new to spear fishing

[kelpbass91]

hey guys, I have been a surfer and a rod and reel fisherman my whole life and I only recently started spearing and I was instantly hooked. I have a few begginer questions.

1) How do you improve your breath hold times? Ive only been able to do 30 second dives and would like some general tips on how to stay under longer.

2) Ive been having trouble with keeping water out of my mask and keeping it from fogging up. Any tips on how to properly fit my mask?

3) In a few months I am probably going to be in the market for a gun and nicer wetsuit. Any suggestions? I am looking for something to shoot bass, sheephead and halibut, with the possibilty of wsb. what is the most versatile size of gun for this, without breaking the bank. thanks in advance for any and all input.

[got2fishsd]

Where are you located?

Take a FII class. In one weekend you will learn more than you can reading and it may save your life.

[unkabonka]

hey guys, I have been a surfer and a rod and reel fisherman my whole life and I only recently started spearing and I was instantly hooked. I have a few begginer questions.

1) How do you improve your breath hold times? Ive only been able to do 30 second dives and would like some general tips on how to stay under longer.

2) Ive been having trouble with keeping water out of my mask and keeping it from fogging up. Any tips on how to properly fit my mask?

3) In a few months I am probably going to be in the market for a gun and nicer wetsuit. Any suggestions? I am looking for something to shoot bass, sheephead and halibut, with the possibilty of wsb. what is the most versatile size of gun for this, without breaking the bank. thanks in advance for any and all input.


not the best advice giver, but here's my shot:

1. get comfortable with the idea of not breathing! so that means practicing your static breathhold at home. try and get up to 2-3 min. then, the next part is taking the same calm you have at home doing your static and transferring it to underwater. you cant be worrying about sharks, about drowning, or have any stress. be totally relaxed and at peace in the water, and your breathhold will improve. also make sure you are properly weighted, so that you are not struggling to get beneath the surface wasting energy. for me, it's a simple motion as I tuck myself underwater, and once my fins are under the surface, 5-6 kicks until i either reach neutral buoyancy at ~15 feet, or beyond that i begin sinking on my own.

2. you may need a new mask. get a quality mask... something at least $50 and LOW VOLUME. and try a few on at the store to find one with a good seal. i use a cressi... but riffe is good too. many brands out there, but don't skimp on this as it is key to your underwater experience.


3. I am not a gear head so someone else can give you a better recommendation than I.



Where are you located?

Take a FII class. In one weekend you will learn more than you can reading and it may save your life.
Good advice! http://www.freedivinginstructors.com/

[Bear Down]

For your mask fogging, gets lighter and hold it to the inside of the lens to burn off the layer that's over it. Be careful not to hold it too long on the skirts or lens. Just wave it back n forth and wipe it clean. Then just use spot before you put it on.

[longshot reed]

I got a 48" gun and wish I had got a bigger one. When I start looking
for another spear gun Ill be strongly considering the new JBL 55"/60" but that's
just me.
welcome to the board.

[The Jewish Assassin]

Where do you live? Diving with experienced Spearos is one of the best ways to get better.

I think a dive watch is really useful for improving your bottom time. I went from 45second - 1 minutes dives at the beginning of this season to easy 1.5 minute dives through utilizing feedback from my watch. Though, in the meantime, start by moving really slowly and methodically. Relax as much as you can. On the surface, take very relaxed deep breaths. You can even close your eyes to relax more, find a happy place. Also, get your forehead wet to try to engage the mammalian dive reflex. After diving enough, you'll be able to recognize this feeling and replicate it without much effort. You shouldn't be struggling to get down or move fluidly under water. Play with your weights until you find what works (you should be neutral between 15-20ft but it really depends on what type of diving you're doing).

Disclaimer: I'm not a great diver but I can cruise for about a minute and a half (more if I push it a little) and this is what works for me. This could have been more detailed but I'm strapped for time now.

FII level one is also a great idea. Do it with a spearo if you can (I know Dan Silveira does them)

[kelpbass91]

Thanks for all the advice guys, keep it coming. I agree with the getting use to not breathing, ive been practicing holding my breath and have already went from one minute too 1:30 . Im in Carlsbad (San Diego, North County). Does anybody know who offers these free diving classes and how much they cost?

[carribean Dan]

Spit in your mask and rub it in before your dive. Give one quick rinse and your mask should be good for the dive. Sometimes there is a film on new masks that you have to get off the inside but I have not had a problem with that. I've heard you can rub toothpaste into the lense and it will take off the film.(never needed to though)

The more you relax in the water and get comfortable, the longer your bottom time. Always slow movements.

For all your smaller fish a shorter gun will work. It will also help you learn how to get much closer for your shots which in my opinion will help you in the long run. Its good to have the right gun for the job. Bigger guns for bigger fish although I've shot big fish with a smaller gun that has a reel. You just need to get alot closer to get the penetration. Good luck out there.

[CaseyR]

1. Consistent diving will improve your breathhold.
2. Rinse the inside of mask with sea water, empty, spit into lenses, smear around with finger, and then rinse with sea water again and your good for the dive.
3. 90cm-110cm is good for shore diving and all around hunting. Cressi, and omer have some pretty cool guns out in that range right now

[Claudiagicel]

Giggity hahaha

[Myrran]

Giggity hahaha

I like where your heads at. lol

[Ethan kills]

Giggity hahaha

No! thats what I say when you post stuff! :mad::mad::mad::mad: