Where are the fish?
Before you can hit the water and start shooting fish, you have to know where to find them and learn their habitats and hideouts. You also need to be aware of the local regulations and laws concerning where and when you can spearfish. Every area and state has different regulations, and it is your job to know what they are. Marine officers don’t except ignorance as an excuse for breaking the local spearfishing laws.
Knowing where fish hangout and when they are in particular areas is a must if you want to be an effective hunter. Fish generally hang out in areas that offer some type of protection, such as reefs, ledges, wrecks and oilrigs, rocks, kelp, or basically any underwater structure. These types of habitats provide fish places to hide, spawn, and hunt for other fish for food. Knowing where underwater structures are, what types of fish frequent the area, and the laws governing the area when combined can provide you the information necessary to successfully hunt fish. Pelagic fish, fish that swim in open water, can also be found swimming over structures but generally don’t take refuge inside of reefs or wrecks. Blue water hunters are typically hunting for fish like tuna, amberjack, and wahoo.
Reefs and ledges (coral and rocks)
Coral reefs and rocky bottom offer some of the best structure for fish to thrive. Reefs and rocky bottom offer safety and food for many types of fish. Reefs and rocky structures have holes, caves, tunnels, and crevices where fish of all sizes live. These are the best areas to search when hunting for fish. Larger fish are often found in the deeper sections of reefs and on the fringes of a reef or rocky structure. Reefs are popular hunting areas, meaning they get a lot of traffic. Sometimes this means that fish can be limited and sizes can be small. Hunting on reefs can severely impact and damage the coral if you’re not careful when you’re shooting, kicking, and swimming around. Protect the reef at all times and only shoot fish that you plan on eating and that fall within the regulations.
Ledges offer excellent overhangs and cutouts, as well as taller structure that provide fish excellent hangouts. Larger fish are generally found around the deeper sections of ledges and sometimes pelagics swim by looking for a meal. You’ll often find fish in the crevices and holes found on ledges. Hunting on ledges is often productive for both bottom fish and pelagics.
Wrecks
Wrecks offer excellent habitat for fish. Fish of all sizes use the wrecks structure for protection as well as for feeding. Wrecks that are intact offer a lot of holes, crevices, and overhangs for fish to reside. The more intact the wreck, the more areas there are for fish to live, but even wrecks that have collapsed and fallen apart have great places for fish. You can find snapper, grouper, and other types of bottom fish as well as amberjack, barracuda, and cobia. Large pelagics also can swim by looking for smaller fish to eat.
Some of the larger wrecks can be penetrated, but typically, fish do not hang out deep inside wrecks. Fish are mostly on the outside of wrecks or just inside openings. Penetrating into a wreck requires special training and can be dangerous, so avoid swimming into a wreck unless you’re properly trained.
Wrecks also typically have large amounts of fishing line draped over their structure, which means entanglement hazards. Make sure you watch where you’re swimming and chasing fish and always carry a knife with a line cutter in case you get entangled.
Oilrigs
The big oilrigs offshore also offer excellent structure for fish. Large, steel legs and reinforcing cross members go all the way to the bottom supporting the oil platform above the water. This steel superstructure provides a great habitat for many kinds of fish. Large pelagics can often be found looking for food and grouper and snapper can be found feeding on smaller species that live around the rig. Spearfishing on oilrigs is very popular in the Gulf of Mexico off of Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida.
Oilrigs are also very popular for fisherman. Boat traffic can be heavy and fishing line can be found rapped around the rigs support structure. Just like diving on wrecks, make sure you always carry a knife in case you get entangled in fishing line.
There are also other hazards of diving on oilrigs. Most companies require you to get permission before diving on a rig because of liability concerns. You should always consult local diving charters or instructors for information about the rigs in the area before diving them. Many times it’s a good idea to go with a charter before taking your own boat. Knowing how the locals do it can be priceless information. In addition to the boat traffic and line entanglement concerns, oilrigs can also be dangerous do to suction pipes pumping water up to the platform for cooling or desalinization and electric shock from electrical current being used to keep the steel from corroding in saltwater. Always be aware of the hazards and your surroundings while diving on an oilrig.
Kelp
Diving the kelp forests in the Pacific off the west coast of the U.S. offer excellent protection and food habitats for many types of species. Hunting in these waters can be productive when hunting species like rockfish, calico bass, and white seabass. Swimming through thick kelp forests can be challenging, so take your time so that you don’t get caught-up in the stalks.
Conclusion
To be a successful and productive spearfisherman, you need to know the area you’re hunting. Get to know the layout of the reef or ledge or wreck, know where the fish hang out and what type of fish are there, and know the rules and laws governing spearfishing in your area. Also, be a conscientious and ethical hunter. Don’t shoot a fish unless you plan on eating it. Follow the bag limit laws, and think conservatively so that there will be fish in your area in the future.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Spearfishing Kill Shots
Where to shoot
Knowing where to shoot a fish so that it is killed instantly or dies very quickly is extremely important if you want to be an effective, conservation minded spearfisherman. To shoot a fish in its kill zone requires skill, good aim, and experience. If you think you can just go out and buy a speargun and accurately start shooting fish, you’re sadly mistaken. You must be able to aim your speargun, steady and move your speargun smoothly, maintain proper buoyancy, and know when to pull the trigger all while swimming underwater, with a mask on your face and a regulator in your mouth, not to mention the other fish swimming around and near you and in possibly low visibility conditions. Add these all up, and you have a sport that requires practice and experience to be effective.
Mastering the skills of spearfishing is important for several reasons. First, you don’t want to shoot at a fish unless you have a great shot. If you hit the fish in a bad area, such as its stomach area, it can easily get off your shaft and swim away. This usually results in the fish being injured to a point that it will die from infection or become prey for another species. Second, if you’re a spearfisherman that wants to practice responsible and ethical hunting underwater, then you want to practice good conservation. If you’re unskilled and continually shoot a fish in a bad area and loose it, you’re simply just reducing the reproduction capabilities of that species. In addition, you want to make sure you understand the laws and regulations for your area so that you know when and where to spearfish. Third, if you’re a spearfisherman who goes after the really big fish, such as tuna, amberjack, wahoo, etc. you don’t want to be shooting into the fish’s guts or meaty area leaving it with most of its power while stuck with your shaft. This can cause you great pain and suffering trying to maintain control of yourself while trying to cling to a fish fighting for its life. By shooting the fish in its kill zone, you can stop the fish cold or at least slow it down enough to get control of it while it quickly dies.
So where is this kill zone on a fish? Always aim for the top of the head just above the gills and behind the eyes. This is where the fish’s brain is and instantly stuns or kills the fish when hit correctly. As you can see, this is not a large area and requires special skill and accuracy to hit effectively and consistently. Knowing how your speargun works, how well it aims, how it feels when shot, having good buoyancy characteristics, knowledge about the fish you’re hunting, and only shooting when you know you have a good shot are the skills you need to acquire if you want to be an effective underwater hunter and hit the kill zone every time.
Speafishing FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of spearfishing?
Spearfishing is the act of using a device, such as a speargun, pole spear, or Hawaiian sling to impale a fish underwater and then bring it back to the surface. Fish are generally speared for food, just like deer hunting or any other kind of hunting.
What type of fish can you spear?
The oceans are vast with many different types of fish. Only a small percentage are good eating fish. Because fish are speared for food, you want to know what types of fish are good eating in your area. Researching the different types of fish, were they live, and how they exist are important when spearfishing. Refer to our Fish Guide for the different types of fish by location.
Do fish have to be a certain size to spear them?
Almost all of the fish that you would want to eat have certain size limitations. Each area can be different, so it’s important to know the limitations for your area, because regulations are strongly enforced. Don’t spear any type of fish unless you are certain it falls within the sizing requirements.
Is spearfishing dangerous?
Spearfishing is not dangerous if you practice awareness and common sense use of your spearing device. Serious injury or death can occur if you are reckless when spearing. Do not point your spearing device in the direction of another person even if it is not loaded. Always unload your spearing device before getting back on the boat. Make sure you know exactly what you’re shooting at before shooting. Pay attention to your surroundings and practice good common sense.
Where can you spearfish?
You can spearfish in saltwater and some fresh water. There are certain requirements for each area governing where you can spearfish. Make certain you know the local requirements before heading out.
Is spearfishing hard?
With every hunting type sport, there is a certain amount of practice you need before you can be a proficient hunter. Knowing how to aim your speargun or pole spear is a must if you want to hunt a moving fish underwater. Spearfishing in itself is not hard, but practicing how to use your speargun or pole spear is imperative if you want to be effective. Also, knowing the kill zone of a fish is important if you want to be successful.
Are there spearfishing competitions?
Yes. Some areas have spearfishing competitions just like fishing tournaments. Check your area for local tournaments or keep your eyes pealed on our spearfishing calendar of events for upcoming competitions.
Do you need a license to spearfish or buy a speargun?
Generally, a saltwater license is required to spearfish. You should check your areas requirements before heading out to spearfish. You do not need a license to buy a speargun, pole spear, or Hawaiian sling.
What is the definition of spearfishing?
Spearfishing is the act of using a device, such as a speargun, pole spear, or Hawaiian sling to impale a fish underwater and then bring it back to the surface. Fish are generally speared for food, just like deer hunting or any other kind of hunting.
What type of fish can you spear?
The oceans are vast with many different types of fish. Only a small percentage are good eating fish. Because fish are speared for food, you want to know what types of fish are good eating in your area. Researching the different types of fish, were they live, and how they exist are important when spearfishing. Refer to our Fish Guide for the different types of fish by location.
Do fish have to be a certain size to spear them?
Almost all of the fish that you would want to eat have certain size limitations. Each area can be different, so it’s important to know the limitations for your area, because regulations are strongly enforced. Don’t spear any type of fish unless you are certain it falls within the sizing requirements.
Is spearfishing dangerous?
Spearfishing is not dangerous if you practice awareness and common sense use of your spearing device. Serious injury or death can occur if you are reckless when spearing. Do not point your spearing device in the direction of another person even if it is not loaded. Always unload your spearing device before getting back on the boat. Make sure you know exactly what you’re shooting at before shooting. Pay attention to your surroundings and practice good common sense.
Where can you spearfish?
You can spearfish in saltwater and some fresh water. There are certain requirements for each area governing where you can spearfish. Make certain you know the local requirements before heading out.
Is spearfishing hard?
With every hunting type sport, there is a certain amount of practice you need before you can be a proficient hunter. Knowing how to aim your speargun or pole spear is a must if you want to hunt a moving fish underwater. Spearfishing in itself is not hard, but practicing how to use your speargun or pole spear is imperative if you want to be effective. Also, knowing the kill zone of a fish is important if you want to be successful.
Are there spearfishing competitions?
Yes. Some areas have spearfishing competitions just like fishing tournaments. Check your area for local tournaments or keep your eyes pealed on our spearfishing calendar of events for upcoming competitions.
Do you need a license to spearfish or buy a speargun?
Generally, a saltwater license is required to spearfish. You should check your areas requirements before heading out to spearfish. You do not need a license to buy a speargun, pole spear, or Hawaiian sling.
Nitrox Training FAQs
Where do I go for Nitrox training?
The first place to check is your local dive shop. Many dive shops now have Nitrox instructors and can provide you with the proper training. If your local dive shop cannot help you, use the links on this website to find a dive shop that does offer the training or contact on of the training agencies to find an instructor.
How long does my Nitrox certification last?
Once you receive your Nitrox training, your certification never expires. There are no requirements for continued education or retraining every year. It should be noted that if you received your certification a long time ago and have not dived Nitrox since then, you may want to retake the class to make sure you are up to date with current procedures, etc.
How long is a Nitrox course?
Nitrox courses are generally two days. The first day is spent in the classroom and the second day is spent completing the two required dives.
Do I have to be certified to dive Nitrox?
Yes. There are important precautions and limitations when diving Nitrox. Taking a certification course will properly train you in the use and application of Nitrox. To get a Nitrox fill, you must present proper certification.
What level of certification do I need to get Nitrox certified?
As long as you have a basic open water diving certification, you can sign up for a Nitrox course.
How much does it cost to get Nitrox certified?
Each training agency prices their courses differently, but classes average around $200.00.
The first place to check is your local dive shop. Many dive shops now have Nitrox instructors and can provide you with the proper training. If your local dive shop cannot help you, use the links on this website to find a dive shop that does offer the training or contact on of the training agencies to find an instructor.
How long does my Nitrox certification last?
Once you receive your Nitrox training, your certification never expires. There are no requirements for continued education or retraining every year. It should be noted that if you received your certification a long time ago and have not dived Nitrox since then, you may want to retake the class to make sure you are up to date with current procedures, etc.
How long is a Nitrox course?
Nitrox courses are generally two days. The first day is spent in the classroom and the second day is spent completing the two required dives.
Do I have to be certified to dive Nitrox?
Yes. There are important precautions and limitations when diving Nitrox. Taking a certification course will properly train you in the use and application of Nitrox. To get a Nitrox fill, you must present proper certification.
What level of certification do I need to get Nitrox certified?
As long as you have a basic open water diving certification, you can sign up for a Nitrox course.
How much does it cost to get Nitrox certified?
Each training agency prices their courses differently, but classes average around $200.00.
Nitrox Training Overview
Nitrox Training Overview
Nitrox is any combination of oxygen and nitrogen. The air you breathe today is a form of Nitrox, which is 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Nitrox mixtures with greater than 21% oxygen are referred to as Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx). The “x” refers to the percentage of oxygen in the mixture. The most commonly used Nitrox mixtures are EAN32 (32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen) and EAN36 (36% oxygen and 64% nitrogen).
Nitrox training involves taking a certification course from a training agency, such as SDI/TDI, NAUI, PADI, IANTD, or GUE. The training course teaches you how to safely use and apply Nitrox to your current diving ability and certification.
There are generally two Nitrox courses: Basic Nitrox and Advanced Nitrox. Basic Nitrox courses teach you to safely breathe and use Nitrox in the 40 to 130 fsw (12 to 39 msw) depth range. It teaches you the benefits of Nitrox, how to calculate the mixture percentages, the importance of using Nitrox mixtures at appropriate depths, oxygen toxicity, how to use Nitrox tables, as well as much, much more. The class also requires you to make several dives with an instructor using Nitrox.
Advanced Nitrox courses extend your understanding of oxygen and introduce you to using mixtures up to 50% oxygen for decompression. It also extends your knowledge of applying Nitrox to different diving requirements and builds your knowledge and understanding of advanced uses of Nitrox.
What is Nitrox?
What is Nitrox?
Nitrox is any combination of oxygen and nitrogen. The air you breathe today is a form of Nitrox, which is 79% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Nitrox mixtures with greater than 21% oxygen are referred to as Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx). The “x” refers to the percentage of oxygen in the mixture. The most commonly used Nitrox mixtures are EAN32 (32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen) and EAN36 (36% oxygen and 64% nitrogen).
How do I benefit from using Nitrox?Nitrox has many advantages over diving standard air. Nitrox, when used with standard air tables or computer, provides an increased safety factor and is great for divers wanting to be more conservative underwater.
Nitrox significantly increases your available bottom time within the no-decompression limits. It basically lets you stay down longer.
Using Nitrox reduces your possibility of getting decompression sickness. It also helps to reduce nitrogen narcosis, which happens at depth and is caused by the nitrogen in your breathing mixture.
As reported by many divers, Nitrox can significantly reduce your fatigue levels at the end of a day of diving. This can be extremely beneficial when traveling or when diving many consecutive days.
If you participate in decompression diving or stayed down a little to long, Nitrox reduces the amount of decompression when no-decompression limits are exceeded.
Do only technical divers use Nitrox?No. Recreational divers are using Nitrox more and more. Most training agencies have Nitrox training courses and Nitrox is available at many dive shops today.
Is Nitrox for deep diving?No. That’s simply a myth. Actually, Nitrox is used within recreational diving depth limits. The ideal range for using Nitrox is 40 to 130 feet. The higher oxygen percentages require keeping the use of Nitrox to these depth limits.
Can diving Nitrox be dangerous?If you’ve heard that diving Nitrox is dangerous, it was probably from someone who lacked the proper certification, knowledge, or experience to accurately communicate about Nitrox. With proper training, diving Nitrox is no more dangerous than diving standard air. Both air and Nitrox have strict depth and time limitations.
Do I have to be certified to dive Nitrox?Yes. There are important precautions and limitations when diving Nitrox. Taking a certification course will properly train you in the use and application of Nitrox. To get a Nitrox fill, you must present proper certification.
Where do you get Nitrox?Nitrox is becoming more and more available at dive shops around the world. Check with your local dive shop, they probably have it, especially if they are teaching Nitrox courses.
Do I have to buy new gear to dive Nitrox?No. Your standard open water diving gear will work great with Nitrox. Your tanks should be properly cleaned for using Nitrox, which can be done at your local dive shop.
How do I get started diving Nitrox?As long as you have a basic open water diving certification, you can sign up for a Nitrox course. Contact your local dive shop to see when their next course begins.
Is Nitrox used in decompression diving?Nitrox is extensively used in decompression diving. By using Nitrox at predetermined depths greatly reduces the amount of time required at the stop depths. Decompression diving is an advanced form of diving and requires training and understanding of specific principles.
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