While on a trip to Mozambique I was lucky enough to encounter huge schools of barracuda and king fish. Fortunately or Unfortunately, the really big ones are predominantly solitary. I had read Len Jenkins' (former SA spearfishing LEGEND and record holder) book on stalking large game fish, on returning from failed attempt to trap one into turning broad side.
He suggests that one should swim directly and non threateningly (ie slowly, quietly and smoothly ) behind the fish and track its movements exactly. This enables you to stay pretty much in his (/her i guess) blindspot which aggravates the fish (makes them nervous) and they will either bolt for deeper water, or (if you have been stealthy enough) turn broadside to give you a good look - enabling you to take a shot for the sweet spot. He also notes that this behaviour of 'sizing you up' is particularly evident with large potato bass and other slow swimmers, who will turn a number of times side to side to judge the distance between you.
I tried this tactic, and I struggled with my down time to track a fish of speed and size sufficiently. I also decided against this tactic with the 'cuda as I have seen their wrath first hand. (Chris Bowman who was diving with us on the formentioned day, caught a nasty nip on his hand trying to fend off an annoyed fish who he had missed and had decided to charge him).
Does anyone else have an suggestions/comments on stalking larger pelagic fish in a reef setting? I hope there is another tactic I could use as I am not even close to a thousandth of the beast Len is. Thank you so much.
He suggests that one should swim directly and non threateningly (ie slowly, quietly and smoothly ) behind the fish and track its movements exactly. This enables you to stay pretty much in his (/her i guess) blindspot which aggravates the fish (makes them nervous) and they will either bolt for deeper water, or (if you have been stealthy enough) turn broadside to give you a good look - enabling you to take a shot for the sweet spot. He also notes that this behaviour of 'sizing you up' is particularly evident with large potato bass and other slow swimmers, who will turn a number of times side to side to judge the distance between you.
I tried this tactic, and I struggled with my down time to track a fish of speed and size sufficiently. I also decided against this tactic with the 'cuda as I have seen their wrath first hand. (Chris Bowman who was diving with us on the formentioned day, caught a nasty nip on his hand trying to fend off an annoyed fish who he had missed and had decided to charge him).
Does anyone else have an suggestions/comments on stalking larger pelagic fish in a reef setting? I hope there is another tactic I could use as I am not even close to a thousandth of the beast Len is. Thank you so much.
