Mike McGuire - Spearfishing Manual: Insider Secrets Revealed

Shall I go to heaven or a-spearfishing?

DEDICATION

T o my father who taught me about amazing breathless adventure of spearfishing and peace of mind that is only found underwater.

C rystal clear water. A trophy fish. You, a spear gun and steady nerves . With the advice in this book, some practice and a bit of luck, this can be yours .

Imagine a man in ancient times whose survival depended on his ability to hunt and catch food for the clan. He faced the unknown that was described by myths and legends of horrible creatures lurking in the depths. That same thrill can be achieved today in much the same way by practicing the sport of spearfishing. At the very least, spearfishing pits you, your skills and strength against the speed and agility of fish in their natural habitat. At the extreme, it tests your endurance, courage and willingness to push the limits in pursuit of a prize. It is a truly exhilarating experience of man vs. nature.

Spear fishing has progressed well beyond the use of a sharpened stick to the point that there are now countless types of spears and spear guns on the market made from all sorts of high-tech materials. In spite of the modern science employed in the development of that equipment, however, successful spearfishing still depends on the fitness , abilities and endurance of the fisherman.

Not only does advanced spearfishing require plenty of practice and the development of physical readiness, it is also a sport that demands patience and an in depth knowledge of the behavior of fish, the ability to read the conditions of the water and weather and an understanding of the indications or signs of good fishing spots.

That is not to say, however, that beginners cant enjoy the experience of spearfishing! There are many opportunities to participate in the sport in shallower waters, with experienced guides or good friends who have done it before or after taking some lessons. Spearfishing is a natural extension of snorkeling and freediving so many people get into the sport as a result of their participation in these other activities.

Just as in ages past, spearfishing can be a means to provide food for yourself and your family. It can be done to supplement the food budget or to ensure the highest quality and freshness of the catch. This is a highly sustainable form of fishing since there is no by-catch and only what will be used is taken from the environment.

Spearfishing has also become a competitive sport with countless enthusiasts pitting themselves against one another and the challenges of the ocean to come up with the largest fish in the shortest amount of time. There are plenty of thrills in the hunt for the big one and great camaraderie among the participants.

This book offers a look at various aspects of the sport of spearfishing :

from its rugged beginnings in the ancient and even relatively recent past

as an exciting pursuit or a relaxing pastime

as a skill that is enhanced with tips and suggestions from experienced spearos

as a world-wide phenomenon with great places to enjoy exciting and spectacular spearfishing.

Come and discover the challenging and highly rewarding sport of spearfishing!

S pearfishing is undoubtedly one of the oldest sports in the world. In ancient times, though, it was simply the means of survival for hunters who understood that a tool worked much more efficiently than bare hands. A sharpened stick could be thrown with great speed and accuracy, ensuring a good supply of fish for the family.

Spears, harpoons and tridents have been used for fishing or hunting in the marine environment for thousands of years. Their use has been recorded in cave paintings, biblical descriptions and by ancient historians from many different cultures. In many cases, the actual equipment has not changed much at all!

The catch in those days was limited to the distance a hunter could see and reach into the water. Later, a line was attached to hold the spear after it was thrown. Even then, access to fish and water mammals was minimal since hunting only took place from the relative safety of shore or a simple boat. Many superstitions and legends grew from the experiences of fishermen who tried to challenge deeper water for that elusive great catch.

S pears and harpoons did not change much for countless millennia. Iron tips were added to harpoons in the 1700s and an explosive harpoon gun came along in the later 1800s. This type of large harpoon gun for whale hunting has been immortalized in stories such as Moby Dick . When elastic became available as a commercial product, it was used for personal pole spears and Hawaiian slings as a way to propel the shaft with more power than the human arm.

It was not until the 1940s and 1950s that significant changes were made to this basic fishing spear. At roughly the same time, based on the success of watertight swim goggles, came the modern forms of diving masks, fins and snorkels . A re-breather developed in the 1930s was proven to work quite well during WWII and became the basis for the sport of scuba diving. This technology allowed spear fishermen to stay under water longer and swim greater distances.

M odern technology has brought many changes to the equipment used for spearfishing but the main focus is still on the physical and mental ability of the fisherman. Whether for recreational or competition purposes, the hunter is required to match wits with the fish and overcome the obstacles presented by the ocean to catch and bring in the prize. Tournaments and the posting of record catches provide excitement and draw attention to the sport enticing more and more people to find out more about it. The fact that it is so environmentally friendly with no by-catch or habitat damage also appeals to a growing group of enthusiasts.

Spearfishing has become a popular activity both as a relaxing sport that provides fresh fish for dinner and a competitive endeavor . There are numerous clubs and organizations that promote spearfishing while helping to safeguard the environment and protect species that have become over-fished. Laws limiting the size and number of fish that can be kept and restrictions on the use of powered spears and scuba gear help maintain the challenge of the hunt. In many locations, scuba tanks and pneumatic guns are completely outlawed.

Enthusiasts of spearfishing form a tightly knit community that support one another and promote the fun, excitement and allure of the sport. Safety and responsibility are strongly encouraged to ensure the sustainability of the sport for future generations and maintain the ecological balance of the oceans.