Good morning,
Well, I'm still around and as far as I'm aware, my email is DEFINATELY not down and I have not experienced any problems, provided of course, the address is copied correctly. Emailing me is much more preferable to P.M.
charleswillberry@hotmail.com
As many of you know, I usually response within 48 hours, often sooner.
I'm based in Southern Thailand, on the Andaman Sea, not the Gulf side, so I wouldn't have been able to help you with a trip, Andrew, as it goes; Koh Chang is on the N/E coast and far from here.
As always, there seems to be a lot of mis-information regarding spear fishing in Thailand. It is NOT illegal to spear here, except in the National Parks/Marine Reserves. It is very important to know where the boundaries lie if you dont want to be fined and have your guns confiscated. Owning spearguns is also legal, without need to have a license to either own or hunt. I dont know anyone who has had problems bringing guns in and out of Thailand through any of the airports. Obviously, take the necessary sensible safety precautions when packing.
I have copied and pasted (below) one of my posts from an Aussie spearing site. I hope those interested, find it useful. I think it covers most of the often asked issues. If not, just drop me an EMAIL and I'll be happy to help.
Cheers,
Charlie
PS. Incidentally, although almost all scuba companies here cater for snorkellers on their trips, in my experience, they definately will not welcome anyone with a speargun... whether they plan to dive in a N.P. or not! Read on...
Hi Guys,
Heads up to Paul, Paul, Dave, Peter,
et al.
Being an ex-pat and having lived in Thailand for five years now, I thought I'd throw my two-penneth worth on this thread and set some facts straight. I live in Krabi area, in the South, around 2 hours drive from Phuket to the North and the same to Trang Islands to the South. I've hunted in many areas, especially in the Andaman (West side) and in the Gulf (East side). Incidentally, I don't run a business here, for spearing or otherwise, so I don't have an axe to grind. I'm just one of those lucky b'stards who could 'retire' early! However, I am an avid hunter of fish, who enjoys pursuing his passions, meeting/diving with like-minded souls and maybe sharing a post-dive beer or two after. For me that's what our sport is all about.
Anyways, enough of the intro. Back to the point. I'll try not to repeat the good tips of others on this thread and I will stick clear of tourist/accommodation/sex advice (you can find plenty of info on the net), as it's not my thing. I dont work for the Thai Tourist Authority either. I'll stick to info. of a underwater hunting/free-diving nature, if you don't mind. I hope this is useful:-
REGULATIONS & LAWS:
Basically, there's only one: No hunting in the National Parks. You don't need a license to spear or fish with rod and line.
EQUIPMENT:
In a nutshell, bring your own! I don't know of anywhere in Thailand that will rent you guns. Don't even contemplate asking at any of the scuba dive shops; we're definitely not a popular bunch with them here! (are we anywhere?) The best you can do is to a rent snorkel, mask and fins, provided you don't mention spearing. Bringing guns in and out of Thailand has never been a problem for me or anyone I know. Owning a spear gun here is not illegal! I would suggest you wrap them separately (and you'll probably need to) in suitable protection/casing - you know how baggage handles are! If asked at the airport, I always state that it's fishing equipment, as I've yet to meet any member of airport staff who doesn't shift from one foot to the other when the word 'gun' is mentioned! Between 1m and 1.3m are my preferred options. Bring two if you can. If you can't, then make the choice dependant on where you'll be hunting: Bluewater(BW) or reefs. Btw, BW hunting is still very much in it's infancy here.
If you're heading South, I have some spare belt weights I'll willingly lend if we dive together. That may save you some excess baggage fees . Email me to check first though.
OTHER THINGS TO BRING:
Waterproof suntan lotion. Sometimes hard to get here and useful to prevent red thighs and sleepless nights for those wearing a shortie (eh Dave?
) and for the back of yer neck. The sea is warm here (average 27-32 degs. cent.), so leave your 3/5/7mm at home. Do bring a rasher suit or max 1.5mm steamer. I prefer full length for protection against the sun and those stingy things! I opt to use a float for many reasons, not least of which are the number of longtails and speedboats on the water, especially during high season. A dive flag is also a good visual aid. A good 'Jackie Collins' and a credit card to keep the wife/gf happy, whilst your out getting wet LOL
LOCATIONS:
This all depends on what you're looking for from your trip. For spearing, I prefer the Andaman to the Gulf any given day of the week. I've hunted off Samui Island often enough and the vis. is always dire (usually to the end of my speartip). Koh Tao can be clearer, but it's a very popular scuba destination.
If you're looking for BW, pelagic fish and other quality fish, you definitely need to be in a boat offshore - Phuket offers the deepest drop-off in all of Thailand, btw. I can't mention all the reefs/islands on this thread, but there are many. I find shore diving dismal off of Krabi, Trang and the East side of Phuket. Too often, most of the 'local' islands suffer bad vis. and limited fish - remember the lack of regulations; there are no fish quotas for the locals here!!!
There are many jetskis and speedboats around the popular tourist destinations like Patong and Pattaya.
Visibility, sea and weather conditions can change, day-by-day, even hour-by-hour. Like elsewhere, a successful day's hunting is dependant on the timing: winds, lunar cycles and tide times.
TIME OF YEAR:
As already stated, November end to March end is best. However, many of my Thai PBs have been nailed outside these months. It's just the weather is less reliable during April to November, but I have had some great days out in those months too. It's all down to luck!
FISH:
We have many of the fish that you enjoy down-under, maybe not as big or as many. Paul Mac said that the fish seem smarter here and it's not the first time I've heard that. We do have to work a little harder for our dinner, but that makes it all the more challenging and rewarding. Wahoo, Marlin, Doggies, Sailfish, Dorado, Spanish, Cobia, Baracuda (No cig.), King, Queen and Milkfish, Grouper, Red Snapper (Mangrove Jacks), etc. can all be found in Thai waters.
Think that covers most things. If you require further info, let me know - I prefer email to PM.
But, please keep your requests about spearfishing - I really don't know where the best nightclubs or whore-houses are
If you're planning to come any time, get in touch.... I'll have someone to dive with and you get someone with a boat and driver (for smaller groups), local knowledge and good boat contacts (for larger groups/safaris and I can speak Thai too) - I get 'local' rates rather than the overpriced 'tourist' charges you'll be asked for, plus you won't waste your time looking at dead coral with a 100 other snorkellers!
Safe and happy diving,
Charlie
charleswillberry@hotmail.com
