UK Winter Spearfishing

[Stevie T]

Well this year is just passing me by and with the work load as it stands at the moment I can't even see when I'm going to get back in the water (and I only live 5mins walk from the beach!).

Anyway, hopefully the work load will ease enough during the autumn and winter, so does anyone have much experience spearing in the winter in the UK?

I usually dive in a 7mm semi-dry so water temp does'nt bother me much, just wondered what success rate people had durng the colder months?

Any info would be greatfully received.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Huan]

Stevie

Winter can be slooooow, bad weather and cold water are powerful disincentives!
I usuallly try and nail a few Big Bass in the winter on clear days , other than that Scallops are great for keeping all the vital parts of the respiratory tract open.
usually winter spearing tails off in Dec-Jan and then picks up again in Feb-Mar , no wrasse no mullet no pollock , but you may find the odd John Dory if you are lucky.
My advice: just keep diving if the weather permits and pray for spring.

 

[Stevie T]

Cheers Huan,

I've never dived later in the year than early December and then started again around March, so I might try a few trips this winter.

It looks like I maybe getting out onto the reef this friday evening, trouble is the weather forecast is pretty rough this week, just typical when I finally get a chance to go!

Where do you normally find the John Dory?
i.e. rough ground, sandy bottom, depth?

Cheers

Steve