Posts by LunkerBuster

  • recommend a local DIVE SHOP for OWC certification

    i hope you understood my answer was not trying to insult or discourage you, just pointing you t owhere you'd get a better answer.


    to my knowledge OWC is a level of scuba training. there is no certification for freediving but there are instructional classes.


    to learn the ocean i would say go snorkelling with some buddies and bring a camera...try to get as close to fish as you can for good shots and then you can learn the fish ID and sizing while in the water...as a plus , hunting with a camera translates directly to hunting with a gun or spear.

  • Gyotaku- Fish printing

    very nice Ry..you have the face down pat...I think that is the hardest part to do well, nice.


    i also should add that the spear wound is the coolest part of any gyotaku <img src= " height="23" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x"> I have tried to do the wound in red but I am not good with multiple colors yet.


    any tips or tricks you have learned Ry?

  • Gyotaku- Fish printing

    This is thread based on Dan's comment


    Quote from Dan

    I'm thinking of making me a fish stamp. It's a more respectful way of keeping a trophy than having a mount made......


    I completely agree with Dan and got into the art for exactly that reason, so I could preserve my catch and eat it too <img src= " height="23" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x">


    I am an amateur at this but the basic method for it is simple...clean the slime off the fish, dry the fish, paint the fish, press a paper onto the fish, remove, let dry



    that is the WAYYY over simplified version, but it gives us a starting point.


    for starters, materials-
    i use rice paper and soy paint
    I have heard of guys using all sorts or paper from butcher paper to construction paper to bulk banner paper, I like the rice paper but have never used anything else.


    the soy paint because i will be eating the fish after.



    step one- either using a butter knife rubbing with the scales or liberally sprinkling salt and then rubbing it off, remove the fish slime coat and dry the fish...this is super crucial


    many will use cardboard, sponge and pins to hold the fins away from the body and make the ornamental flairs stand up, this enhances the print but is a more advanced move


    mix the paint and water to thin it slightly ( not all paint will need to be thinned, experiment) then using a brush, sponge or finger, paint the fish...there are pros and cons to all the methods, i hope a better printer will add their thoughts


    once the fish is painted, starting at the highest point of the fish lay your paper on the fish, following the contours of the fish down it's body as you go with your fingers....do not push or move the paper, just tap it into place...i use a small pencil's eraser for the tight spots like gill plates or eyes.


    carefully remove the print and let dry...


    I make a few from each fish so I can get better as I am a total newb



    this is a picture that shows one of my first prints...sorry it is not such a great pic..please add better pics as you share you gyotaku skills and tips


  • Rash guard / suit

    steven...i know yazbeck, and RealSea both make a lycra pant in their camo colors and I think that Rob Allen and spetton make nice 1.5 oz? lycra bottoms too...something to consider as well

  • Polespears and slings

    this is a thread to talk about your quiver of polespears or slings. What do you have, what do you like.


    Homemade slings and spears get extra credit <img src= " height="23" srcset="https://spearfishing.world/forum/images/smilies/emojione/1f606@2x.png 2x">


    I have


    1) 6 ft fiberglass "sea hornet" style spear w 6mm shank


    my first spear and my first underwater hunting device- this spear has taken a LOT of fish and taught me a LOT more. if you are using a three prong or a slip tip and you know to wrap the sling, this can be a deadly and effective reef dinner tool.


    2) 8ft Gatku spear w para tip


    This spear is all about speed, it is super easy to dive with, moves really fast side to side and hits hard given the limited draw length...the only thing I dont like about this spear is I cannot power it up extra if the situation demands...the front end will not support a long draw to the tip as a lot of other spears will.


    3) 6 ft Freedivers unlimited CF spear


    This is a great spear except for the 6mm shank. which is fixed into the spear D'oh!! I got this spear for a steal so I wasn't going to bitch about the shank but it is a huge flaw in the design. As a result I will only use this spear with a slip tip which limits it's usfulness a little. this spear hits like a ton of bricks and is a tremendous spear. I 100% recommend the new ones with the removable / replaceable shankl


    4) ray Odor 6ft solid alum spear w 13" shank + 2 ft extension


    I have only used this spear a few times and I got it cos i wanted a spear that broke down so I could keep it on the yak for those days when all the fish are small and you dont want to spend the afternoon reloading. I find it a bit slow but still faster than any gun as far as tracking in the water and it hits really hard in the first 25" which is were most of my shots are taken.




    I also have a sling that I made at the second Blue Wild with Art Pinder's help. I have never used it but I treasure it for it's sentimentality



    pics to follow in a little