Posts by polegun8

I have a slip tip for my pole spear coming this week from Ray Odor. I continue to swimming pool train up here in the Atlanta area in order to be fit enough when I get down to South Florida, my old stomping grounds, later this year. I am using my new Cressi Gara 2000 HF's. I really like them, but they do require some leg strength. I'm getting there. I sure will be glad to trade the pool for the ocean. Imagine, raised in the ocean, stuck in Atlanta, reduced to a freaking swimming pool. How did this happen to me?

I can add to the hand in the water bite.

Once while visting family in Key West, we took a boat ride through the canals where my family lived. Our 7 year old daughter was trolling with a lure for fun. Sure enough she caught a small cuda less than 1 foot long. When we got back to our dock, I put the almost 1 footer in the water and was moving it back and forth to get air to it's gills, then just as I was releasing it, and before my hand was out of the water, a two footer hit the 1 footer with lightening speed, cutting it in half, and barely missing my hand by about 1 inch. The larger cuda never did come back to eat the smaller one after leaving it in two pieces.
That was the first time I had ever experienced something like that.

A float line. Something as simple as that. Funny how back in the 50's and 60's we didn't think of that. I guess that's how progress is, nobody thinks about it until somebody does it. Then everyone scratches their heads wondering why it took so long to think of it. lol
More than once I have passed on a shot simply because I didn't want to risk loosing my gun. Of course, in the old days we would have used a powerhead at the drop of a hat on certain species, such as Jew fish.
Don't sweat the Cudas. They are just a curious fish for the most part. Key words, "for the most part", ha

Stupid hogs works for me. I have been away from diving for a long time, training (swimming) now with mask, snorkel and fins to get "ocean ready" by May. I used to love to shoot hogfish and can barely wait to start doing that again. The dumber the better, lol

Ben Choi, thanks for the response. How is close in water vis in May June? Thanks

I won't beat around the bush. I have over 20 years of freediving / spearfishing experience, but I live in the Atlanta, GA area. No ocean, It sucks !!!!! No big boat !!!!
I need to find some spearfishing guys or gals who have room on the boat for 1 more, diving in Southwest coast of Florida somewhere.. I would be using a pole spear. Prefer shallow water, but I am open. Thanks.

Nice fish. Between Tampa and Clearwater, I hear there are a lot of hogfish. Also, I hear that you have to go far far out to get into deep water. I was wondering how close to shore hogfish can be found in decent numbers? Also, what would the water depth average at 1 mile out? 3 miles? Thanks.

That is actually why we left them alone. The thought being that when speared they go nuts, and if it runs into you it is probably going to bite you.

Quote from Dan

Thread moved to the wetsuit section.

Here in Miami area rashguard for the summer. For winter diving a 3mm 2 piece open cell inside, lined outside wetsuit.

Thanks Dan. Any company you might reccomend? I've been away from the diving scene for so long, I no longer know the best places to buy, except I did discover Ray Odor for pole spears.

Quote from Wishihadgills

To prevent sunburn a simple lycra rash guard will work. If you want a little protection from coral and jellyfish then a lined 1.5 mil neoprene shirt would be what you want. I wear a shirt and the scrapes on it will more than attest to its usefulness. That being said Ill probably get a lycra shirt this summer for the really hot days.

Thanks for the info. Is there a company you might suggest?

I am returning to freediving and spearfishing later this Summer after a long long absence. In my day back in the 1960's and 70's it was a bathing suit and maybe a t-shirt. Today, a lot of people wear a camo rash guard or wet suit. I was wondering what I should consider getting for South Florida warm water diving? If anyone has suggestions, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

Papaa, thanks. Good to be aboard.

Thanks Don.

Thanks alot, I feel like I have been the prodical son to a great degree. I was raised up right by my father, who was the best diver I have ever known, and I have known some good ones. He could free dive 100 feet and take a fish. I moved to Georgia for the love of a woman, and never left. Still happy with her, but Georgia was a mistake. No oceans in Atlanta. Don't move here !!
But I am finally coming back home. Thanks to all for a warm welcome. I am interested in finding new spearfishing buddies in the South Florida area on a "split the expenses" kind of arrangement. I mainly want to shoot some hogs, but I am open to blue water drift palegic as well. If it's clear warm water and fish, I'm in.

Sorry for the double post

Rick, Seems we are in the same boat. I have over 20 years experience but stopped diving for about as long. Buying new gear and training now for a return to South Florida diving in May or June. I'll dive with you.

Rick, seems we are in the same boat. I have over 20 years experience, but like you I stopped diving for about as long. Buying gear and training now for a return to the South Florida area, with a dream of going spearfishing in the Bahamas before too much time passes. I'll dive with you.

Hello. A quick introduction here. I am new to the forum. I grew up in Florida Keys and Pensacola diving and spearfishing. Moved to Georgia as a young adult (what was I thinking?) I've been in Georgia for too many years. After a long absense, I am returning to freediving and spearfishing this Summer. May put together a small spearfishing group here in the Atlanta area. I have to return to the sea. I just can't stand to be away any longer. Targeting May or June for the first South Florida trip. I am currently training in a large swimming pool as best I can to get fit enough for ocean diving. Making fast progress. I guess the muscles remember. While I started diving before most of you were born, I am having to relearn the sport as it is done today, so I am open to any and all suggestions. Thanks. Polespears were called poleguns in my day, hence the handle.