So I've been spearfishing during the summer for a couple years now but I usually stop during the winter. Here in Rhode Island the water temp gets down to 40 degrees. If I wear a wetsuit, hood, gloves, and boots would it be a good idea to go spearfishing? I'd love to fish during the winter but getting hypothermia isn't on my to do list. Thanks!
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Winter Spearfishing?
- Thread startervener
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Thread Status: Hello
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in a 5 mm double U might B able to do a ½-hour water time in 4 C water (I could, but I am scandinavian &have practised). I can B in water for I think up an hour in compressed 8 mm titanium-lined double cressi, before hypothermia starts to go from mild to wild. U need also 5-7 mm winter socks &good gloves. As ~85 kg XL male I need @ least 8 kg of weight in fresh water or more if dive dive in the ocean with this setting. Also U need a sleeping bag, thermos full of hot drink &|a warm car (but not hot) to recover from probable hypothermia when U get back from water. Buddy to get the thick wetsuit of is also a must (sometimes it is impossible to get the cold &thight thick winterwetsuit of by yourself especially, if U already R weakened by hypothermia).
The other problem is the fish go deep to sleep during the winter so the might B nothing to fish. fe. in Norway spearos seem to collect scallops during the winter.
BUT definetly worth a try, if U can do it. Even in a inadeguate suit, but dont stay long in the water. (=when U get the cold tremors hit, it is time to head to the shore). The water is clearer in the winter &the Xperience is somewhat different.
The other problem is the fish go deep to sleep during the winter so the might B nothing to fish. fe. in Norway spearos seem to collect scallops during the winter.
BUT definetly worth a try, if U can do it. Even in a inadeguate suit, but dont stay long in the water. (=when U get the cold tremors hit, it is time to head to the shore). The water is clearer in the winter &the Xperience is somewhat different.
If that sounds a bit much for you... I believe there are actual stores that will sell you fish... in the rhode island area...
40F is mighty cold. "Wetting" the wetsuit will be painful, first few minutes will be especially bad, and from then on you will only have 30 minutes of relative comfort with 5mm suit. You will certainly be in some stage of hypothermia, from mild to severe and managing post dive warm up is essential. For me nothing works better then hot shower, I often drive straight to my cabin without taking wetsuit off, just bulk fish into a sink in a kitchen and go straight into shower, with all my gear, I warm up and rinse the gear in the same time. In the end it feels good, and I had some spectacular fishing, better then in the summer, but it really is only enjoyable in retrospect Lol.
4C water sound very manly. Vener, you should have backup (like a buddy) to help if something goes wrong. Good luck and post replay after experience.
I know that there are equipments that alowed you to go underwater regardless the temperature, offering some comfort. I also know that even with that it's not easy. So I guess that, in order to be complete diver, you must do it in all type of conditions.
Once I've felt up to the neck into a frozen lake and due to that I have all respect for people doing it consciously.
Hobelf explained his way of winter diving in a previous post. What is yours, NoFair?
Once I've felt up to the neck into a frozen lake and due to that I have all respect for people doing it consciously.
Hobelf explained his way of winter diving in a previous post. What is yours, NoFair?
Been spearing last few days here in British Columbia, around Denman Island. Water is about 7 degrees according to my dive watch. I am wearing closed cell 5mm wetsuit from Cressi (stitched in Cambodia eh). 2mm gloves and 2mm socks, 5mm hoodie. I am okay for 1 hour if there is fish around to keep me distracted. Not much fish though, dramatically different from summer when it was nothing short of a shooting gallery.