about it!).
Kinda like Andrew's approach of the situation.

 

[mariusshobo]

When I get back to camp(back inside marine reserve) it can raise a few eyebrows cleaning fish in the reserve.

Hahahahah! You got balls, man!

 

[MozSpearer]

Hahahahah! You got balls, man!

LOL. I prefer not doing it i the reserve but the guards there know us well. We always walk past them with the fish. And they can see how we walk all the way to outside the reserve. SO no prob there!