Spearfishing

SPeaRFISHInG ONE BREATH / ONE DIVE / ONE SHOT

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JOURNAL FOR ASPIRING SPEARFISHERMEN

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INTRO 4 THE GEAR 6 THE LOCATION 8 THE METHOD 10 THE CATCH 12 SUMMING UP 14

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/A JOURNAL

FOR ASPIRING SPEARFISHERMEN

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Spearfishing is an ancient method of fishing originally used by many early civilizations.

It was once used to catch fish in shallow streams by utilising sharp sticks, but since then the techniques and equipment have evolved. Today the technology has advanced to use elastic and pneumatic powered spear guns as well as slings to catch fish.

(Spearfishing, 2008) Today spearfishing is more of a lifestyle sport much like surfing. It provides an active alternative to more mundane forms of line fishing. As spearfishermen hunt clearly visible fish in their own environment they can be very selective with their catch. The sport has a very low environmental impact as no fish is needlessly harmed.

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THE

GEAR

Spearfishermen use a wide range of gear to aid in their hunting of fish.

The bare essentials are a diving mask, a snorkel and either a spear gun or a Hawaiian sling. (Edwards, 2014).

Furthermore, because in Melbourne winter water temperatures can get very low, divers would most likely need a wetsuit so as not to freeze to death.

Wetsuits assist by providing a layer of insulation and restricting water flow, this helps to keep the body warm but is also quite buoyant.

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To counter this buoyancy most divers would employ the use of a weight belt, a rubber strap with a quick release mechanism fitted and a series of lead weights. Fins are also important to increase speed and help to conserve energy as well as breath. From a safety point of view most divers will also use a diving buoy. This makes them more visible to boats and serves as a floatation device if they get overtired or breathless.

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THE

LOCATION

Finding a good spearfishing location in Melbourne can be tricky.

Visibility can vary from day to day and throughout the year. Rough water will churn up sand and make it almost impossible to see. However on good days a diver will find good spearfishing consistently on Portsea front beach and on very calm days at Sorrento and Blairgowrie back beaches. These beaches are full of rock ledges and kelp for fish to congregate and to seek refuge and hide. Choosing a sheltered area away from wind and surf will help reduce the amount of sand in the water.

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THE

METHOD

The most common method of spearfishing is known as apnoea or free diving.

This method requires no breath apparatus such as scuba gear. There are many benefits to this but mainly stealth and manoeuvrability. Scuba gear is bulky and severely restricts movement, also the air pressure regulator on the mouthpiece of scuba gear is known for making a whining noise that can scare off fish.

Spearfishing fall into two other sub categories based on location. The most common type, shore diving occurs over reefs in waters typically 5 to 25 meters deep. Spearfishing like this usually requires more stealth and divers will utilise their surroundings to camouflage. When the fish believe they are no longer under threat they will begin to move slowly and come closer. When a fish presents the broad side of its body to the diver he or she will take their shot. The second type of spearfishing is blue water spearfishing which requires a boat and is performed at 20 to 50 meters deep. The diver uses burley (a type of bait) to bring larger fish into their vicinity. When a fish is in range the diver will take their shot. This type of spearfishing puts the diver at greater risk of larger and potentially deadly sharks.

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THE

CATCH

Around Melbourne divers will encounter many types of edible fish.

From Beaumaris to Parkdale divers may come across Pinkies (baby Snapper), Snook, Salmon, King George Whiting and occasionally small Kingfish in deeper water.

Down towards Mornington divers will primarily find King George Whiting, Flathead, Leatherjackets and Boarfish. During March from Beaumaris to Brighton spearfishermen will also come across good numbers of Southern Calamari.

(Victorian spearfishing sites, 2013) 12

When fish have been caught the most humane thing to do is to dispatch them quickly. Most spearfisherman use a Japanese method known as Iki jime which involves a quick spike to the brain. This kills the fish instantly.

(Humane killing of fish, 2015)

Spearfishing is a fun and engaging form of fishing suitable for all ages. To outsmart and catch a fish in its own environment is very rewarding and to take it home and cook it for family and friends gives the spearfisherman a sense of pride in his skill.

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Bibliography Edwards, M. (2014, April). Mastering the Art of Spear Fishing Shout! Outdoor Lifestyle Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.shoutlifestyle.com/spear-fishing-how-to-wac Humane killing of fish. (2015). Retrieved from www.ikijime.com/ Spearfishing. (2008, October). Retrieved from http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Spearfishing Victoria Spearfishing Sites. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.spearfishing.com.au/vic_victoria_spearfishing_dive_sites

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PORTRAITS STILL LIFE LANDSCAPE

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