North Devon Spearfishing

[TeddyO]

forecast looking good so far for this weekend. Any going out on the North Coast? Ted

 

[Pav]

Good call teddyo, if the forcast is to be believed!
Certainly will be a worth a look on Sunday. and early next week.
You just motivated me to get some work done and knock surfing on the head for tonight in hope of next week!

 

[TeddyO]

I'm down Friday night if you want to have a pre fish beer in Braunton. Ted

 

[IsaacND]

Hi guys, new to the whole spearfishing thing, I also live in North devon, was wondering on reccomendations as regards to gun vs pole spear, and camo gear vs regular wettie. Cheers, I

 

[Pav]

I've had more fish in black suits than I have had in my camo suits.... I think its all about the catwalk ;>) ! We spend time covering ourselves in camo and then spend the rest of the time clicking stones, croaking like frogs, flashing old cds and stiring up the sand in an attempt to attract the bass... go figure that out?!
Pole = respect!!

 

[IsaacND]

Thanks, it's a relief to know that, I can't really afford a £200 camo suit anyways.
Pole spear is what I wanted originally, but I read a lot of other forums in which members thought a pole was more likely to injure fish? I'm still torn between the two though, I'd never even heard of pole spears until i started looking for a gun! I figure a gun would also be more what i'm used to, being an avid rifle shooter... But if you can give me a reason for either one, i'll take your word for it Thanks for the speedy reply!
I

 

[rowan.harvey]

I have a camo suit but cant tell the difference in terms of fish behaviour since my old black cressi. Pole spears take some getting used to, i've used both and spearguns are so much easier to use and have better range although a 3 piece travel pole spear is damn handy for holidays.

 

[foxfish]

You can but a custom, made to measure, camo or solid colour suit for about £135 delivered to your door.
Get a 750cm single band gun & progress either way from there!

 

[IsaacND]

Thanks guys, from what I've been told, I reckon a regular black suit will suffice, and will probably go for a gun; plenty on ebay for under 50 quid. i'll see how it goes, then get in touch Cheers all
I x

 

[IsaacND]

Hi Pav, thanks for the advice so far, was wondering if you could help me out as to where to buy a suit locally? Been looking online, but everything seems to be somewhat specialist, and I can't really afford hundreds.. Also, any idea where to buy a weightbelt and weights?
Cheers

 

[badlander]

I guess nearly all dive shops will supply weights. When it comes to a belt though go for a rubber Marseilles one over a standard nylon webbing one. They've started selling them with black nylon buckles instead of metal ones now and this has brought the cost down somewhat. As long as your suit is comfortable and most importantly warm this will allow you to be relaxed and i reckon that's more important than the colour (although i will confess all my suits are camo!)

 

[IsaacND]

Thanks for the tip, I'll keep my eyes open. Fairly sure there aren't any dive shops locally (Perhaps Pav could confirm?) so I guess I may have to travel a bit further afield. Any idea on a good starter weight? I know you need to test for neutral buoyancy, but what weights should I buy to start off? I'm 5'7 and 8 stone exactly...

 

[Pav]

None that I know. I usually pick up stuff mail order or Falmouth when I am down that way. I loaned out my spare belt and lead and subsequently it had to be dropped so cant help you out with a loan. Hope to sort out a weight mould when I have time, as I have some scrap lead to melt. Nothing local re. spearo suits.. they are specialist as you said. However an old winter (5mm) surfers suit would do fine to start with. I made do with a surfing suit for a couple of years. Loads of guys locally scrap their winter suits after 1 or 2 seasons so you should get a suit for less than £50. Tiki factory shop always have a rack of 2nd hand suits. I'd haggle them down on the 2nd hand price if you go that route as I expect they struggle to get rid of them, as they are taken as PX. A spearo suit is a lot warmer! , but if your on a budget make do. You will pick up more specialist kit as you progress. An old body board can make a bouy (lots of threads on here showing homemade kit).

 

[IsaacND]

Well it's the thought that counts, so thanks anyway I was thinking of a regular wetsuit, so I'll definitely pop down tiki. I guess i could wear my old cycling lycra underneath to crank up the insulation. Buoy is all sorted now, dear mother has bought me gun, mask, fins and buoy, but I'm not going to go so far as to ask for a suit! I'll see if I can get beating this season, could raise my budget somewhat... Thanks for the help, this is probably the most friendly and helpful forum I've come across!
Cheers
I x

 

[foxfish]

You would be ok in a 4-3mm surf suit for 90 mins in the summer but they cost near £100 or more so I would still consider a 5mm spearo suit.
Look up Apnea as they sometimes have offers....

 

[IsaacND]

Found a site online

Oceanos wetsuits Spearfishing Suits

Seems I can get a custom made, open cell, camo suit for £137. Will take a look around the surf shops, but looks like this may be the way to go... There's an entire thread on here about his suits from his old site, and I doubt they've changed...

http://forums.deeperblue.com/wetsuits/56803-oceano-mimetic-wetsuit.html

Maybe one of you old hands could have a look and tell me what you think?
Cheers
I x

 

[foxfish]

Lots of us use those suits mate including me, they are fantastic value & Oceanos offer a fantastic service too.

 

[IsaacND]

Excellent, cheers very much mate, I'll get right on and order one. I assume green camo would be best for reef fishing in UK waters? And is there an extra charge for getting it custom made?
Thanks
I

 

[foxfish]

I went for black arms Grey Abstract Camo Combo this time but I have had the green camo before...no extra for MTM but extra for loading pad, knee pad & elbow pad.
Personally I did not order any extras this time but you might want a loading pad?
Knees pad might be useful but certainly not necessary.
Just ask for the MTM chart & you will be sent one via Email followed buy a paypal invoice.

 

[IsaacND]

All sorted, ta very much
Isaac