Any advice for a "newbie" spearo?

[Bob]

I'm about try spearfishing for the first time. I've been on trips with spearos before, but all I ever did was try to stay out of the way. I picked up a JBL 38 Special NW and had Sports Unlimited in Gulfport replace the nylon cord with coated cable. Now I'm just waiting for the opportunity to see if I can actually hit anything with it. I decided to start with a smaller gun and get proficient with smaller fish at shorter ranges before I step up to one of the larger guns. Anyone got any tips, hints, advice, prayers for someone who is trying this for the first time?

[MCoop]

First, dont go with frank, I heard he's scaried of barracudas.  Where at in biloxi are you?  You are right by starting small and working your way up, alot of people make the mistake of getting a long riffe, as there first spear gun, which is great if you've got the money for it but thats not the gun you want to start out on because if you drop it or damage it, your not looking at a 500 bucks!  Plus your not going to be shooting those record breaking groupers on your first couple of trips.  Theres plenty of information on the net about spear fishing, http://www.spearboard.com/ is a good website.  The most important thing before I forget is the dive knife, sharp tip is a must because if you fail to get the magical kill shot behind the eye your going to have fight to pull the fish in close and stab it the the brain and to cut your line free if needed.  If your looking for a buddy, get he a call!
Matt

[frankc420]

First off, I know Matt is trying to get a rise out of me with the Barracuda crack.. funny Matt!

Bob, good luck with your fishing, I hope you get a good sized fish on your first trip!  Hitting them isn't hard, knowing to knife them when you do hit one is key though, so Matt's info is spot on.  I was going to recommend spearboard as well, good call Matt!

[MCoop]

Frank
When are you going to use that speargun I let you rob me blind on lol

[frankc420]

Frank
When are you going to use that speargun I let you rob me blind on lol

Since when did it turn from a good deal to me robbing you?

[mulefeathers]

I learned to dive for the sole purpose of shooting fish.  I purchased a JBL Grand Gulf Magnum XHD.  This a perfect starter gun.  Two very important rules for beginners.  One has already been mentioned. Carry a knife with a sharp point.  Two don't shoot anything bigger than you are.  This statement will make you laugh but until you can master the kill shot don't shoot anything that can take to the bottom.  Also put a quick release on that line.  My is installed with a Kevlar line that would be very difficult to cut should a problem arise but with the quick release I let that shaft and fish go. 

Spearfishing is a blast.  Have fun.  Run out to some of the rigs in shallow water dive down and shoot.  You will find it is easier than you think.

[mwhities]

When Frank, Brad and I wet out with Gary, Gary and I were at about 90+-fsw and the fish he shoot was inside the rig tube (the part that goes into the ground). There was a bigger fish in there and Gary handed the gun to me. I tried to get it but, it was smart and kept moving around the tube. I'd see it for a second and then it was gone.

I'd love to try it again. I just need to find out what fish and what size I can shoot. I don't like to shot something I can't eat/have.

If not, I want to dive and watch for sharks. Not in the way to be scared (although I'm sure I would.) but, just to see them. Ohh and I will NOT hold your fish either. You shot it, you carry it...

[Bob]

Hi Matt,
I work in Biloxi and live in St. Martin. Where you at?
Bob

[MCoop]

just messing with ya frank it was a good deal. Bob i live across from the mall theres a lds in gulf shores that has a spearfishing class