Just checked the forecast for next week and the wind is due to drop around Tuesday/ Wednesday. It'll take a day or two for the viz to improve, but anyone fancy going out for a few hours in the afternoon/ evening mackerel fishing in my boat? I wouldn't mind stocking up before they move away. I could do a mackerel fry up in the evening for those of you living nearby if anyone's keen to put faces to the dodgy forum user names.
-
Welcome to the DeeperBlue.com Forums, the largest online community dedicated to Freediving, Scuba Diving and Spearfishing. To gain full access to the DeeperBlue.com Forums you must register for a free account. As a registered member you will be able to:
- Join over 44,280+ fellow diving enthusiasts from around the world on this forum
- Participate in and browse from over 516,210+ posts.
- Communicate privately with other divers from around the world.
- Post your own photos or view from 7,441+ user submitted images.
- All this and much more...
You can gain access to all this absolutely free when you register for an account, so sign up today!
Sussex Spearing 2011
- Thread starterdevondave
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
That sounds like fun, and yeah, it'd be good to meet up. I could borrow my son's rod and show you how I can't catch anything line fishing either! LOL I'm the perfect fishing buddy...my presence won't impact your catch at all! 
When were you thinking?
When were you thinking?
Just found this, thought it might help... Identifying the various species of flatfish found around the British shores
Hi guys, apologies for the radio silence - I've been keeping an eye on the forecast, which is still looking pretty rough through to Wednesday. It's due to be much calmer on Thursday, but typically enough I've got to be in London for work on Thursday... I'll keep you posted on possible dates, but good to see that there's some interest!
All quiet here - anyone been out recently? Wyvern and I deserted Sussex for Dorset on Sunday and had a cracking pollack day. Also bumped into JPP down there.
I'm afraid the mackereling is going to have to wait until next year...I nipped out quickly yesterday with no success, so asked some of the regular fishermen around the marina. Seems they've moved away already.
However, bass are still around - I spoke to one guy this morning who caught a couple of three pounders yesterday off the marina wall, and two days ago someone pulled out a 16 pounder.
I had a bit of an epic this morning. I got up bright (cold) and early for a spot of fishing under the pier. Beautiful sunrise. Sadly the water was very cloudy - 1ft visibility max by the shore. Still, I thought, it usually improves as you go out and down. So I wade out to waist deep, clip the speargun to the float, and start to put my fins on. First fin on...oh f**k, where's the second gone? I flounder about, dragging the bottom with my foot. Nothing. But there's quite a current running, so I move down stream, dragging my feet along the bottom. Nothing. Hang on, the float's feeling light...where's the speargun gone? Breathe deeply, don't cry. I spend the next half hour swimming zig zags up and down the shore with only one fin on, splashing like a giraffe amputee. Finally I find the fin about 50m down current. Another 45 minutes, no sign of the speargun and I'm getting cold. Get out, get changed, pick up a cup of tea and a pastie and wait for low tide. It's only 2.5 hrs away... Normally the falling tide exposes about 50-100 metres of beach, but we're on neaps, the second lowest tide of the cycle, and the beach gets slowly exposed, inch by agonising inch. I wait an hour, two hours, fielding work calls on mobile "sound of the sea? sorry, don't know what you're talking about. must be a bad line...". I'm about to give up and go back home when...there it is, rolled in by a wave! I sprint down the beach to the water's edge and snatch it out of the backwash. Frantic looking bloke jubilantly waving a speargun makes a group of school children look slightly nervous, so I head back to the van quickly. Still, all's well that ends well.
I'm afraid the mackereling is going to have to wait until next year...I nipped out quickly yesterday with no success, so asked some of the regular fishermen around the marina. Seems they've moved away already.
However, bass are still around - I spoke to one guy this morning who caught a couple of three pounders yesterday off the marina wall, and two days ago someone pulled out a 16 pounder.
I had a bit of an epic this morning. I got up bright (cold) and early for a spot of fishing under the pier. Beautiful sunrise. Sadly the water was very cloudy - 1ft visibility max by the shore. Still, I thought, it usually improves as you go out and down. So I wade out to waist deep, clip the speargun to the float, and start to put my fins on. First fin on...oh f**k, where's the second gone? I flounder about, dragging the bottom with my foot. Nothing. But there's quite a current running, so I move down stream, dragging my feet along the bottom. Nothing. Hang on, the float's feeling light...where's the speargun gone? Breathe deeply, don't cry. I spend the next half hour swimming zig zags up and down the shore with only one fin on, splashing like a giraffe amputee. Finally I find the fin about 50m down current. Another 45 minutes, no sign of the speargun and I'm getting cold. Get out, get changed, pick up a cup of tea and a pastie and wait for low tide. It's only 2.5 hrs away... Normally the falling tide exposes about 50-100 metres of beach, but we're on neaps, the second lowest tide of the cycle, and the beach gets slowly exposed, inch by agonising inch. I wait an hour, two hours, fielding work calls on mobile "sound of the sea? sorry, don't know what you're talking about. must be a bad line...". I'm about to give up and go back home when...there it is, rolled in by a wave! I sprint down the beach to the water's edge and snatch it out of the backwash. Frantic looking bloke jubilantly waving a speargun makes a group of school children look slightly nervous, so I head back to the van quickly. Still, all's well that ends well.
Nice one mate, nightmare for you, but very entertaining to read
I am from South London, so I always check surf forecast and beach webcams, before travel down.
As I have no car, travelling down by train with large wheeled suitcase (25kg of gear) is no pleasure by any means.
Suitcase has large sign "DIVER" on, which draws a bit of unwanted attention in train, but better, than having bomb squad checking my suitcase left unattended for couple of hours by pier.
Well I was down by Palace pier last Thursday, without my gun, just swimming and freediving around the pier.
Actually I was testing my new Seadoo GTI DPV-sooter.
Its great fun and aid for longer swims in current. Battery lasted full 2hours!
UK Seadoo retailer was selling refurbished ones on eBay for 120 quid only
Anyway I went down on Friday once again, but once arrived to the beach and saw the wind and choppy seas, just turned around back on the train.
Very frustrating.
Would be nice to have some "body" in Brighton, who could always confirm the conditions an even tag along for swim and dive.
I am from South London, so I always check surf forecast and beach webcams, before travel down.
As I have no car, travelling down by train with large wheeled suitcase (25kg of gear) is no pleasure by any means.
Suitcase has large sign "DIVER" on, which draws a bit of unwanted attention in train, but better, than having bomb squad checking my suitcase left unattended for couple of hours by pier.
Well I was down by Palace pier last Thursday, without my gun, just swimming and freediving around the pier.
Actually I was testing my new Seadoo GTI DPV-sooter.
Its great fun and aid for longer swims in current. Battery lasted full 2hours!
UK Seadoo retailer was selling refurbished ones on eBay for 120 quid only
Anyway I went down on Friday once again, but once arrived to the beach and saw the wind and choppy seas, just turned around back on the train.
Very frustrating.
Would be nice to have some "body" in Brighton, who could always confirm the conditions an even tag along for swim and dive.
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum.
I am 40 years old Czech recreational Free Diver, who just discovered beauty of spearfishing.
Friends are calling me Jay.
Czech Republic has great tradition in Scuba & Free Diving, but no Seas for spearfishing.
I have actually started Scuba & Free Diving 15 years ago,
while I was living in South West Germany for 7 years.
There are many crystal clear lakes and quarries up to 60m deep.
However, 7 years ago I have moved to London and now I am trying to enjoy the Seas.
Yes, the UK seas are very cold and rough most of the year, but still I love it.
This year, while on holiday in Greece, I have first time tried Spearfishing with pole spear.
Although being professional Chef, I am not to keen to Kill every living fish,
but I very much enjoy the atmosphere and feeling of being a "silent stealth hunter".
Right after return from Greece in September,
I have launched extensive online research on Spearfishing
and I have spent hundreds of pounds on proper Spearfishing gear, from open cell wetsuit to spearguns.
Unfortunately, since than I was not able to use my new spearguns, not even for training purposes.
Me and my diving "body", my younger wife Aleksandra
are travelling by train usually to Brighton, Hastings, etc.
We are currently living in South London and we don't have car !
Although We have made numerous trips to the south coast,
we were not lucky enough to have some descent visibility.
Except perhaps only once, at the end of Brighton Palace pier,
but the current was too strong to practice with speargun.
Now, I am planning to join LIC and BSA for the next year.
However,
I would like to start practice already now and through the winter.
I am looking for some flooded quarry accessible by train from London,
where I could practice shooting "strictly only" on target, NOT on fish.
Or if there is any swimming pool facility, which would permit this?
I would like to get ready for next year season for "real" Spearfishing in UK seas,
mainly shore dives of south coast.
I am 40 years old Czech recreational Free Diver, who just discovered beauty of spearfishing.
Friends are calling me Jay.
Czech Republic has great tradition in Scuba & Free Diving, but no Seas for spearfishing.
I have actually started Scuba & Free Diving 15 years ago,
while I was living in South West Germany for 7 years.
There are many crystal clear lakes and quarries up to 60m deep.
However, 7 years ago I have moved to London and now I am trying to enjoy the Seas.
Yes, the UK seas are very cold and rough most of the year, but still I love it.
This year, while on holiday in Greece, I have first time tried Spearfishing with pole spear.
Although being professional Chef, I am not to keen to Kill every living fish,
but I very much enjoy the atmosphere and feeling of being a "silent stealth hunter".
Right after return from Greece in September,
I have launched extensive online research on Spearfishing
and I have spent hundreds of pounds on proper Spearfishing gear, from open cell wetsuit to spearguns.
Unfortunately, since than I was not able to use my new spearguns, not even for training purposes.
Me and my diving "body", my younger wife Aleksandra
are travelling by train usually to Brighton, Hastings, etc.
We are currently living in South London and we don't have car !
Although We have made numerous trips to the south coast,
we were not lucky enough to have some descent visibility.
Except perhaps only once, at the end of Brighton Palace pier,
but the current was too strong to practice with speargun.
Now, I am planning to join LIC and BSA for the next year.
However,
I would like to start practice already now and through the winter.
I am looking for some flooded quarry accessible by train from London,
where I could practice shooting "strictly only" on target, NOT on fish.
Or if there is any swimming pool facility, which would permit this?
I would like to get ready for next year season for "real" Spearfishing in UK seas,
mainly shore dives of south coast.
I actually don't have Spearo buddy,
My wife is rather just watching me from the surface ad she's getting cold quickly
Would be nice to join someone local from Brighton, who knows the spots and can check the conditions on the day, before I would travel down by train.
I would also appreciate to join Spearos from South London,
who are travelling to coast by car, to share cost and experience.
Thx in advance, Jay
My wife is rather just watching me from the surface ad she's getting cold quickly
Would be nice to join someone local from Brighton, who knows the spots and can check the conditions on the day, before I would travel down by train.
I would also appreciate to join Spearos from South London,
who are travelling to coast by car, to share cost and experience.
Thx in advance, Jay
Hi Jay, sounds like hard work having to drag all your kit around on the train! Feel free to drop me a line any time you want a sea state forecast - I'll let you know if I'm around, and it would be good to go for a dive together some time.
Whereabouts in South London are you?
Cheers
Nick
Whereabouts in South London are you?
Cheers
Nick
Thanks Nick, yes it is tough by train, but worth even for couple of hours underwater
I was yesterday for swim in quarry by Theale/Reading ( 1.5h by train + bicycle).
Good viz 1.5-3m, loads of weed, some car wrecks, but no fish. Water & air only 13oC and chilling wind. Good exorcise though. I don't now any other places nearer to London.
We live in Mitcham/Merton (close to South Wimbledon).
Im worried, that I may have to give it up now and wait till next year for some descent weather, sea is just too choppy now Jay
I was yesterday for swim in quarry by Theale/Reading ( 1.5h by train + bicycle).
Good viz 1.5-3m, loads of weed, some car wrecks, but no fish. Water & air only 13oC and chilling wind. Good exorcise though. I don't now any other places nearer to London.
We live in Mitcham/Merton (close to South Wimbledon).
Im worried, that I may have to give it up now and wait till next year for some descent weather, sea is just too choppy now
JayAs for forecast (magicseaweed/Brighton west pier) it looks decent for coming weekend.
From Friday to Sunday very low swell and lower wind, although still blowing from the sea.
Vis. may be better by early Sunday, before afternoon wind should pick up again.
But ...that's forecast, reality may be different. Worse part is getting dry and warm after dive, heated changing room and pub on the beach would be nice (while drying gear & suits)
From Friday to Sunday very low swell and lower wind, although still blowing from the sea.
Vis. may be better by early Sunday, before afternoon wind should pick up again.
But ...that's forecast, reality may be different. Worse part is getting dry and warm after dive, heated changing room and pub on the beach would be nice (while drying gear & suits)
Thanks guys, glad you both have got in touch.
I was hoping to go this weekend, but the weather isn't too inviting.
Finally on Saturday it got better with low swell, but me and the wife have decided not to leave the bed anyway
Not very fancy to drag all stuff down by train, when uncertain how windy and what vis. is down there.
You both are, unlike me, already experienced Spearos,
so I'd be glad to join you, learn fishing and share travel cost.
I was hoping to go this weekend, but the weather isn't too inviting.
Finally on Saturday it got better with low swell, but me and the wife have decided not to leave the bed anyway
Not very fancy to drag all stuff down by train, when uncertain how windy and what vis. is down there.
You both are, unlike me, already experienced Spearos,
so I'd be glad to join you, learn fishing and share travel cost.
Sorry guys, any thoughts on flooded quarry near South London, Essex or Surrey, where I could practice target shooting through winter.
Wraysburry and Buckland probably would not permit speargun, due to Suba divers, not sure from other side away from dive platforms.
My wife made OWD dives at Wraysburry and complained about poor visibility. I have actually never been to any of those quarries.
I've heard about Chepstow and Vobster, but both too far for me.
Wraysburry and Buckland probably would not permit speargun, due to Suba divers, not sure from other side away from dive platforms.
My wife made OWD dives at Wraysburry and complained about poor visibility. I have actually never been to any of those quarries.
I've heard about Chepstow and Vobster, but both too far for me.
Hi all, I'm going down to Brighton today, maybe last swim of the year.
I don care how cold & grey is it out there, just need to get wet again
Actually want to try few new bits & toys.
Leaving by train from East Croydon around 11am, so should be by Palace pier
around 12:30am, just before low tide.
Having my wife as "floating-only-body" on my "Yellow hunter" body board.
If anybody wants to get wet &cold, please join us!
I don care how cold & grey is it out there, just need to get wet again
Actually want to try few new bits & toys.
Leaving by train from East Croydon around 11am, so should be by Palace pier
around 12:30am, just before low tide.
Having my wife as "floating-only-body" on my "Yellow hunter" body board.
If anybody wants to get wet &cold, please join us!
Hey Guys,
well is 3 weeks now, since my last trip to Brighton.
Actually it was lovely dip than.
The sea was almost flat and fairly clear during slack on low tide.
I went with my Mrs. down the Palace Pier,
a we've spent 2.5h around the stairs under large platform.
I had my guns tied on my Divehunter board, but this is where they also staid on that day.
It was actually just about having deeper dip and fun in the water.
Conditions were "Great", so I was trying to teach my wife to actually "Dive under surface".
Well she has already learnt to Scuba diving, but she still can't manage to freedive.
At first she was just scared to go head down, where she can't see the bottom.
Now the problem is to bent down and to dive, as her bum is still floating and fins kicking the air
Well yes, she was now wearing 2 suits (3mm shorty + 5mm full) but 4kg weights should be enough for small women (50kg).
When afloat, she than again struggles to keep her chin above water.
I guess is she just needs to practice and time to gain more confidence.
I only took her down once this time, holding her hand pulled her to 4m, but than she couldn't clear, so I've let her go back up.
Well and me?
I am so glad I've bought my 5mm open cell (Cressi Technica), very comfy and warm!
After being only cold on my hands and face, I've upgraded also gloves to Mares Camo 3mm. Unfortunately nothing is 100% quality, so I had to reseal all seams with "Black witch". Now they are very, very warm, but still flexible and comfortable.
To cover my face I have found online "Full face hood" 2mm black open cell + smooth skin.
It looks funny (black face with red swollen lips, like SM fetish freek), but it works!
This time I was almost too warm for first 23 hrs of dive in (15C watter/13 C air).
I was diving only to 6-8m around edge of the platform, no large fish seen.
Except of 2ft Eel, who waked up only when I have touched him.
It was really lovely swim/dive,
only on return to beach being welcomed by 2 Police officers:
... Just to inform us, that security from the Pier had cut our locks and removed our 2 suitcases from the Pier pole on the beach.
Some "concerned citizens" thought our suitcases with huge "Diver" sign on it could contain explosives !?!
Well not only we have lost 2 locks worth 80 quid,
but now we have new problem:
Where to leave secured our luggage while in the water !?!
... Agrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !!!
well is 3 weeks now, since my last trip to Brighton.
Actually it was lovely dip than.
The sea was almost flat and fairly clear during slack on low tide.
I went with my Mrs. down the Palace Pier,
a we've spent 2.5h around the stairs under large platform.
I had my guns tied on my Divehunter board, but this is where they also staid on that day.
It was actually just about having deeper dip and fun in the water.
Conditions were "Great", so I was trying to teach my wife to actually "Dive under surface".
Well she has already learnt to Scuba diving, but she still can't manage to freedive.
At first she was just scared to go head down, where she can't see the bottom.
Now the problem is to bent down and to dive, as her bum is still floating and fins kicking the air
Well yes, she was now wearing 2 suits (3mm shorty + 5mm full) but 4kg weights should be enough for small women (50kg).
When afloat, she than again struggles to keep her chin above water.
I guess is she just needs to practice and time to gain more confidence.
I only took her down once this time, holding her hand pulled her to 4m, but than she couldn't clear, so I've let her go back up.
Well and me?
I am so glad I've bought my 5mm open cell (Cressi Technica), very comfy and warm!
After being only cold on my hands and face, I've upgraded also gloves to Mares Camo 3mm. Unfortunately nothing is 100% quality, so I had to reseal all seams with "Black witch". Now they are very, very warm, but still flexible and comfortable.
To cover my face I have found online "Full face hood" 2mm black open cell + smooth skin.
It looks funny (black face with red swollen lips, like SM fetish freek), but it works!
This time I was almost too warm for first 23 hrs of dive in (15C watter/13 C air).
I was diving only to 6-8m around edge of the platform, no large fish seen.
Except of 2ft Eel, who waked up only when I have touched him.
It was really lovely swim/dive,
only on return to beach being welcomed by 2 Police officers:
... Just to inform us, that security from the Pier had cut our locks and removed our 2 suitcases from the Pier pole on the beach.
Some "concerned citizens" thought our suitcases with huge "Diver" sign on it could contain explosives !?!
Well not only we have lost 2 locks worth 80 quid,
but now we have new problem:
Where to leave secured our luggage while in the water !?!
... Agrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !!!