Great ideas Don. I've never thought of using those techniques but am really interested in trying them out. We've got huge AJ's in VA/NC that are very friendly- no gloves required. Look forward to seeing these yellowtail I've heard many stories about...
Thanks! Pics of the trip will be posted up on the DFAC site and facebook page.
I would buy a few pairs of white cotton gloves. Wear one on the non gun hand and just open and close the hand and extend the fingers till they come over to take a closer look, big
AJ 's like this too. Keep the gun tucked into the body and only extend to make the shot, if curious the fish will get very close, don't be in a hurry and try to only shoot the one in front of the tip, not one that may be bigger.
Cheers, Don Paul
Something like this?
A few years back I was on scuba on a deeper wreck in VA and found an old, untethered lobster cage stocked full of large tog and black sea bass. Could have stayed there and taken them all one by one, but I did my good deed and busted it open to set them free... But then there was the moral dilemma as I had a gun in my hand. Just didn't feel right shooting them as they were very cautiously leaving their cage. I gave them a solid head start, and felt great about that dive.
I've seen plenty of wounded fish and it is indeed interesting how they manage to get along. I'm usually inclined to give them a free pass too.
30 min drive! I use a 60" and a 130" gun for all apllications, a 55" /120 would be a nice choice for reef and around the rocks. Your set up seems just right for me.
Perfect! Thanks for the good input :thumbsup2:
i really dont think you need it.
how much does the gun weigh without the shaft?
8lbs, without shaft.
It all has to do with the gun and how it is ballasted and balanced. It can be done. Griswold makes some exceptional hybrids, but they are far removed from most of what you see.
I'd be really interested to see one of his hybrid builds to see how they differ.
I definitely need to go against my instincts when shooting them and aim higher than what I feel is necessary.
That is exactly how I feel. I've been using the triangulation method as you described. Really wish it was more instinctive, but I will stick with it for a while and hopefully it will become natural with time.
I definitely feel that 4 bands is way too much power for a 7.5mm shaft, especially on a hybrid.
What about special occasions with an 8mm shaft?
interesting! who makes it, is it for american mechs and is it coated or ss?
some pics would be appreciated
Wong and Mako have the American mech'd shafts in 7.5mm
Riffe and Mako have the Euro shafts in 7.5mm
Maybe some others too I would suspect?
3mm open cell is the way to go
I sure was hoping so :thumbsup2:
(I am a bit of a wimp though, so may need to bring a backup 5mm in case)
Your set up seems just right. Tim at Palapas Ventana is the man. He will put you into some great fish that´s for sure. The place is paradise and the casitas very comfortable, yu will enjoy some serious YT and pargo action. Enjoy. If you need something when you´re around, shoot me a p.m and I´ll be glad to help.
Thanks- really can't wait! Glad to hear the setup is right. Is there any need for a <120cm gun? Really don't want to pack another.
How near are you to La Ventana?
FYI - Palapas is in La Ventana, which is about 35-40 minutes from La Paz, from what I understand. I'm still doing my research, but Monster Slayer (on this board) gave me some great advice.
I've heard great things about Palapas Ventana! DFAC will also be spending a day in LaPaz helping out a local children's home. Pretty cool deal...
I've never been anywhere in Baja, so really looking forward to the trip!
Display Moreeverything sounds good and like don said you wont need the shark shield unless it makes you feel better. bring flashers tough.
as for the hybrid, i would shoot it with 3 bands. sounds like the yellow tail season is in full swing and you deffinetely won't need 4 bands for that.
whats a 19/64 shaft?
have fun and post pics.
Thanks Steve, I will definitely post some pics.
I was wanting to leave the shark shield behind anyway. I actually rarely use it, however, there have been a few times that it did make me feel better 
19/64 = 7.5mm
Really looking forward to spearing my first YT!
I'll chime in after work to night, but I would not bother with the Shark Shield.
Cheers, Don
Thanks Don- I really value your input.
Also, I should mention that the Big Daddy hybrid is new to me, and my first mid-handle. I've only had limited time in the pool to get accustomed to it. It is definitely not as natural to me to aim as my rear handles are. It (seems) to shoot very low so it is a challenge to aim as high as necessary to hit my target.
I suspect it is over-powered with x4 5/8" bands, but doesn't seem to shoot much differently than using only 3, and the builder insisted it was built for that kind of power. Is this typical of hybrids and just something that I'll have to adapt to? It is a very solid gun with zero flex whatsoever at full power with all bands...
I've done a lot of looking around the forum to learn as much as possible. It seems the general consensus is that hybrids especially shouldn't be overpowered in order to shoot well. But then again, it seems many feel they personally don't shoot well with them anyway?
Overall, I love the gun and am willing to and think I can adapt to shoot it well. Any recommendations on setup for this particular gun would also be very helpful!
*I know I probably should have started a separate thread just on this topic alone, so please feel free to move it to another area if necessary.
Hello all,
I am getting ready for my first trip to LaPaz the week after next and could use some advice from those that have experience in that area. I'll be at Palapas Ventana with 'Diving for a Cause'. I need some specific gear and setup recommendations as my hunting experience so far has been limited to east coast diving.
Here's what I intended to bring, but would appreciate any suggestions you guys have. If you would recommend something else that I may need (or don't need), please share. Specific input would be greatly appreciated!
60" Big Daddy hybrid
x2 5/16" shafts (x1 w/slip tip & SS shooting line; x1 w/flopper & mono)
x2 19/64" shafts (x1 w/slip tip & SS shooting line; x1 w/flopper & mono)
Riffe Euro 120
Riffe Euro 100 (for the girlfriend)
11 ltr Technosport float
35 ltr RA hippo float
60' floatline
10' bungee
Neptonic break away
Reel w/2.2mm line (can be interchanged b/w BDC and Riffe)
3mm or 5mm wetsuit???
Shark Shield (I don't like to wear it, but it has saved my butt a few times in Hatteras/Bahamas. Typically hang it from my float though. Necessary?)
Flashers?
Also, should I bring my Omer 90cm if viz is poor or for reef hunting? Will the 120 be too long for some applications there? Would like not to bring the 90 if I can get away with it, but don't wanna get slapped either for stealing my girlfriend's 100. :nono:
Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I feel like I've come to the right place for great input.
Thanks again!
Ben
Thanks guys!
@Don - I was born in Groton, but my dad was in the Navy, so I got accustomed to moving around a lot- thankfully always near the water:) Yea, I'd be happy to sport the "new" logo.
Ryddragyn - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel produces a LOT of fish and is quite fun! Vis is generally not great, but I'm guessing you're used to that if you're diving the rivers. The Chesapeake Light Tower is also decent, but that is still ~15 miles offshore. Where the heck did you dive in C-ville? Spearfishing? I only dive the Nottoway on scuba for fossils, and always wish I had a polespear with me when the big catfish swim by;)
Hello all!
Just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself and say hi. Have been lurking around this forum for a couple months now actually... I've really enjoyed the dialogue and have learned from many of your posts. With Dan's encouragement after a recent wetsuit purchase, I figured I step on over the fence. :clap2:
I'm from Connecticut originally, but I live in Virginia Beach and dive/spearfish primarily offshore Hatteras, Morehead City, and Virginia. Also spend a lot of time diving the murky, but fun Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. I started diving with my dad when I was still in diapers. Do a lot of scuba as well, but really enjoy the additional challenges and freedom of freediving.
Btw Dan, just got my wetsuit in on Friday (Pursuit Reef 3mm) and it is even nicer than I expected. Buttery smooth and fits perfectly. Excellent communication and customer service as well- thanks! Was surprised however that there was no logo on it? I'm sure it's gonna be a real PITA to answer all the "hey what kinda suit is that?" questions on the boat this season. Was that intentional? What kind of suit is it anyway?? I look forward to diving with it in the Bahamas next week. Will be staying on Long Island right near Dean's Blue Hole. :thumbsup2: Hope to bring back some good stories to share with you all...
-Ben Hyson
