spearfishing......

[racn35]

hi guys- jamie here. i post alot up on the Virginia board and the Freshwater one as well all the time. I have never spear fished before, but took my brother out to the tower last summer and we, well he i should say cleaned house every time we went. all the fish i caught i released because we kept the big ones he shot. he uses a 32 inch gun made by jbl. i been looking at guns and been leaning towards the ab biller 42 inch, having never done it before would i be better off with a longer gun- say a 48 or a shorter one around 32 or even a 24 ? i been looking at them inthe 42 from a dealer in floridia. the only reason i have not gone in the dive centers here is i dont want to be laughed out of the place. any and all thoughts will help !! he has scuba stuff, tanks and all but never used anything but fins and a mask by the way.

EDIT- spell check

[fishooter]

racn35,
If you really want to learn how to hunt get a pole spear to start with. It should work just fine on those spade fish at the tower and for not much money, either. Then you can get a bigger gun when you are ready to go after bigger fish. Look at OMER, Rob Allen, Wong, Riffe, JBL, Picasso, Esclapez, Merlo, Mares, Technisub, AB Biller, etc. to see what you like when you are ready to step up a notch. In the meantime, work on the most important piece of equipment first, yourself. Get a good quality low voume mask, a zipperless 3mm wetsuit, a rubber marsailles style weight belt and some long freediving fins. There is an OMER dealer in the Norfolk/VA Beach area that can hook you up with everything you need (omerdiving.com) in person or by phone, and a shop in Ocean City MD that can do the same (spearfishinggear.com) online or in person. There are lots of other online options if you can't find what you want at those two places. If you talk to the OMER distributor, ask Mark there about the Mid-Atlantic Freedive Club. It's free and they do some good trips. Matt at spearfishinggear does some trips, too.
Mark J.

[Mako993]

Jamie,

Good advice from Mark. I'm a semi-newbie to spearfishing myself, and have a Mares Cyrano (that Mark sold to me last year), and the rest of my gear I got from Matt at Pirate Scuba in Ocean City (the spearfishinggear.com site he referred to). Last summer I speared with the polespear down at the CBBT, and it's good to learn with, further echoing what Mark said.

I'm a member of the Delmarva Spearfishing Club that Matt runs out of Ocean City, and he normally posts on the Spearboard under the Southern Atlantic section for updates. There's at least three of us here in the DC area chapter of the club, and we'll be getting together down in OC and back up in DE at the Breakwater this spring sometime from time to time. I'm sure you would be welcome to join us.

[racn35]

HEY THANKS YOU TWO FOR THE REPLYS !! I HAVE A LITTLE TIME STILL UNTIL I WILL BE SHOOTING SPADES THATS FOR SURE- AS OF NOW THATS ALLI PLAN ON GOING AFTER IS SPADES AT THE TOWER- I BET IT CAN GET ADDICTAIVE TOO AS WELL AND WANT TO GO OTHER PLACES AND TARTGET OTHER SPECIES. I LOVE THEM SPADES THO AND WANT TO BRING BACK MEAT WHEN THEY GET TIGHT LIPPED OUT THERE !! THANX AGAIN GUYS - JAMIE

[Mako993]

Yep, it's alot like potato chips - can't have just one and can't have just one kind at that.

[fishooter]

Hey Jaimie, You've got a ride to the Tower and I've got some equipment you could try plus some experience. Maybe we could cut a deal...
Mark

[Mako993]

On that note Jamie, I've got almost two of everything at this point - I am a bit shy on experience yet, but I do need a ride like Mark and you could also borrow some of mine. Between the two of us you should find something that works :O

[fishooter]

Have gas money too. [grin] How's that Cyrano doing, Warren?
Mark

[Mako993]

That Cyrano's holding up nicely. I haven't actually shot anything with it, unfortunately. I had my opportunity at the DE Open last summer, but I may have told you that my mask fogged over on me the whole day, and I couldn't see to shoot anything. I almost lost the Mares when I put it on the rocks for the blink of any eye and it got washed away.

I'm looking at getting a Rob Allen or Riffe this spring or sooner, before things get going. What are you shooting these days?

[fishooter]

Warren,
Depends on where and what I'm shooting as to the equipment involved. For the DE breakwater you have the ideal weapon in the Cyrano. I use a Rob Allen 80 CM there most of the time if I don't have a 70 cm pneumatic. A 90 works well there when the vis is over 15 feet.

For NC I use a 55" Wong Hybrid or a 110 to 140 Rob Allen on the reefs depending ov viz. I think the 140 RA is all the gun you will need there but I also have a Riffe Islander I used for a couple of years there and a 63" Wong Ono that I plan to use on Tuna if the regs become favorable while I am still able. I have a reel on the 55" Hybrid and either short line or go to a float line for everything else. Oh, I do have a reel to go on any Rob Allen and holes drilled for the reel that is on the Hybrid to go on the Riffe. IMHO a floatline is safest, especdially if you shoot Amberjack. Those guys will wrap you up in a line pretty fast and are strong enoiugh to drown you in a heartbeat. I have used a 70 cm pneumatic much like the oe you have with success on cobia, AJ, Barracuda and Grouper. It's the Indian, not the arrow. That's why it's good to start with a pole spear. A friend of mine in NJ, Tony, once shot and landed a 70 pound AJ with a pole spear with a slip tip. He didn't stone it, either. You have to meet Tony. He's retired now and still spearfishes. He's still fit and a pretty good freediver to about 70 feet or so and scubas to whatever is needed.
Mark

[racn35]

now that sounds like a plan too- even if i did have my own gun- last year ( and days like today to 4a ) a trip out to the tower was right around 100 bucks. me and 3 of my buddys was only 25 each.....i shouldnt ever cost you any more than that. i plan on going alot too !

[Mako993]

Mark,

You've mentioned Tony before, and I'd like to meet him one of these days, and maybe we can all do some spearing. So for I have the impression I'm good wit the Mares you sold me, and I'm cool with that. I can liken that too hunting on dry land insomuch as I've only got one rifle, that FN Model 24 in 30-06 that I told you about, and it's enough - for now :} When the time comes for more speargun, or just something different, I'll get into it, but for now I'm still learning.

I did send a message to Bruce and Rod up there in NJ on Spearboard, whom I think you may also know. We had coordinated, or tried to, coordinate several trips back home near LBI and Cape May/Atlantic City, but it never happened.

[Scotsman]

Hey Racn, ill buddy up with ya to the CLT this summer.

I always meant to bring a spear gun last yr but just fished instead.

H.

[racn35]

sounds good- i can go anytime too guys- my boss is too cool- this month is my 1 year mark of cancer free so they pretty much let me come and go as i please !

THIS PIC IS FROM JULY 4TH LAST YEAR- WE RELEASED ALL THE FISH WE CAUGHT AND KEPT THESE 10 THAT MY BROTHER SHOT- WE COULD HAVE KEPT 12 BUT THERE WAS ONY ROOM IN THE BOX FOR 10 !

http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/065086.JPG (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=65086&c=500&z=1)

[fishooter]

Wow, that's a nice mess of spades, racn. Definitely worth the trip I'd say. I have every other Friday off with the compressed work week I'm on now and I have pretty generous leave time after putting in 32 years on the job, so we should have plenty of flexibility with getting out.
Mark

[karlista]

Hey divers. We should get a group together, a couple a boats, and head out say around the April time frame. The wrecks should be loaded with flounder. The only issue diving here in April will be cold water and probably limited vis. So what's new. When I get some time, I will take some pics of my flounder rig that I built from a sling. Much more efficient for hunting flounder than a spear gun.

[erikharwell]

sounds like a plan, I have gear, but only a bay boat

[Mako993]

I'm in, but I don't have a boat (here we go again)...

[fishooter]

And again....[tongue] I'm in.
Mark

[racn35]

ok just STOP !! your making me wish it was MAY already.....i am IN i am READY............[excited] the nearer it gets we canmake a contact tree w/ email addy,cell number etc....

[Mako993]

My e-mail is mako993@comcast.net. Let's get this going for spring.

[racn35]

jamie racn35@aol.com 757-685-4811

[karlista]

Hey divers. Go to the link on my pics. Just posted the flounder rig I made a few years ago. Also posted the tank configuation I use, and also my spear gun. The OMER spear guns have greater range because of the thin shaft. I use to have the AB Biller 36 special. This new gun has a longer range and is more accurate.

[karlista]

Hey divers. Go to the link on my pics below. Just posted the flounder rig I made a few years ago. Also posted the tank configuation I use, and also my spear gun. The OMER spear guns have greater range because of the thin shaft. I use to have the AB Biller 36 special. This new gun has a longer range and is more accurate.

[racn35]

i dont think they are very impressed with your "flounder rig" - just my opinion but it looks like a dog catchers pole with a cable and a snap. and this is better how ??? do you lasso them or just lead them back to the boat ? dont get pi$$ed mind you but the pics make no sense to me at all. fishooter,Mako993,Scotsman any idea at all ?

[Mako993]

The URL link is dead from here, so I can't see it.

[racn35]

does the link under my posts work for you ? that takes you to my pics page ? if it does you will see in the upper right hand corner a boc and the search button- enter " karlista" and hit search it will take you to his photos

[Mako993]

Nope, that's dead, too.

[Scotsman]

You club the flatties by swinging the snap at em ?[grin]

Id like to hear the theory behind it, never seen one like that before.

Dont think we will be needing twin 120s at the tower, but that will give you tons of bottom time on those wrecks just past it[smile]

Letys hope summer comes early and we can plan a flotilla for the spades.

H.

[racn35]

you bet scotsman-

well mr mako i have no idea - it has to be your computer sir- try this - go to WWW.MYFISHINGPICTURES.COM and in the upper right hand corner by the search thingy enter RACN35 - what happens ?

[Mako993]

It's been blocked - I do work at the Pentagon :]

[fishooter]

Looks to me like Karlista has himself a pole spear set up without the rubber band so he can just stab 'em. He then slides the flounder up the pole and onto the cable. He just runs the pole completely through them until they wind up on the cable stringer attached to the end of the pole. Makes perfect sense to me. Very fast and efficient.

I've seen it done in NC that way but with a line from the pole spear to a float on the surface. An an in-line spear head with large floppers was placed six to eight feet from the end of the pole spear so the flounder could be pushed up the line past the spear head after the pole went through them. The in-line spear head would keep them off the diver enough so that if a shark were to want lunch he wouldn't get the diver confused with the fish. Works great.

I've done a similar thing on scuba with my stringer. Use a small very hard foam float on the end of an 8-foot line. Attach your stringer to the float. Put a loop in the line. Attach a quick disconnect snap to your BC. Attach the loop to the snap. The float keeps your fish from tangling on the bottom or on the wreck. If a shark hits the fish on your stinger, yank the quick disconnect and the stringer is gone. The shark gets it or it goes to the surface. Either way, the pressure is off you. Don't use a shallow water float or it will compress at depth and be useless. Use a deep water float just big enough to float your stringer of fish.

I prefer the Faber low pressure 95 cu ft tanks. You can pump them up and get a lot more air in them as well. They are way underrated at 2400 psi. I think they legally put 3500 psi in them in Europe. They are a lot lighter than the 120s, and when I was doing deep dives I could double them up fairly comfortably. 120s doubled would not be so comfortable. I've never needed more air than double 80s and a pony anyway, even on dives to 200' (pre-trimix days). I've never needed more nitrox than a pumped up 95 and a pony, either, but that's just me. I would prefer a single pumped up 120 to double 80s, however and do see the attraction to that tank.

I've dove the Beuchat 120 before and didn't like it. Now THAT is a heavy tank! My buddy loves his. He can have them. I think yours are much lighter than the Beuchats. One Beauchat weighs about the same as double 80s.

Nice flounder rig, nice boat, nice tanks.

Mark

P.S. bmailed contact information to all.

[fishooter]

Oh, about the OMER spearguns...I got an MB30/86 for my second son a few years ago and am very impressed with it. I got him heads for both the larger and regular sized rubber. The heavy bands on that thing are truly amazing. Think WHACK!!!! at the very end of a double wrap WITH accuracy. Heck, the regular bands are all you really need on that gun. It will take down BIG fish with no problem and fish to 30 pounds or so at the end of the shooting line. Shoots their eyes out. Not much water resistence carrying it, either. It's especially great for freediving for that reason. The longer euro guns give you even greater range, of course. I think the 100cm gun is probably the longest practical size for around here. NC is another story.

Mark

[racn35]

well that makes sense but non of those pics show the other end of the pole if it has a head on it or is pointed or what -


guess you will have to wait till you get home mako !

[Mako993]

Yes, interesting, especially when those Spearboard "Girls of the Beach" shots are NOT blocked :}}

[karlista]

fishooter (Mark), you are correct. For VA waters, a 40 inch gun is plenty.
Depending on what type of spearing you do in NC, a bigger gun is sometimes needed. I have never had any problems with sharks in VA; everytime I wreck dive and spearfish off of Hatteras or Morehead, I always have issues with the sharks. The sand tigers are aggressive when blood is in the water. Usually take a pole spear along with the spear gun to beat the sharks off. That works as long as there are just a couple of sharks; more than that, I don't shoot. For shooting big fish, use a float system. Much safer. A couple of years ago, a diver died on one of the wrecks spearing Amber Jacks. Shot one, and instead of the jack diving down for the wreck, it shot to the surface with the diver in tow. I have a rule; I don't shoot anything I do not eat.
Using double 120's is a non-starter; just too much. I use double 95's too, just don't use them much any more since I got the 120's with the H valve system. When the 120 is empty, it is still negative. The steel specs on the low pressure tanks are the same as the HP's and they are safe punching them to 3500 psi. The bands on the OMER T20 are bad ass. I only use one band 99% of the time.
The reason for using a big SS clip on the end of the cable of my flounder rig is because I am usually diving in cold water, dry suit, and thick gloves. Using smaller clips with thick gloves doesn't work. Always use big clips when clipping equipment on your BC just in case you need to unclip in a hurry for whatever reason. Just a few hard lessons learned over the years I wanted to pass on. Hope it helps.
I posted a pic of the spear tip on the flounder rig. Any tip with the toggle will work; just needs to be sharp.

[racn35]

roger that ! thanx for schooling us a bit !

EDIT- i do have to ask:: with a fish like flounder and one who has a size limit of 16 1/2 inches. how hard is it to judge size underwater ? every thing looks bigger under water so you spear a 18 inch flattie and its only 15 inchs....ooops. at least the spades at the tower have no size restrictions, just 4 per day.

edit- spell check

[fishooter]

racn,
I've never had much trouble judging size underwater for some reason. Sure, you will make a mistake sometimes but learn from it for next time. If they look borderline they are probably short and I don't shoot. One trick Ive used is to mark off 18" on my speargun so I have a reference. You can get one of those stick-on rulers to put on the gun if you wanted to, but I find a simple scratch or two on the barrel to mark appropriate size limit lengths is all you really need.
Mark

P.S. Karlista, I agree about not shooting Amberjacks. The only exceptiion might be if you wanted to burley some other fish up, but in NC you just might get what you asked for :-O I think new spearos sometimes want to shoot one for the sport, but once you eat one you get over that fast. Deep frying 1 1/2 inch cubes from the shoulder after roling them in a mustard/burger seasoning/italian bread crumb mix isn't too bad though. Works for stinky ole barracuda too if you can't get any good fish.

I use either a float line with float or a reel on the gun when freedive spearing big fish. A floatline is safer and a reel is more convenient.

For freedive spearing anything over 50 pounds I want a floatline with float. I rig the shooting line directly to the float line with a breakaway system so the fish is attached to the float and not the gun.

[Mako993]

Racn,

Finally see those Spadefish - nice work :}

[racn35]

thanx man- this little old lady came up from carolina to go striper fishing this week- not only did i send her home w/ some nice stripers she got a few packs of other meat- flounder,cobia,tuna and SPADE - i have 4 packs of spade left........come on spring time !!

[karlista]

I kept an amberjack one time and cleaned it. After seeing the white parasite worms crawling in the tail end, that cured me of wanting to try one ever again.[sad]

[fishooter]

That's why you use the shoulder, Karlista. I don't think the tail section will hurt you cooked, but I'd pass on the tail section out of general principal and pass on the tail section sashimi for sure. Bottom line is they are more trouble than they are worth.
Mark

[bruce almighty]

Hey Jamie,

Bruce here. I'm also going to learn how to spear fish. I'll probably enroll in a scuba diving certification course this spring; I want to be ready for the spades when they return to the light tower. I've been to the tower too many times and returned empty handed. But I always enjoy watching the divers who never seem to have any problems getting their limit! I haven't done any research for diving equipment or spear equipment yet. I've picked up quite a few tips from the folks who replied to you--for all those who replied, thanx! I have 23' key w/a (Bruce Almighty) that I purshased new in 2004. Maybe we can coordinate our trips and dive together, kinda as a safety measure. Let me know your thoughts.

[fishooter]

Welcome, Bruce. I doubt you need scuba to shoot spades at the Tower. I have not been there yet, but do have informed sources that freedive spearfish there. You will enjoy a scuba certification, though. so go for it! Just don't feel held back if you don't have it by the time you want. I have some extra freedive fins you are welcome to use (size 9 1/2 to 10 1/2) if you want to try freediving. They are longer than regular scuba fins. There are plenty of divers to share gas expenses to go around. It's good to have another boat.
Mark

[bruce almighty]

Mark,

I'd like to take you up on the offer to try free diving. I'll have to invest in some new fins; I wear a size 13. The scuba certification is a must for me; I'm thinking about joining my department's dive team (Suffolk P.D.) I have a friend who has given me some pointers who is already a member of the dive team (Five-0 Diver); you may have heard him on the radio. He also is an advid fisherman who recently put a 55 pound striper in his boat. Aside from the obvious, how long does a free diver hold his breath on an average dive? I can hardlly imagine free diving more that 15 or 20 feet before resurfacing and gasping for air.....

[fishooter]

The average freedive is probably 1 to 2 minutes and 10 to 30 feet in depth.

I did a 102' dive swimming down and back up beside a weighted line a two years ago in 61 seconds. That was without a speargun though.

I personally know people capable of spearfishing deeper than 100' who have breatholds exceeding 5 minutes, but they all say the same thing when asked how deep they spearfish: "As shallow as humanely possible and still get fish." That includes one guy who has done a 100 METER constant ballast freedive and has held his breath for over 8 minutes. Most people never get even close to that deep on SCUBA.
Spearfishing is all about efficiency and relaxation and not so much about time and depth. Don't get caught up in the deeper longer line of thinking, just have fun with it. I seldom dive below 30 feet while spearfishing. There is just no need.

Freedive experience will definately make you a better scuba diver. When I used to teach scuba (NAUI) one of the exercises was to take off your mask, fins, snorkel and weight belt on the bottom of the pool, ascend, breath up and then dive down and put them all back on on one breath, and clear the snorkel at the surface before raising your head out of the water. This was sometimes done while wearing a wetsuit. It sounds hard but really isn't once you learn to relax.

Once commercialization of the sport became more of a driving force the "ditch and don", as it was called, was eliminated from classes. I still think that is a shame because it is such a great confidence builder. I think it should still be included, at least for those that wanted to try it, even if it were not a prerequisite for certification. It's fundamental to freediving.

I leave this post with two thoughts:

1. Education and training are not an end to and of themselves, but rather a means to open the door to further education and training and, as result, greater safety.

2. Always try to learn something every dive and what you learn is not always related to the level of experience of the person you learn it from.

I hope I have not gotten too philosphical here. Let's go have some fun this spring.

Mark[excited]

[racn35]

hey no problem bruce - these guys are awesome aint they !! i went to the tower myself quite a few times myself........lucky for me i got my learning from 1 of the very best fishmen i ever met,there fore i never came back with less than a limit, even when they were NOT shot by a speargun !! i got em rod/reel....but they were small. i do know this : i watched my little brother shoot them - all he had on was a snorkle,mask and fins !!! once or twice he put on a weight belt- never even a wet suit- heres is a pic from my site with Bub in the water w/ a fishy...

http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/065091.JPG (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=65091&c=500&z=1)

[Mako993]

All these pics of speared spades and talk of free diving, man, I'm ready for our Tower adventure to begin. What's more realistic - sometime in April or May?

[Spearo]

Jamie,
Just like when rod fishing you need diffrent sizes for diffrent fish and enviroments. You do not need an expensive gun to bag a big fish, in fact, all that needs to happen is good penetration in the right place and that will take care 75% of the job. If you're starting out and short in cash look at JBL Woody sawed off. It has a 5/16 x 36" shaft, 3 -9/16 x 20 slings and you can always cut some of the wood from the butt- end to make it smaller for low viz/close in wreck hunting. The 48" guns is the next size up and a nice all around size before jumping into the "open water/Blue Water" guns. The 48" may be a bit too long if you are just getting in the sport but one that you must have alone with several others of diffrent sizes. If you keep in mind two things: 5/16 shaft and three rubbers you'll on the right path.

Good luck to you and keep it safe for you and the others.

[fishooter]

Do not overlook the euro style guns. Most only use one or two bands but with lighter shafts of 6.5mm to 7mm and proper shaft/band balance they can get faster shaft speed and better accuracy. Try both before you decide. It's a matter of personal preference and what kind and size of fish you are after at what range. I use and an happy with both.
Mark

[fishooter]

Do not overlook the euro style guns. Most only use one or two bands but with lighter shafts of 6.5mm to 7mm and proper shaft/band balance they can get faster shaft speed and better accuracy. Try both before you decide. It's a matter of personal preference and what kind and size of fish you are after at what range. I use and am happy with both.
Mark

[racn35]

JUST THOUGHT I WOULD TWIST MAKO'S ARM A LITTLE MORE- MMM CITATION SPADES !!

http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/065696.jpg (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=65696&c=511&z=1)

[Mako993]

You're killinnnnnnn me!!!!!!!!!

[racn35]

NOW I GOT MYSELF CRAVING THEM- I TOOK STRIPER OUT OF THE FREEZER AND PUT IT RIGHT BACK !! OUT COME THE SPADE PACK !!

http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/066740.JPG (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=66740&c=500&z=1)

[karlista]

I meant to ask the question. How do spades taste as compared to other fish like striper, tog, etc.? I have never eaten one (spade fish that is )[tongue]

[fishooter]

It's been so long since I've had one you will probably get a better description from some of the other guys, but they are excellent eating. Firm white meat as I recall. Sort of like tog with a slightly lighter flavor and texture sticks in my memory. They are absolutely wonderful pickled.
Mark

P.S. : Those things have a seriously hard skin. Tough to fillet.

[Spearo]

I like Blackfish the most then Spades and last Rockfish, the only thing I don't care for about Spades is the dark meat if you get close to the bone when cutting thru the fillet.

[racn35]

spades are now my favorite eating fish, then cobia, catfish,flounder.................................s triper

all spot,croaker and bluefish= BAIT

[erikharwell]

I love shooting spades, but they sure are not at the top of my list for eating, they are above a croaker though. I did eat alot of spade fish last year, probabally because I shot some almost every trip out, and that might be why I do not like them so much. tog is alot better, its just alot harder to shoot a big one. and for shooting spades, I have done it with just a mask and gun, no snorkel, fins, weightbelt, or wetsuit. that was when I was showing my brother how easy they are to shoot. they are alot easier on scuba though

[Mako993]

Well, when are we thinking of doing this? I'm itchin' to go now that my ski season is officially over after my bad fall this past weekend.

[racn35]

well honestly it more up to you guys- i live 6 miles from the boat ramp- i can go anytime i want and skip work with no hassle from the boss at all.......as soon as they are there we can go go go !! if it gets warmed up i am gonna do some wreck fishing and tag some tog and sea bass - when i do i am going to stop at the tower just to see if anything is around ..............

OH - i had spade for dinner tonite ! i swear i did as sure as i am setting here !!

[fishooter]

I hear the tog have never left the bite on the DE wrecks this year because of the warm water (never got below 43 F ?). VA should be even warmer. So I guess any time you feel comfortable getting in the water this year should do, as least for tog. Normally, they seem to migrate during winter and we have to wait until they return usually in April or May at the DE breakwater.

When do spades usually show up?

Mark

[Mako993]

I think middle of next month might be a good time to kick of the season.

[racn35]

from the records at the tagging meeting and seminar to get our tag gun and gear tog never leave - i have pics from last year of first spades may 9th.

[Distraction]

OK...I'm sorry I missed this conversation for so long.

I've been fishing and spearfishing at the Light Tower. The spadefish cover that tower up, and they're so thick that sometimes it's hard to shoot them because they're between you and the end of your speargun.

I freedove the tower when I've been there, haven't used tanks yet. I used tanks at the CBBT Islands, but I enjoy freediving there, too.

I'm SO IN! I have a 19' SeaPro with a specially built wooden rack to hold tanks and gear. Let me know which weekend, and I'll be there, probably with a friend (two is enough for that boat, once you throw gear on board...MAYBE 3).

But I don't think the spades will be there in April. I didn't think they show up until late May, early June.

Also, as for the flounder...I assume we'd be diving like the Tower Reef or something, maybe the subway cars. No freediving, though, right? I think we'd be a little too deep for me to freedive out there. (I'm outta shape since last summer and it takes me a while to get back in the groove.)

804-370-3410

Don't ask Mako about my spearfishing...he's just jealous. :)

[Mako993]

Like Distraction said - don't ask me because I'm STILL raging with jealousy, man!

Would we be able to spear ANYTHING next month?

[karlista]

Hey divers. Went out Sunday to the Hanks. Ride out and back was rough. 2 dives, bottom temp was 51, vis about 15 ft. Dives were made solo. Fishing partner not a diver, watched the boat during the dives. Wreck was loaded with flounder, only saw 2 tog and a few small sea bass. On the first dive, took both the OMER gun and my flounder rig (remember the one I posted some pics and received some not so good comments). Thermal cline was at 45 ft. When I reached the wreck, had some trouble securing the wreck anchor, turned on the HID and saw all the flounder. Laid the OMER gun beside the wreck anchor and went to work. Took 8 flounder ranging from 4 lbs to 7 lbs. Surface interval was long, about 2 hours because I came up with a real bad case of the cotton mouth. Did not hydrate properly starting the night before. Second dive, left the gun on the boat and just took the flouner rig. Took another 8 flounder, from 4 lbs to maybe 6 lbs. After the second dive, had a slight head, probably from either the cold water, dehydration, or both.

AADR (After action dive review):

Things did right: Dry suit dress out, air consumption, safety stops, and hunting techniques and results.
Things did wrong: did not hydrate starting the night before, battery failure on backup dive computer, used too much weight, used 24 lbs and should have used 22 lbs with dry suit.

Overall, not a bad day for the first dive of the season.

[racn35]

if you and your buddy were the only two on the boat as stated -then ADD this to your DID WRONG LIST- you took 4 too many fish. the limit is 6 per person NOT 8.

Regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq.]

Minimum Size Limit............................16.5 inches
Possession Limit.................................6 per person

No closed season in 2006.

[Spearo]

Next time take a slate with pencil and hang it on your BC strap, write on it what you can hunt with a spear with size and limits and look at it thruout your hunt just to make sure you're legal.
Bad habits give us spearos a bad reputation.

[karlista]

Divers, thanks for the heads up. No, I did not realize the limit. Just went to the VMRC web site and looked at the new regs. Now I am informed.

It is going to be a great season [grin].

[karlista]

After looking at the VMRC regs and some other internet sites, I am not sure if I had summer or winter flounder. The sizes I got would indicated summer flounder but the mouths were small on these fish and now I am not sure about the eyes.

[racn35]

i think all our flounder are summer flounder- i joined the state tagging program and flounder do NOT go far from home, they dont move north and south up and down the coast - the summer flounder you catch in the bay in the summer are the same flounder you catch in the winter - just out in deeper water around the wrecks. they move inshore and offshore- just like when i started this thread i am brand new to the spearfishing so its hard for me to imagine jusgung size (16 1/2) underwater- hecki have a hard enough time abouve water !

[karlista]

I always thought the same thing that we had summer flounder here, but these fish had smaller mouths than flounder I have caught on hook and line and also shot in the past. This is the earliest I have gone diving and shot any flounder. I wish I had taken some pics. Next time I go out (very soon), I will take some pics and post them.

[b8 boy]

Definately dont get a second chance when you shoot them to judge size. It was always tough in the Keys with perfect visibility to tell if the Grouper was over 18 1/2" , they looked big but then you measure and what if you were wrong you let go a dead fish???? Another bad case was spades here at the tower, we had 5 people and could get 20 fish legally so we had 19 in the box so I went down for 1 more, shot him and as I was dragging him back he felt heavy and when we pulled him up to the boat the spear had gone thru 2 spades, thow a dead one back??? We did let the second one go but does that make sense??? The law is the law so we do the best we can to follow it.

Has anyone ever swam with a school of big striper???? I was thinking how neat it would be to go down and see a big school of these big cows along the coast. I would be worried about over eager trollers not seeing a dive flag and trolling over me though. I'm sure everyone has spring fever and cant wait to get there spears wet. Wont be long now. Martin[excited]

[Distraction]

I've seen striper schools at the CBBT. Not HUGE fish...maybe 22-24 inch schoolies. But it was like a train going by...one after the other for as long as I could sit there and watch them.

And no, as tempting as it is, I've never taken a striper by spear. :D

[croakerpoker]

i think summer flounder are right eyed and winter are left eyed(meaning if you look at them from tail to head the summer is looking right and winter looking left). thats supposed to be the easiest way to distinguish. Ive never actually seen a winter flounder.

[karlista]

These flounder had eyes on the right side.

[racn35]

mark is redoing the myfishingpictures.com site- that swhy the pics dopnt show right now- they will be back !!

[racn35]

the site is back up and working now- www.myfishingpictures.com

[Mako993]

Racn,

Very nice pic gallery, to be sure.

Fellas, I'm itchin' to hit the salt with the speargun, I don't know about the rest of ya'll. Maybe the beginning of May, at this point...Hopeful.

[racn35]

i am skipping work tomorro (12 april) to tag some flounder and get a few for the freezer too- if i get a chance i may run over to the tower to see whats there yet- you dive the CBBT too mako ?

[Mako993]

I have before, and will again hopefully soon.

[Distraction]

Water temp is a balmy 55 degrees at the CBBT...what are we waiting for? :)

[Mako993]

Nothing I guess, other than our collective planning powers uniting in a final op to the CBBT. And the fish if they're there, of course. I won't be here this weekend, but the weekend after that, the 22nd, looks good if the Spear Gods are smiling on us.

[fishooter]

I know some guys who whipped up on some togs spearfishing at the CBBT last weekend.
Mark

PS: Viz was 8'. They used 60cm and 70cm guns, with the 60s being preferred.

[Mako993]

Let's hit it!

[racn35]

like i said too cold for me ( to get in the water) but its more up to you guys because you live so far away- i am within 10 minutes of rudee,lynhaven and little creek boat ramps.......email is racn35@aol.com or my cell is 757 685 4811 . jamie

[Spearo]

Now...that's all I needed to hear. I'll start the season next saturday morning (weather permiting) at the CBBT. Will report the damage![grin]

[Mako993]

The 22nd for me - who's with me? Racn? Distraction? Fishooter? Somebody with a boat....

[karlista]

Weather permitting, the Karlista is headed out this weekend, maybe even this Friday, I have off work. Who ever has made definited plans to go out this weekend, post Thursday or Friday night and I will give you a shout on the radio. Any one using DSC on the VHF?

[racn35]

ok Mako man lets plan on the 22nd and hit the CBBT any and all islands you wanna- my usual buddy is in mexico still but will be back by then and i know he will go too- so that still leaves 1 open spot for someone else to come along and chip in too- bmail me or email me your numbr so we can concrete details next week -

what about you Mark the fishooter ? wanna go w/ us that weekend or you gonna wait for spades ? your welcome to go either way -

[fishooter]

Yeah, I want to go. Gotta coordinate it with family obligations. Will confirm tonight.
Mark

[Mako993]

Racn,

My cell is 202-812-1560 and my outside e-mail is warren.gregory@js.pentagon.mil.

The 22nd it is - how many can you put on your boat? I don't know the area all that well, and we'll need someone else who does. Been there only once.

Fishooter, Distraction, anyone else....?? If not on the same boat, maybe we should get a spearfishing armada going :}

[Distraction]

Well fellas....

IF I can get a Kitchen Pass from SWMBO, I might try to show up with Todfish and my brother. That would make a full boat for us, but at least we can use multiple boats to block off a 'safe zone' for divers.

I'll get back to you on the permission slip thing...feel free to send me cash so I can buy flowers, candy, etc. :D

[Mako993]

The Distraction Spousal Bribery Fund is now taking donations :}

[racn35]

hey fishooter - any word ?

[fishooter]

I'm out. Shooting a wedding Sunday. Gotta get everything square Saturday, do some family stuff and come in to the job rested. Looks like the second week of May for me until I can break free.
Mark

[Distraction]

Aye. I'm out, too. What with the pathetic dribble of funds coming into the Spousal Bribery fund and all.... :)

Actually I just have too much going on at home right now with a 3 month old to be gone for a full day like that. Jean gets a little tetchy if I fish without her. :)

But I want DETAILS!!! I'm planning on living vicariously through you guys, so document all the good stuff!

[Mako993]

Lame!

[racn35]

racn35 originally wrote:
hi guys- jamie here. i post alot up on the Virginia board and the Freshwater one as well all the time. I have never spear fished before, but took my brother out to the tower last summer and we, well he i should say cleaned house every time we went. all the fish i caught i released because we kept the big ones he shot. he uses a 32 inch gun made by jbl. i been looking at guns and been leaning towards the ab biller 42 inch, having never done it before would i be better off with a longer gun- say a 48 or a shorter one around 32 or even a 24 ? i been looking at them inthe 42 from a dealer in floridia. the only reason i have not gone in the dive centers here is i dont want to be laughed out of the place. any and all thoughts will help !! he has scuba stuff, tanks and all but never used anything but fins and a mask by the way.

EDIT- spell check

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