Spearfishing in Aberdeen

[ABZ_Speario]

Hi,

I've just returned from a holiday and whilst away got a chance to do a bit of spearfishing, I really enjoyed it and would like to do a bit in UK. I will apologise now as I have a few noobie questions.

Is spearfishing a seasonal thing in the UK or can it be done all year round?

I've spoken to a few friends and although one or two are keen to tag along, no one is wanting to invest in equipment. Is it safe to go spearfishing solo or would it be best to at least have someone shore side?

I was pricing up equipment and wasn't sure what wet suit would be best to get, can someone advise whether to get a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit?

Does anyone know of a suitable spots in and around my area? I was thinking about places like Cove and Stonehaven.

Thanks in advance,
Thomas

 

[robicampbell81]

Hi,

I've just returned from a holiday and whilst away got a chance to do a bit of spearfishing, I really enjoyed it and would like to do a bit in UK. I will apologise now as I have a few noobie questions.

Is spearfishing a seasonal thing in the UK or can it be done all year round?

I've spoken to a few friends and although one or two are keen to tag along, no one is wanting to invest in equipment. Is it safe to go spearfishing solo or would it be best to at least have someone shore side?

I was pricing up equipment and wasn't sure what wet suit would be best to get, can someone advise whether to get a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit?

Does anyone know of a suitable spots in and around my area? I was thinking about places like Cove and Stonehaven.

Thanks in advance,
Thomas

Thomas
i know your post on here was very old, but if you are still in aberdeen and still keen on spearo, give me a shout - looking for a dive buddy. I've got my own gear and a little dinghy - happy to get you involved in weekend/evening spearo trips! best to catch me on email robincampbell81 at hotmail.com

 

[Mr. X]

Good questions, surprised nobody responded sooner. In theory, there is no spearfishing season in the UK, although there are some seasonal restrictions around "bass nurseries" (river estuaries usually). Some would have you believe it is a year round activity, at least on the south coast of England - I would disagree (Feb. & March are usually pretty awful weather-wise & fish-wise). My current thinking is that, in practice, it is seasonal - especially if your main interest is bass (there are other species worth spearing of course). There will always be a few fish caught early in the season but in general, in my experience, they seem to like warmer water conditions so the summer & autumn months seem to be the most productive.

In Scotland, it may be that your quarry will be different though, for example, perhaps more cod/lobster/crab and less bass. Dive & see what you find.

Re. wetsuit, I use a 5mm wetsuit year round & would normally recommend that. If you tend to feel the cold (e.g. skinny, from a tropical clime, etc.) you might want to go thicker (e.g. 6-7mm) but then you will need to carry more lead on your weight belt. Check the relative sea temperature on-line for where you plan to dive & the south coast of England (where I dive) - if it is significantly colder you should factor that in to your decision.