Spearing - fun and educational??!?

[winky]

Had a brilliant dive with my brother (Daffyd) last week - some good size bass and mullet, a couple of lobsters - one a very good size (ate it before weighing it sadly) and a massive edible crab (again eaten before weighing!!!!) - that was the fun bit!

Now the educational bit......

We can't deny it, we all get that buzz as we wade out of the sea dressed in neoprean, knife strapped to the leg, gun in had and a large haul from the sea, suddenly a couple of cruious kids come over as your getting your kit sorted then a few more appear and then the dads come! This is the stage when things can occassionally go wrong. Reading some posts about the aggressive ''joe public'' we can often be too hasty to run off and hide ourselves from view but last thursday was totally different!

We actually a really nice time chatting away for a good 20 min with a large group people surrounding us who were all genuninely interested in what we do and what we've caught. We were able to talk about our catches - what they were, where they live, what they eat, how we catch them and what all our kit is for etc etc etc. All the kids got a great thrill from holding the lobsters and crabs and poking the fish. The parents were all very greatful for us stopping and taking time out to chat.

I would like to think we did our bit on educating the public on spearfishing - that we are actually some of the good guys, and hopefully this will filter down through their friends too!

Hope you've all had a good weekend.

Winky.
Out

 

[vali]

God help us!!!

 

[bluejuiceaddict]

well done fellas thumbs up!

 

[winky]

Cheers bluejuiceaddict....every little helps eh!

 

[Broseidon]

I've had very similar experiences - people, especially children are absolutely fascinated by sea life and are always really interested in what you're up to, they want to touch the crabs, poke the fish etc. I still remember seeing a spearfisherman coming out of the water in France when I was 8 years old carrying a bag of massive sea urchins, despite the language barrier we chatted away, I prodded all the creatures, held his gun etc... great stuff!

No-one really seems to know much about spearfishing so you and it's nice to be able to tell them how the gun works, how you find fish, what you do under water etc. I've experienced nothing but positive interest from people.

The one thing that has surprised me is how children, especially small children, are exceptionally fascinated by guts and gore - they ALWAYS gather round to see the fish being gutted and if I'm cooking a crab, they all want to see me kill it... I supposed it backs up the theory that squeamishness is not an innate emotion but a product of soft society.

I think it's important that spearos do their bit!

 

[bluejuiceaddict]

The second we get in the gear and even pull a gun out of the car we become ambassadors for the sport and its important we all recognise that from pro to beginner. Every negative move always gets blown out of proportion wether we intend it to or not-from the one spearo fishing where they arent allowed to or the 1 under size fish that suddenly becomes 5 when they tell the next person.!
kids love poking fish and crabs, my daughter is 19 months old and picks up anything from slugs that become her buddys to dead spider crabs!!

 

[Erik]

Very cool man. I know I tend to be on the defensive when I see "civies" on the beach, and shy away. But usually people are decent and interested, especially little people

 

[Mr. X]

Nice post Winky. Might need to curb that voracious appetite if you want to win the FOM competition and carry on pole dancing with your pal.

I made a point of showing the fish and lobster I caught yesterday to a couple of curious young boys out rock-pooling with their Mum. It takes only a few seconds and the PR is priceless. The mother came up afterwards and thanked me for showing them.

 

[winky]

Cheers Mr X.

Yeah you're, think i will need to remember.....photo first, eat second in the future!!!

Good work on the PR to!

Nick.

P.S. Pole dancing is the way forward...honest!!??! Oh and you're more than welcome to come along to the next class!