PR trip.

    Hello,
    New to this board. I am currently living in Okinawa, Japan (Navy) and have been spearing here for the past 4 years. Great waters, lots of fish. I lived in PR as a teenager and my Dad still lives there. I am planning a trip next year with some other spero buddies who have since left Okinawa. My Dad has a boat in Fajardo (Isleta Marina) although it is a sailboat but I will probably borrow a friends motor boat. Can anybody recommend some good spots in that area? I used to snorkel and pole spear around Icacos and Palomino when I was a kid but looking for some better water locations with less tourists. Also any hook-ups for charters or shore dives anywhere else around the island is helpful. Now that I am moving back to the States, 2-3 PR trips a year is to be expected. I can always use the excuse of taking the kids to see Abuelito and sneak away for some diving.:thumbsup2:


    Mike

    Welcome to the forum Mike. We have a few guys here spearfishing in PR so hopefully you'll get the info you need.


    Since you're in Okinawa do you know some of the guys posting on spearboard from Okinawa, Kevin, Rob and others?

    Seahunter,
    I know those guys. It is a small spero community here. Those guys get some great fish and are excellent divers.

    Nice pics Mike. As I've mentioned in response to Kevin's posts before that coastline is just the kind of coastline I know and love in Cuba.


    What kind of fish is this? it's beautiful. Is that its normal coloration or a phase?


    That's a coral trout (Akagin in Japanese) and that's its normal color. They beautiful and delicious fish. A fish that size can easily sell for $100.00 to the locals. They consider it the top of the line for sashimi.

    Hey Hoff,
    any probs with Ciguatera as with grouper? I hadn't seen all the spots until I got really close to the screen. That must of been a beautiful fish. What's the minimum size allowed/to catch?

    Toledo,
    There have been a few reports of cig, especially in the bigger grouper. A friend of mine shot a 40 pound grouper and gave to a restaurant owner friend, and the fish put 2 people in the hospital (they knew the risks). There is no size restrictions or closed seasons for fish in Okinawa. The locals will take any size they can with traps and nets. That coral trout is bright orange and covered with many small bright blue spots.

    What was the outcome of that mess where they were going to not allow any spearfishing for you guys?


    I'll bet with regulations like you mentioned the place gets too much pressure and is barren. Are there many Japanese spearfishers? Makes me appreciate seeing you guys with fish. Even if some of them are parrot fish :D

    According to the local fishing associations (Fishing Mafia) they do not allow spearfishing but the authorities turn a blind eye generally but it is getting a little harder. As long as you stay in more remote areas there is generally no problem. Despite the heavy fishing, there are still lots of fish to be had.


    Parrot fish are highly prized fish here. A small one will cost you $20-$30 in a Japanese grocery store. My Mamasan (nanny) loves it when I get her parrot fish. They make great ceviche. I'm not sure if the Atalantic parrot fish taste the same but if they do I may shoot one or two when back in PR if possible. :D

    Hoff,


    If shore diving is your cup-of-tea, I've got you covered. Plenty of muttons, cuberas....and parrotfish! If Marco makes it we'll have a threesome!:D

    THanks for the reply, guys. I will definetely hit you up when I get this trip planned out. I'll be moving to Philadelphia early next year and will missing the water very quickly. :(
    I am excited to see what PR has to offer.

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