Any spearfishermen here?

[Disastrous]

We're off to Corfu sailing in September and I fancied doing a bit of spearfishing whilst I'm there.

Don't really know much about it beyond having done it in Scotland a few times, but intend to order a speargun, have a few goes here first and then take it out with me.

I have some Q's though:

1). What sort of fish should I be aiming for as a beginner around Corfu/North Ionian? I imagine I'll be anchoring up and going off the back of the boat, relatively near to land, if that helps?

2). I'm going to order a 90cm Cressi Comanche. Decent length as a do-it-all gun?

3). Spear tip ok or do I want one of those trident toasting fork things?

4). I wasn't planning on a wetsuit but it occurs to me that it might have camouflage benefits...can you seriously catch anything in skin and boardshorts?

5). Do I need anything else? I have the snorkel kit of fins, mask etc and thought I could live without a weight belt if I don't wear a suit...


Oh, and is it bad for your speargun to shoot a baddie with it out the water?

Ta.

[CR6ZZ]

Used to spearfish years ago. Something to consider is gun vs sling. The gun has more range, but the sling is usually cheaper, easier to reload quickly and (IMHO) more fun and is more of a challenge. Some would argue that you can shoot bigger fish with a gun, but I've seen some pretty decent size fish caught with a sling. Not as easy to shoot a baddie above water with a sling though. Sorry - no idea about likely prey where you are going.

[Robbo66]

I spearfish in the UK regularly, Bass being the main target.

You'll need a license in Europe to spearfish,suggest you check that out. diving with tank and at night is illegal, and a a good thing IMO.

Be very careful regarding Shallow Water Blackout, and always free dive with a buddy.

[Disastrous]

Yup, I'd noted the licence requirement whilst doing a bit of research last night. Hopefully the charter company can organise this in advance.

I've always loved snorkelling/freediving so it seems the next logical step to start catching my own dinner too!

Never tired a sling - they look pretty cool but as you say, baddies...!

[johnfm]

No need for camouflage etc.

Prongs better for small fish.

I doubt you'll be seeing massive grouper or rock cod, so the prongs should be fine. But I've never dived in Corfu so who knows.