I din't needed but now that I got it....(+)

[Spearo]

I think I'll keep it!
I was tired of looking at the old thread so I'll try to change that a bit since the "dipping" right now is on hold for those of us who like it on a stick.

By now (since diving for many years) I own enough equipment, good and not as good, to open a dive store so when I got another diving mask as a gift this year I din't even want to open the box and the idea of a quick returned to the dive shop came as fast as I saw what it was. The box, not even open, stayed under the tree for a few days and just before returning it I took a look at the exterior and was very impress with the new merchandice, si senor!

I do not know if any of you have this model but I have to say by the looks and feel of it it has to be my numero uno or close no. 2
The mask is by SeaDive and belive is call seasharp and it's the one with the color glass. I'm told that it brings up all the natural colors even under low light conditions and thats not too bad even for those of us that are no longer in the 20-20 bonch.

How did you do this year, any new equipment for the 2006 season?

[erikharwell]

I got a new speargun, it a smallish ab biller. it will be good for most of the shooting I do.

[fishooter]

No new dive gear for me. My garage and basement are already full of it. Like Spearo, I have many years of accumulation. When I need it I buy it.
Mark

[RJFishalot]

The wife overheard my saying I wouldn't mind trying spear fishing, so for X-mas I got a 42" A.B. Biller spear gun. Now all I need is all the other equipment. If you want to get rid of some surplus give me a shout. Thought I would start with spadefish and work my way up from there. any tips or sources of info would be appreciated!
Randy

[Spearo]

Well.. a 42 or 48 inch is a good all around size. Are you freedivin or scuba?
With spades you need to work fast, at first (in clear water) they hang in close to each other but after they see a few family members go down they move on to another hang out. After a few rounds they just know just how close they need to be to stay alive right down to the inch.[wink] When you find a school the biggest will be just on outer edge so hold the shot for the ones on the back seat.

[fishooter]

What are your sizes, Randy? I have some extra stuff like fins and wetsuit if they fit you.
Mark

[RJFishalot]

Hey Guys,
thanks for the responses.

I'll be starting simple...no tanks yet. Looking into taking a scuba course here in fredericksburg. Trying to talk a freind into the underwater hunting thing...it's just a slow learning curve when both are nubies to the sport. Equipment wise, I am 6'2'' , 225lbs ...and growing[smile]. Any thoughts on a sort of checklist of start up equipment needed.(besides a boat) I spend alot of time on the water on the lower end of the bay and on out from there. Looking forward to this new venture and chating with you guys!
Thanks,
Randy

[Spearo]

The first thing you need to do is to get in good shape, freedivin or scuba takes alot out of you.
Second, look around in your area for a breakwater or a safe site, maybe even fresh water, where vis. is not "0" and start getting use to the weight belt, wetsuit and that mask on your face. Do it with a friend and get an inflatable collar as part of your gear for safety. The spear thing is the last thing you want to play with, that willl become an extension of your arm, in time and with lots of practice. When all that becomes second nature to ya then you will be able to deal with the shootin, the handling and finally the landing of the target.

[fishooter]

Simple is good. Check out: performancefreediving.com for a good clinic. There is an article about it in the January issue of Men's Journal. I went a couple of years ago and can't say enough good about the experience. Don't be intimidated. Kirk and Martin are really practical and down-to-earth people. Be prepared to learn if you go. I'm a scuba instructor (now inactive), have been scuba diving for 40 years, and I learned a ton of new stuff!!! Safety is key. In the meantime just don't push it too hard and have a buddy of at least a similar skill level to yourself at all times.

My extra fins will fit sized in the US Mens shoe size 10 1/2 range. You could wear my extra wetsuit but it would be none too big. It's a tad small on me. We were sized similarly, but then I gained another 15 pounds.

Mark

[RJFishalot]

mark,
I'll probablyy need an X-large as far as a suit goes. shoe size is a 12, so the fins won't work. Would be interested in the wet suit if it's an X-large.
thanks for the input guys. As far as getting in shape goes, that is one of of the reasons I'm exited about the sport...I need a good reason to stay in shape. Hunting season is over for me, so I wont be running the mountains until the fall again. Maybe some under water hunting will keep me motivated!
What are some good reading/resource material for a nubie? I saw some books on the A.B Biller web site...are they useful?
Randy

[fishooter]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1928649270/qid=1137707204/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-7332107-0621509?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

(Manual of Freediving by Umberto Pelizzarri)

Mark

[fishooter]

For wetsuits, google Eliosub in Italy or Diveskins. Best prices on best wetsuits. Go for the hooded 3mm two piece no zipper nylon outside neoperene inside. Go custom.
Mark

[Spearo]

You may also want to keep LeisurePro.com on your list for diving equipment. After many years I don't think you'll find a better price for new stuff.

[erikharwell]

try your local dive shop first. the on I deal with will match online suppliers prices, and I get to deal with someone local. if you are that size (about the same as me) you will pretty much be limited to surface spades, unless you use tanks. I still prefer to use tanks even on surface fish. if you are going to wear a wetsuit, weight belt, fins, mask, snorkel, why not throw on a bc and a tank. I feel that it gives me alot more flexability when I am out of the boat

[fishooter]

I've done a little diving with a few guys like Mark Labocetta of Technosports in VB and can say it is definitely possible and practical to shoot anything most scuba people might shoot without tanks. Heck, I'm 58 and not in particularly great shape, but comfortably spearfish at 60'; 80' in a pinch. All it takes is a little practice. Even at 30'and less you can spear cobia, african pompano, mahi, blackfish, flounder, seatrout, amberjack, wahoo, and in the right location, grouper, snapper, yellowtail and hogfish for starters. Yeah, I scuba, too, but find myself freediving mostly now.
Mark

[Mako993]

RJ,

This board is a great source of info and support when needed. I just started spearing last year myself, and so far I only freedive. Haven't been very deep yet, maybe 30' at most, but there's no reason to push it, especially when diving. Gotta be in shape, though - get there and stay there, spear some fish and enjoy it, above all.

[RJFishalot]

Thanks for the info and support. Hopefully will be seeing some of you on the water this summer. I moved this forum to my favorites so will be checking in often.
Randy
26' World Class Cat "Dawn Marie"

[Bullbuster]

Howdy ya'll I just found this forum and am new to this site a well.

I was wondering how the scuba was around here. I'm a PADI certified Rescue Diver and been meaning to finish up my DiveMaster cert. I've dove all over the place Guan, Hawaii, Australia, Tazmania, Japan to name a few. I got everything but tanks. I see alot of ya'll do the spear fishing thing around.

I guess what I'm getting at is how many lbs of weight ya'll use around here and wet suit mm size. Most of the places I've dove a 4mm shorty and 6lbs was all I needed.

[Spearo]

You can't be a mechanic and have only one tool in your tool box.

If you're just doing close to shore you may want to get something around 5 or even 7mm but out in the gulfstream a 5 is more than enough.
Just like gun sizes I like to keep several of them of diffrent thicknes/sizes, diffrent enviroments diffrent tools!

Welcome to the board.

[Bullbuster]

Thank ya[excited]

[fishooter]

RJFISHALOT,
The wetsuit is an OMER size 5. It's as little small on me but I can wear it. I'm 6'1" and was 220# when I bought it. [grin]
Mark