Where can you go spearfishing?
Spearfishing is an excellent option for lovers of active recreation, especially those representatives who are not alien to the spirit of adventurism and adventure. A novice underwater hunter still has to familiarize himself with the many intricacies of the chosen direction, collect all the necessary equipment, including a speargun and other necessary things, but first things first.
Collecting the minimum set
Mask. Considering the fact that plastic fogs up in most cases, it is better to give preference to a mask with glass. A tight fit of the mask to the face is one of the most important conditions, so it is highly not recommended to make such a purchase without trying it on.
A tube. It is advisable that it be equipped with a rubber mouthpiece, the use of which is much more comfortable.
Flippers. The main criterion for choosing fins is a clear match with the size of the foot; it is desirable that they be closed and without excessive softness.
Load. To facilitate the diving process, it is good to use a weight belt. You need to select one with the following calculation: zero buoyancy in water or slight flooding in a calm state with full equipment.
Weapon. Experts recommend that every underwater hunter buy an air gun - this is the best option for hunting under stones, in rubble, in thickets, as well as lakes and rivers with visibility of about two meters and sparse vegetation.
What places are suitable for spearfishing?
The opinion that this entertainment is only available in the depths of the sea is wrong; any fresh body of water with clear water will not be a worse alternative. Trying your hand as a novice underwater hunter in your native waters is even better, and a tracked and hit object will give you the most unforgettable and rich sensations.
But first, it’s better to find like-minded people, people with a certain level of experience who are able to share the intricacies of the craft. The most correct and reliable way to find them is through a spearfishing club. Here they will not only share their impressions and delights, but most importantly, experienced instructors will help you in practice understand all the nuances and subtleties of behavior under water and teach other necessary lessons in spearfishing.
Basic steps for beginners
- It is best to start spearfishing under the strict guidance of an experienced instructor (mentor).
- Don’t try to buy yourself equipment “for all occasions,” but select a set consistently and in accordance with the conditions in which you plan to hunt.
- Learn how to properly use the equipment you have - this will help you avoid a lot of troubles and other surprises during spearfishing.
- Be sure to wear waterproof clothing.
- Clearly study the rules of behavior under water and strictly follow the safety rules when spearfishing.
- It is advisable to hunt in pairs.
- Equipment must be prepared in accordance with the selected hunting conditions.
- It is important to keep a diary of activities, training and spearfishing.
- Take your physical fitness seriously; regular exercise training will best prepare your body for diving.
The Moscow region is full of reservoirs that are popular with “tricks”. Basically, these are both large rivers and not so large ones, primarily in the upper and middle reaches. Spearfishing is carried out with great success on the Protva (near the village of Protivino), Lama, the Black River (it flows into the Lama near the village of Osheikino), at the source of the Severka. The Vorya and Tsna rivers are suitable for underwater hunting along their entire length. If you are planning to hunt the Ustani, which flows into the Tsna, you should not go below the second mill dam. At a short distance from the capital, the Domodedovo region, where there is a huge abundance of springs and vegetation, and, accordingly, fish, “dirty tricks” praise Rozhaika. In the Zhukovsky district there is the Bykovka River. And of course the Oka - since in the Moscow region it is quite wide (up to 250 meters) and has an ideal depth for underwater hunting: from one and a half to ten meters. In the Moscow region, underwater fishing for chub and pike is not inferior in effectiveness to fishing in warm waters.
Well, since the depth of the reservoirs cannot be compared with the sea, even novice underwater hunters will be able to swim to the most hidden places, where, as a rule, there are adult and experienced fish. Let's take pike as an example. In most cases, the “tricks” are caught in precisely these places – close to the shore, shallow places, with a large abundance of vegetation, because this predator likes to hide there, waiting for prey. As soon as you see her, you should not make sudden movements, and you should not get as close to her as possible. It is best to shoot from the maximum accessible distance that your gun allows - otherwise the toothy predator will escape, and even so that you will not have time to blink an eye.
Some individuals are quite large in size, and therefore require appropriate weapons to hunt them. The harpoon should best have a single tip, with a hinged tooth. The essence of this choice is obvious: this tip will create the least resistance in the water compared to a trident, and sometimes it is possible to hold prey struggling to the sides with a harpoon with a hinged tooth. Such an inhabitant of the rivers of the Moscow region as the Chub prefers swift, flowing water. It is possible to meet it in places where the river generally has a fairly strong current. And if, in addition to everything, there are bushes growing there (insects falling from them are the chub’s favorite delicacy), then you will find fish in this very place. You need to swim carefully, downstream, without making sudden movements with your fins and extending your hand with the gun.
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Japan
Did you know that 15% of the world's fish comes from Japan? Yes, Japan is a fairly small island, but the people in this country are experts in fish and fishing in general.
Whether you're craving sushi or want to catch mackerel, snapper, Japanese yellowtail or mackerel, head to Japan and you'll have a great time in the company of these creatures. There are many spearfishing companies operating in Zamami and Okinawa, the two main spearfishing destinations in Japan.
Underwater fishing has a long history among the Japanese population. A group of women known as the Ama have been following this tradition since the 18th century and have been catching sea urchins, lobsters and abalones underwater for all these years. This is one of the best places to learn about the history of freediving.
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Required equipment
To start spearfishing, you need the following equipment:
- underwater crossbow or air gun;
- underwater mask;
- breathing tube;
- flippers;
- wetsuit;
- weight belt;
- gloves;
- knife.
Weapons for hunting. Spearfishing guns are a key element in a hunter's equipment. If you are a beginner, then take a modest crossbow - no more than 70 cm in length. It will allow you to hit targets at a distance of 3-4 m, which is more than enough for hunting in muddy rivers and lakes. Such a gun will cost about $130. But you can also find budget models for $80 with a firing range of 1.5 m. Air guns are more serious equipment, difficult to handle and support, and shoot much further. Their cost is from $600. A good option for clear water and large fish. If you are on a limited budget, read how to make a speargun with your own hands.
Mask and snorkel. Before purchasing a scuba mask, try it on. The greater the viewing angle, the better. The mask should fit well to the face. Carry out a test: place the mask on your face without securing it with an elastic band, inhale a little through your nose. If the mask does not fall off, then it is yours. From $50. With a breathing tube, everything is simple: take a regular J-tube. $15