The Field magazine - Spear fishing

[Mr. X]

Some think The Field is the best field sports/country life magazine published currently, in the UK. It certainly has an eclectic mix of articles and regular features, so that most will find numerous tit bits*(/tid bits AmE) to enjoy in each edition.

They published letters to the editor supporting us when we had the "Number 10" petition open, to fight the proposed (albeit unintended) EU ban. A number of their readers kindly signed the petition, and eventually Commissioner Borg of the EU announced an exemption for recreational spearfishing. [In return, spearos are reminded to support organisations that help protect our right to hunt & fish, such as Countryside Alliance, BASC, etc.]

The August edition is usually a real bumper edition (it seems to me) with lots of Summery/beach activities. Last year included a great article on beach-combing with hints on netting prawns and hooking crabs. This years August 2010 edition features coasteering and spear fishing.

*The naked charity calendar of the month for example . Bass fishing, game fishing, kayak fishing & spear fishing have all feature recently.

 

[Mr. X]

The spearos featured in the August 2010 edition of The Field are familiar names here on www.DeeperBlue.com. I don't have the article at hand but believe it featured Dave O'Callaghan and Paul Rossiter (sp?) of Exeter; the same crew that took Gordon F'n Ramsey spearing(?).

It was a good, concise article, aimed at folk that might be interested in trying the spear fishing. With some sage advice on gear and some interesting photos. [Couldn't help but notice Dave's unusual gun, which had an RA-style bulk rubber muzzle but a black and white euro handle (Omer?) - and what appeared to be a wooden barrel with rail - but I could wrong.] There was good information and examples on the selectivity of spear-fishing, size restrictions and sustainability. The section on competition spearing struck me as a bit odd/out of place at first but reading on, it looked like The Field had set up the session via the BSA, which is mentioned several times in the article.

The piece is a credit to those involved, with emphasis on sustainability, etc.. Well done.

[Recent articles on Bass fishing with Henry Gilbey, fly fishing & kayak fishing will also be of interest to some forum members].