Newbie Introduction

[CaptSport]

Hey Guys,

I've been lurking for a few weeks now and thought I would introduce myself.

I'm a want-a-be spearfisherman. I've been a hook and line fisherman all my life and have been facinated with spearfishing/freediving for a while. In March I inherited an AB Biller speargun from a friend that passed away. I've put a homemade silencer on the shaft as the spring shock cord attachment makes a "shiinnkk" kind of noise when you shoot it. Which I've been told by a buddy scares the fish.

Since receiving the gun I've bought the rest of the gear I need. I've been to Catalina snorkling and loved it. I'm even over coming my fear of being eat'n. (Dam JAW's movie) Not that the last couple of weeks have helped. With the lady being attacked in Avila doing her best imitation a seal. And, the several sightings of Whitey off San Oferie.

I'm looking for people to freedive/spearfish with. People who don't mind showing a newbie the ropes. I have a 21' Bayrunner that I'm building a pilot house for. (Should be done by end of October) It's set up for outerbanks fishing trips and I've been as far out as 84 miles. So, trips to San Clemente are no problem. I have plenty of range. It's completely (or I should say will be soon) rigged with electronics. Fishfinder, radar, GPS, digital map and two VHF's.

So, if any of you guys wouldn't mind shareing some of your secrets, spots and know how. I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,

jr

[Prodigal Son]

JR, it's good to have another Calif. spearfisher onboard. There's alot to learn, and there are some good people around to help you. I caution you on one thing though: It's very easy to put the cart before the horse in this hobby. If you haven't done much freediving (vs. just snorkeling), I highly recommend you concentrate on developing your freediving skills first. I'd focus on shallow water (<=30 feet) shore diving before focusing on openwater dives in deep water. I'm in the same situation myself; I'm just getting back into it after a 16-year layaway. IMHO, spearfishing can be frustrating and miserable (and potentially dangerous) if you're not in proper condition. You live a little far from us, but the OC Hunter dive/surf club just started and has a strong focus on freediving and spearfishing. It's a nice, casual setting to meet other guys of varying skill levels who have similar interests. One of our members is trying to start weekly or biweekly training and practice sessions on intermediate/advanced freediving techniques. Another alternative is to find a local dive shop that offers freediving courses, or even consider taking the basic freediving course offered by Performance Freediving. Once you get real comfortable and proficient in the ocean, I think you'll really begin to enjoy spearfishing. If you want more info on the OC Hunter club, check out the website www.ochunter.com. You may want to contact the club president, Steve Schur. I'm sure there are guys in the club, including me, who could go freediving with you. It you want something closer to Pasadena, you can check out the Long Beach Neptunes or LA Fathomiers, although my understanding is those clubs are geared toward very experienced spearfishers. You may want to call them though. Best wishes!

[Kyle]

Great to have you here Captsport. I agree with the previous post about the OCHunters club. I have not been to any meetings yet but I have met Steve and he is a great guy. When we have some time to dive we will usually post it here and invite people that would like to join us. Newbie or not. I love just getting in the water, like most people here do.
We are all just waiting for the vis to open back up and do some good local diving, and you are more than welcome to join us. Maybe we will see you at the next OCHunters meeting.

Kyle