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by Tim McDonald
ere I lay on my bed under the mozzie net, looking at the tatty silver insulation paper that is called the ceiling. I’m watching 5 gecko’s using the last couple of minutes before the generator shuts off to catch the moths that are attracted to the light. Two of the gecko’s in particular stand out to me. One, obviously an old and fat gecko that sits quietly and snatches the unwary moths and a smaller one that spends more time chirping and scampering across the ceiling chasing moths than he does eating, and at this moment it occurs to me that:
“IT IS EASIER TO CATCH A FISH THAN TEACH A MAN TO FISH”.
Earlier that day I had three local Solomon Islanders out in our boat and was trying to help them to spear a fish. Amazingly, they had forgotten everything I had tried to teach them over the last couple of days and were really struggling. Now as I lay there watching what unfolded I felt like that fat gecko.
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“
You’ll recall (from Issue #25) the sun was just about to rise over a barren looking island. Actually, all of the islands in this part of the world seem to look the same. Tough gnarly rocky outcrops, and what vegetation there is, is bent and broken by the relentless pounding of the wind and sea. The landscape looked like the perfect Bonsai garden from a distance. Despite being in the middle of the ocean you get the feeling you are still in the desert. by John Featherstone
”
Quick check of the watch and it is 6:47am, I look over the back of the boat and the water looks clear and inviting despite the lack of light and I can clearly make out the bottom in about 12m. Leigh’s words were still echoing in my head. “First one in the water will probably shoot a Big Red!”. Tim is kicking around the back of the boat as I start to suit up. “Are you going to wait for the others?”. I think the look and the silence pretty much said it all. After being all but a spectator for the last couple of days due to being so under the weather (ok maybe I shot the odd fish), the old cliché, “He who snoozes loses” bounced around my head, but a simple “No!” said it all. I hung off the back of the boat for a few moments to make sure there was no current as Tim peered over the side. “How’s it look?”. A quick thumbs up, but a school of “something”, already had my attention. A school of BIG Chinaman were swirling under the boat. In Western Australia Chinaman are not implicated with Ciguatera and are actually very good eating so I keenly set my sights on a species that I had never shot before.
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Well after some serious coordination/co-operation we have got the Zodiac Project boat together AND actually got a window of opportunity here on our door step to get out and find a nice fish. Seeing I was rather desperate to get a good photo with a great fish (I mean you can’t christen the boat with any old fish) I gave Glenn George a call to ensure the odds were in my favour. Glenn managed this nice Samsonfish of around 12kg and I found a nice Pearl perch that nudged the 2kg mark, great way to kick off!
SNAPSHOT
I will refrain from a full on review until we have had more time to bring it all together and test it out but I have to say my initial impressions have left me quietly impressed. It is a dream to beach launch, and the Mackay Trailer has exceptional build quality. Diving three guys up is perfectly comfortable. Getting in and out is so easy and it rides surprisingly well. We still have plenty of setup to do including
The Zodiac Pro 9 Man with 50HP Evinrude E-Tec
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the stainless steel gun racks at the back, and the Perspex screen with integrated grab rails for the front of the console to keep the wind off and the instrumentation dry. Rescue wheel and hub assembly and improving the weight distribution, but it is a work in progress. Inflatable crafts are really not a considered option in Australia when looking for a good capable spearfishing platform but a few local South African ex-pats have been drooling over it as it the craft of choice in that part of the world (and plenty of other parts). To be honest I am starting to see why! Plenty more to come as we “pimp it up” and get out adventuring over the Summer months. A huge thanks to all of the project partners. Let me just say we choose our partners carefully. We want products that will stand up to the rigours of spearfishing without compromise. The companies/products that have come together to make this happen are second to none and if you demand the same quality and attention to detail, send your business their way, you won’t be disappointed.
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by Bryson Sheehy
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new|products
Information provided in this section (including text and images) is supplied by the respective Manufacturers, unless speciically stated.
GX620 Handheld VHF The GME GX620 Handheld Marine VHF Radio offers boat owners and marine enthusiasts a substantially lower cost portable option without sacrificing features or compromising on quality. With most of the features of the larger 25 Watt fixed-mount marine VHF radios, including channel scan, instant Channel 16 access, dual and triple watch the compact 3 Watt GX620 is ideal for dinghies or tenders that need to keep in touch with the ‘mother ship’ or small boats that don’t have electrical systems or sufficient space for a fixed-mount radio. Simple operation, 6 clearly labelled buttons on the front panel and the volume/power knob maximize simplicity of operation. Even when wearing gloves, the large buttons are easy to operate. A large, clear
LCD with backlighting and backlit buttons makes night time operation equally simple. Splash proof (IP54 rated) and solid die-cast construction ensure reliability in the marine environment. The GX620 utilises a 1000mAh Lithium Ion (LiIon) battery pack with an automatic power saving mode, providing extended operating life without the worry of ‘memory effect’ found with standard NiCad rechargeable batteries. A professional quality ‘drop in’ quick charger and carry case are supplied as part of the standard package More information on the full GME product range can be found at www.gme.com.au or by contacting one of the local branches.
BRP Evinrude ICON Evinrude ICON is an advanced, intelligent electronic shift and throttle system for Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines. Beginning with the 2010 model year, ICON systems are factory installed on four Evinrude E-TEC 250 hp and four Evinrude E-TEC 300hp models. ICON controls support from one to five Evinrude E-TEC V6 engines including dual station - flying bridge applications. For non-ICON factory models, an ICON engine add-on kit is available to fit MY2008 and newer, Evinrude E-TEC 150hp through 300hp models. ICON engine add-on kits include the actuators and all necessary installation components.
The all-new electronic shift and control component on the Evinrude ICON control system features an advanced high-speed network controller that electronically delivers effortless shifting and precise throttle control in a reliable and intuitive package. Specialized features include gear position indicators, neutral throttle advance, synchronized engine trim, RPM Tune and a unique PowerSync control for multi-engine applications. ICON control systems are designed to help make a more reliable, user-friendly boating experience. Evinrude E-TEC outboards are designed to give you more time on the water.
Neptune KEVLARTECH Gloves 2.5mm Kevlar reinforced multi purpose glove
• Neptune gloves are anatomically designed and cut like no other glove on the market. Ensures real-life fit. • The palm and all high wear areas are afforded maximum protection by strategic inclusion of kevlar panels extending to cover second knuckle and wrist area. • Extra long cuff minimises water flow and seals snugly under wetsuit cuff. • In clear zippered re-sealable packaging. • Sizes available: XXS, XSM, SML, MED, LGE, XLG, 2XL
RRP $69.95
Neptune APNEA Gloves 2.5 mm multi purpose glove
• Unique emulsion coating covers palm, fingertips and all seams ensuring maximum durability while maintaining dexterity. • Extra long cuff minimises water flow and seals snugly under wetsuit cuff. • In clear zippered re-sealable packaging. • Sizes available: XXS, XSM, SML, MED, LGE, XLG, 2XL
RRP $49.95
Distributed in Australia by
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Got a New Product
If you are looking to tell the spearfishing world about your great new product don’t hesitate to contact us for inclusion in our New Products sections. Contact john@spearfishingdownunder.com.au
Hammerhead Reversible Wetsuit Reef or Bluewater? Pelagic or Demersal? The choice of attack is up to you with the HammerHead Adaptation2 Reversible Cammo wetsuits, hoods, and bermudas. Pelagic Shatter cammo for the off-shore adventure and Deep Reef Camo on the reverse. Ingenious and ready for everything is all you have to say about Adaptation2 Reversible Cammo by HammerHead Spearguns. Adaptation2 Reversible Camo Wetsuits 3 mm & 5 mm (S- 4X) Adaptation2 Reversible Camo Hoods 1.5 mm (S- 2X) Adaptation2 Reversible Bermuda Shorts 3 mm (S- 2X)
www.hammerheadspearguns.com
The Don by Undersee • Euro fibreglass reinforced nylon handle with rubber grip • Stainless Steel Trigger • Slimline 28mm barrel with integrated spear guide • 7mm double notched spring stainless steel spear shaft • Double 5/8” (16mm) diameter power bands with competition bridles • 400lb mono shooting line • Bullhorn open muzzle
• Stainless Steel line release at bottom of handle plus extra tabs on side of handle • Top mounted safety for easy activating and deactivating with one hand • Available in the following lengths 80cm 90cm 100cm 110cm 120cm 130cm 140cm • Optional extended chest loader pad • Available in anodised black, burnt blue camo or blue bubble For more info check out the website www. spearguns.net or check out the ad in this magazine.
Distributed in Australia by Land and Sea Sports 02 99972288
Liquid Image HD Mask
Keep your hands free as you dive! This is the world’s only dive mask that has an integrated water resistant High Definition 720P digital video camera plus 5.0MP photographs. Operates to a depth of 115ft / 35m and eliminates the need to hand carry an underwater camera. Ideal for scuba diving and may also be used for snorkelling, scuba, spearfishing, and freediving. The goggle lenses are made of tempered glass and have integrated crosshairs that help you line up shots. Turn the Camera on, and choose a mode with the upper button. Simply press the shutter button to record pictures or videos. An LED inside the mask tells you if you are in still image or video mode. Downloading images is as easy as plugging in the mask to your PCs or Macs USB port (RCA/USB cable provided) and pressing the power button. TV playback is also possbile through the RCA/USB cable. The included software (PC only) allows you to edit your content. A microSD/SDHC card slot allows you to add memory up to 16GB currently and expected to accommodate up to 32GB (when available) for additional pictures or videos. Requires four AAA batteries (included). Ages 13 and up.
Distributed in Australia by Active Out There www.activeoutthere.com.au For more info visit www.liquidimageco.com
Seonel Carbon Fibre Fins
Spearfishing Carbon fins are designed for advanced spearfishers. The blade of our Carbon fins is very ‘alive’ and very durable (covered with special protection layer). As material we use hand-laminated multilayer mixture of extra high quality carbon, resins and other chemicals, which are vacuum processed. On the angle added extra rubber reinforcements which decreasing load on the angle. Stereofins Carbon have an angle in front of the blade, which helps you to increase the efficiency of your kicking technique. Blade measures (width x lenght): 22cm x 73cm. Total lenght depends on the footpocket size. Order-based processing allows to modify blade stiffness according to your own personal needs. You can choose within 4 stiffnesses.
Distributed in Australia by jono@seonel.com www.seonel.com