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Spearfishing for beginners. Spearfishing for beginners: The first steps of a beginner's trick

Spearfishing is considered a type of fishing, but requires much more endurance and physical fitness. Hunting using scuba gear will be considered poaching in the territory of the Russian Federation, so you have to rely only on a snorkel and dive while holding your breath. Before you start fishing under water, you should study how the legislation regulates this area, what you need to prepare and what precautions to take.

Going on spearfishing, you should study the legislation that is established for fishing in the area where the fisherman will hunt. In many subjects of the Russian Federation, special restrictions have been adopted on the amount of catch that one person can catch in a certain time. There are also special protected natural areas and reservoirs where fishing is completely prohibited. You can not hunt near hydroelectric power stations and dams.
Also, each region sets periods when spearfishing and fishing are generally prohibited due to the start of fish spawning. There may be restrictions on hunting for certain types of fish in a particular period, or species that are completely prohibited for catching in a given area. All this should be known in advance, usually fishing communities and associations have such information in the place where it is supposed to hunt under water.
A harpoon and an underwater gun are allowed as hunting equipment. Forbidden:

Some types of networks;
Any toxic substances;
Stunning devices (dynamite or batogs, electromagnetic devices) and other gear that contribute to the massive simultaneous capture of several specimens.

Restrictions also apply to such things as the distance at which the fisherman's vehicle is located from the water, the place for making fires. You should carefully study the legislative framework for being in a natural zone in the area where hunting takes place.
For violating the laws governing hunting, you can be charged with poaching or damaging nature and receive a fine or imprisonment.
Going to spearfishing in another country, all the more it should be taken into account that there may be their own, rather complex and strict laws governing its implementation. At fishing forums, you can get acquainted with the experience of predecessors, find information about local guides, instructors, companies that provide spearfishing services for tourists. To protect yourself from a possible violation of the law, you should go hunting in other countries with a local escort.

Equipment selection

In order to fully engage in hunting under water, it is necessary to have special equipment that protects the body and organs of the fisherman from the potential dangers that accompany this type of activity.
So, for successful spearfishing you will need:

mask,
snorkel,
wetsuit,
belt,
flippers and socks.

The mask is a very important piece of equipment for spearfishing. How well the hunter will navigate underwater depends on its quality. It should fit as tightly as possible to the face, not letting water through, not fogging up, providing a good, wide view. The most commonly used material is rubber or silicone.
Some modern models for hunting are equipped with glasses that allow you to see the object at a longer distance. Before purchasing a mask, you need to try it on, to understand whether it is comfortable in it, whether something interferes. For effective spearfishing, you need equipment that is as comfortable and appropriate to the structure of the body as possible, so that nothing distracts or interferes with the process.
The breathing tube allows you to go under water for a long time, but not deep, remaining near the surface. This will help to look around, assess the situation around the place where the hunt takes place. The mouthpiece should be comfortable and convenient, not slip, not be hard. Hunters are advised to choose tubes with a silicone mouthpiece.
If spearfishing takes place in winter, then the upper part of the tube must be closed with a valve so that when the hunter dives, cold water does not penetrate to his teeth.
Another thing you need to be under the surface of the water is a wetsuit. It doesn’t matter if spearfishing takes place in winter or summer, a wetsuit protects not only from freezing. Although in the warm season, the temperature at the surface and closer to the bottom of the reservoir can vary greatly. Also, this piece of equipment for spearfishing protects against damage, scratches, burns from burning plants and fish.
Suits for spearfishing can be:

wet
dry.

Wet neoprene suits let some water in, but allow the body to breathe. At the same time, they tightly fit the figure of a person, so a very small amount of water really gets in, and it has time to quickly warm up, thanks to body temperature. The material of the suit is very elastic and does not hinder movement during the hunt, the hunter gets tired less. Before putting on a wet suit for spearfishing, it needs to be slightly wetted with water, which is why its name arose. The thickness of the neoprene depends on the temperature of the water - the colder it is, the thicker the suit should be for hunting.
Dry suits for spearfishing can be made of rubber-trimmed fabric or rubber sheeting. Water does not get inside, but it is necessary to wear warm clothes under the suit so as not to freeze. Such a suit is suitable even for winter spearfishing - you need to buy it several sizes larger in order to put on good warm clothes under it.
Wetsuits are stored in a suspended state, it is better not to fold them and not expose them to sunlight, cold, dampness. After hunting, the suit should be washed and allowed to dry.
Zero buoyancy of the hunter's body is a necessary condition for spearfishing. In order for a person to be able to freely regulate his position in the water column, a load is needed. Most often, a special belt is used, which is worn over the suit. This is an ordinary belt with lead plates of various weights and sizes attached to it. Also, for hunting, various Velcro compensators are used, which are attached to the suit, but they are not as effective as a belt.
In order for a person to move easily and silently during underwater fishing, you need to purchase high-quality fins. Fins should not press, compress the feet too much, have any damage, protruding defects that may interfere with the swimmer, cause discomfort. The greater the depth to which the hunter dives, and the stronger the current in the hunting place, the stiffer the fins should be. It is necessary to wear neoprene socks under the fins so as not to rub your feet and to protect yourself from the cold, you should immediately measure the fins on your socks to understand how comfortable they will be during spearfishing.
You may also need gloves or mittens - so that your hands do not rub while hunting with a gun or harpoon, as well as to protect against the cold.

Weapons and useful equipment

Spearfishing is unthinkable without a weapon, it must be chosen depending on the experience, physical capabilities and preferences regarding the method of extraction during the hunt of the inhabitants of the underwater world.
The main types of weapons that can be used in spearfishing:

crossbow,
pneumatic gun,

A fairly simple to use and effective spearfishing weapon is a crossbow. It is also suitable for those who are just starting to master underwater fishing. Its action is provided by rubber rods. For beginners, it is better to choose shorter models for hunting - no more than 70 cm.
The crossbow is most effective in clear water. The range of destruction of underwater production is up to 4 m.
An air gun is another type of weapon that shoots thanks to compressed air, which pushes the arrow under pressure. This is a very popular and effective weapon for spearfishing. For beginners, guns of about 50 cm are recommended. Guns can be used in almost any conditions, they give a good catch. You need to recharge them in water.
A knife is a faithful companion for underwater hunting and any other, it must be reliable, sharp, with a blade length of at least 11 cm. The knife must sit firmly in the sheath during hunting. With it, you can not only finish off and remove the fish from the harpoon, but also cut the nets that the fisherman can get into, get out or get weapons from the reeds, sedge thickets.
Also useful during spearfishing will be a device called a kukan. This is a snap-on cord with a needle at one end to put on a caught fish. Kukan is attached to the belt of an underwater fisherman.
A powerful waterproof flashlight with a rope for tying to a belt will also come in handy.
Spearfishing will be effective when the hunter learns to handle weapons and equipment. Don't expect a big catch the first time.

What else does a hunter need to know before heading to a pond? First of all, you need to prepare for scuba diving and make sure that the skills of a swimmer and a diver are at the proper level.
When hunting in the water, the following rules must be observed:

Carefully monitor the time during which the fisherman is in the water column. You can not stay at a depth until the last moment, when it is already difficult without air, otherwise you can lose consciousness.
If water vehicles may appear on the surface, then care must be taken not to surface close to them and not to hit the blades or collide with them.
Unloading a gun during spearfishing is possible only in water.
Having wounded a large fish, you can not swim up to it immediately.
Spearfishing in waters that are too overgrown, with a lot of obstacles, is dangerous, it is better to avoid such places.
Immersion must be done only on inspiration.
When hunting, you should be guided by your level of experience and training and not perform complex dives and other actions for which there is not enough knowledge and skills.

Spearfishing can become an interesting and exciting activity when the fisherman masters the basic rules and techniques. Then he can use the numerous tips of the same enthusiastic hunters, which will help to increase the catch and hunting efficiency. The most famous of them:

The most favorable time for spearfishing is in the morning.
It is more convenient to dive with legs bent at the knees, head down. Then, in the water, the legs straighten sharply.
They approach fish on the hunt, taking a horizontal position in the water.
When hunting, it is better to aim at the head and sides of the fish.
It is better to approach the fish, being slightly above or below it. The closest she gets to her is when she eats.
When hunting under water, you need to move as silently as possible so as not to scare away the fish.

In case of injury, loss of consciousness and other emergencies, you should immediately seek medical help. Therefore, you should not hunt alone, it also does not hurt to learn the rules of first aid.
Knowing the basic rules of spearfishing is necessary in order to spend time with benefit and not be in danger. Having mastered everything that a beginner needs, the fisherman will soon begin to get great pleasure from the process, because this is a really exciting and gambling pastime. After all, it is no coincidence that entire championships and competitions in this sport are organized.

Before engaging in spearfishing in practice, it is imperative to acquire at least basic theoretical knowledge. To do this, you should contact clubs specializing in spearfishing or diving centers.

What will be taught:

Fundamentals of legislation and regulations in the field of spearfishing;
Fundamentals of proper diving;
The basics of scuba diving;
Fundamentals of handling gear and equipment used in spearfishing, their storage and maintenance;
Basics of actions in various kinds of situations, etc.

It is also better to start spearfishing not alone, but under the guidance of an experienced mentor who can give the right advice and help if necessary.

Where can you go spearfishing

Reservoirs located in the zones of reserves, national parks, etc.
In places of "wintering pits".
Locations with strong currents.

It is best to hunt on rivers or other large bodies of water.

On rivers:

First of all, you need to identify places with a "difference": pits, depressions. With abundant algae, you need to inspect the "windows";
In parts where a natural dam has formed, there is usually a high concentration of fish.

Large reservoirs:

As in rivers, in large reservoirs it is necessary to identify places with “differences”. For example, the habitat of catfish are various pits and depressions.
Along the coast, where bushes hang over the water; at cliffs and places of confluence of streams.

In summer, it is worth hunting in the deeper layers of the reservoir, at night - closer to the shore

Clothes for spearfishing

Considering immersion in water, one of the main attributes of spearfishing is a wetsuit:

Suits 5 mm thick are suitable for warmer seasons.
Suits 7 mm thick are suitable for cold seasons. Also, they are considered the most practical.
Suits with a thickness of more than 9 mm are designed for winter spearfishing.

There are such basic types of wetsuits as:

Dry.
Wet.

Wetsuits "dry" classification:

Wetsuits of this classification are used mainly by experienced divers, taking into account long and deep diving. Such suits are less convenient to use, and in operation, you need to be as careful as possible when handling the suit.

Wetsuits of "wet" classification:

The composition of the suit includes elastic and heat-insulating materials that completely fit the contour of the body. This type of wetsuit is recommended due to the presence of pores.

Through the pores, the suit adheres tightly to the body, which prevents the possibility of water penetration. The main feature of the costume is also its softness, the possibility of free breathing, free action during a long stay under water.

The characteristic name of the "wet" suit was due to the fact that it needs to be moistened with water when dressing. Otherwise, it will be problematic to put on a suit.

In the case of spearfishing in areas with reeds and snags, it is recommended to wear a set of sportswear made of strong nylon over the suit to protect it from damage.

When choosing a suit, you need to pay attention to the absence of excessive compression. After use, the suit must be rinsed with clean water. The costume is stored in a suspended state. The suit should be protected from direct exposure to the sun or cold.

For spearfishing, neoprene socks are required - they are needed to prevent rubbing of the legs on fins and freezing of the limbs. Socks are short, which are worn on the feet and elongated, taking into account the coverage of the shins. The thickness of the socks must match the suit and hunting conditions. For example, in winter it is recommended to select socks with a thickness of at least 1 cm. But, nevertheless, the determination of the thickness should proceed depending on the thickness of the suit as a whole.

Gloves and mittens - when choosing them, you should pay attention to the convenient location on the hand and integrity. In summer, it is recommended to choose gloves 3 mm thick, in spring and autumn - 5 mm thick. In the winter months, gloves or mittens are used, the thickness of which is more than 7 mm.

hunting equipment

Fins are purchased depending on the size of the foot and socks. Should be with closed heel pieces. For beginner spearfishers, it is recommended to purchase fins with soft blades. It is forbidden to allow compression of the feet with flippers. Otherwise, the legs will freeze, cramps may occur.

Masks are an integral part of spearfishing. When choosing masks, you need to pay attention to:

Waterproof.
No sweating.
Maximum view of the water space.

The mask must provide nasal compression due to the need to equalize pressures at increasing depths of immersion. When choosing a suitable mask, you definitely need to try it on.

Choosing a tube does not require much effort. Here you need to pay attention to the fact that the mouthpiece of the tube does not pop out of the mouth during breathing.

A belt with a load is used for diving. For beginners, it is recommended to use rubber belts with lead weight pads that do not interfere with breathing. To select the right load, you need to proceed from the thickness of the suit. For example, with a suit with a thickness of up to 5 mm, the load should not exceed 8 kg. The thicker the suit, the more weight should be applied.

Spear gun. According to their characteristics and effectiveness, there are the following types of guns:

"Crossbow" - guns equipped with rubber-based rods. For beginner spearfishers, it is preferable to use crossbows, the length of which does not exceed 70 cm. The peculiarity of crossbows lies in their simplicity. They are used in lake and sea reservoirs with the presence of clear water. A very effective action is performed within a radius of 4 m.

"Pnevmat" - pneumatic guns. Both types of weapons provide powerful shots. As a rule, for beginner spearfishers it is recommended to use guns with a length of more than 50 cm. Such guns are easy to operate, reliable and guarantee successful hunting with a probability of up to 90%. Effectively used in almost all water bodies. In the case of hunting in reed and stone reservoirs, the length of the weapon should be no more than 80 cm. The gun must be loaded or unloaded only in water.

It is an indispensable element of equipment for an underwater hunter at all times, regardless of the characteristics of the aquatic environment and fishing. Knives with both sharp sides - stilettos - are the most recommended. The location of the knife is the inner part of the lower leg, to prevent interference and “hooks” on algae.

Kukan is a mandatory attribute. With it, you can bind prey to yourself. A flashlight for hunting under water is used in night spearfishing, or in hunting, taking into account the recesses and caves in the relief of the reservoir.

When choosing a flashlight, you should pay attention to:

Complete lack of water permeability.
Design reliability.
Working hours.
light power.
Equipped with a strong cord for fastening.

How to increase the catch of fish?

For 7 years of active passion for fishing, I have found dozens of ways to improve the bite. Here are the most effective ones:

Biting activator. This pheromone additive lures fish the most in cold and warm water. Discussion of the Hungry Fish bite activator.
Raise gear sensitivity. Read the appropriate manuals for the particular type of tackle.
Lures based pheromones.

Rules

In spearfishing, there are inherent safety rules that should not be neglected:

You should control the time spent under water.
Pay attention to the presence of boats, scooters and other technical means of navigation on the surface of the water so as not to get hit.
Do not unload your gun out of water.
Do not immediately swim up to a large fish that has been shot.
Do not give weapons to people who do not have sufficient skills to handle them safely.
Do not dive to great depths without experience and self-confidence.
Never dive on an exhalation;
Avoid hunting in places with significant underwater vegetation or debris - this can lead to loss of orientation.

To improve hunting efficiency:

During the dive, the legs should be bent at the knees. After diving head down, the legs should be sharply straightened, which contributes to rapid penetration into the depths.
Swim up to the fish should be in a horizontal position of the body.
The head and sides of the fish are the most vulnerable and ensure its immediate immobilization in places for a shot.
For novice hunters, the recommended diving depth is 7-8 meters.
An effective catch depends on the execution of a careful, silent and smooth movement of the hunter.
You can swim closer to the fish while feeding it.
Swim up to the fish a little higher or lower than its location - so the perception of the hunter will be minimal;
The most effective is hunting in places of clearings existing in dense aquatic vegetation;
Morning is the best time to organize spearfishing.

Actions in emergency situations:

In case of falling into fishing nets, it is not recommended to make sudden movements, which can cause more entanglement. In this case, you need to use a knife;
In case of cramps, it is recommended to lie on your back. For at least 2 minutes, you need to massage the painful area with your hands and, if possible, move towards the coast with even and smooth movements.
In the case of a gunshot wound, the first thing to try is the level of penetration of the arrow. If the damage is superficial, it can be carefully removed. The wound site must be treated with an antiseptic, apply a sterile bandage, then consult a doctor. In case of serious damage, seek medical attention immediately.
In case of loss of consciousness, the victim must be taken out to land, laid on his back, his head thrown back, freed from confining clothing. Try to bring to life with ammonia or vinegar. Check the oral cavity, nasal passages for the possibility of free breathing. If necessary, perform artificial respiration and chest compressions. Contact the doctors.

Peculiarities

Depending on the reservoir and the season, spearfishing has its own characteristics:

Fresh waters: here it is worth examining the edge of the vegetation, plunging close to the bottom.
Rivers: you have to move along the stream.
Seas: hunting is carried out closer to the bottom, with the presence of some kind of shelter nearby.
Season: the seasons also affect spearfishing.

1. Winter time

The fish is mostly passive, the reaction is more calm.
The water is clear, which increases visibility and makes finding fish easier.
The possibility of using long crossbows, the advantage of which is the production of silent, well-aimed and light shots

Flaws:

Covering the surface of the water with ice.
Lowering fish to considerable depths.
chance of hypothermia.

"Equipment":

A wetsuit must be chosen with a thickness of more than 10 mm. At minimum water temperature, it is recommended to use thermal underwear under the suit.
The choice of gloves or mittens should be based on a thickness of at least 5 mm.
As for socks, they should be a centimeter thick.
The presence of cargo should not exceed 15 kg.
To prevent freezing of the face, it is recommended to choose one-piece masks, with open parts for the eyes, mouth and nose.

2. Spring time

Spearfishing in spring is short due to snowmelt and a ban due to fish spawning.
Given the low water temperature, a 10 mm thick wetsuit is selected. Arrows with hooking limbs or guns are used, the length of which should not exceed 50 cm. In general, the equipment should correspond to the winter counterpart.
In reservoirs with stagnant water, spearfishing can be limited to a depth of 1.5 meters. As a rule, hunting is mainly carried out in an upright position. Based on this, the blades of the fins should be of medium size.

3. Summer time

Summer is considered the hot season for spearfishing. Places are selected where the level of visibility is the highest, and the depth varies from 2 to 4-5 meters.
Given the warm water, there is no particular need for a wetsuit. You can dive into the water in a T-shirt and shorts. But, nevertheless, there are varieties of costumes designed for the summer. Similar are the costumes made in a separate way. Positive visibility allows the use of guns, the length of which can exceed 1 m in length.

4. Autumn time

Autumn is characterized by the passivity of fish and preparation for winter. Hunting is carried out at a depth of about 3 meters. The search for fish occurs among vegetation, among snags or in depressions.

Times of Day: Spearfishing is mostly organized during the daytime. But there are also night types of spearfishing.

Positive Features:

High chance of catching big fish.
There are no risk factors for collision with technical navigation aids.
Lack of cases prevent fishermen fishing with rods.
At night, there is no wind, which contributes to the close movement of fish to coastal shallows.
The ability to use flashlights, which makes tracking and hunting easier.

Negative features:

The lantern takes his free hand. A constantly outstretched hand gets tired and when making shots, there may be misfires if you do not support the weapon with your second hand.
Difficult reproduction of concentration on the target due to the monotonous water background, difficult separation of fish from vegetation.
The probability of entangling the ropes of the kukan, the lantern and the fish itself.
Orientation difficulties, as a result of which there is a possibility of entanglement in networks, falling into underwater rubble, ending up in the branches of flooded trees
The equipment is "on duty", as in all cases. But the most important are the presence of a lantern and a knife.

Legal regulation

To conduct spearfishing, you must obtain a certificate "underwater hunter".
Spearfishing is prohibited in the areas of reserves, national parks under state supervision and during the seasons of prohibitions in case of fish spawning.
Spearfishing, organized closer than 500 meters to locks, dams and in the pits of wintering fish pits, is also punishable by law.
Spearfishing implies the absence of an autonomous breathing apparatus.

For spearfishing, the use of the following equipment is allowed:

Hand harpoons, harpoons with tips.
Underwater weapons.

In order to prevent collisions with technical equipment, a signal buoy must be left at the dive site.
Excessively long stay under water contributes to the cooling of the body, which leads to spasms of the glottis, the outcome of which may be respiratory arrest.
Before diving, be sure to check the tightness of the suit.

Required maximum concentration, stamina, caution, good physical fitness to find and harvest fish resources with the help of special weapons.

What is underwater hunting

This sport has been around for a very long time. Its essence is that a hunter with a special pneumatic spear gun and other devices is trying to find and get fish that swims in the water column or hides at the bottom. During the entire time of the hunt, the athlete has to work on holding his breath.

The use of scuba gear in most countries of the world is prohibited, and is considered poaching.

Spearfishing is carried out both in the coastal zone and at a depth of 30 meters or more. Static apnea (breath-holding) in hunters diving to great depths can exceed five minutes. Strength and endurance are required - you have to swim for a long time using only the lower limbs. Hands at this time hold an underwater gun. The better the athlete knows the habits of fish, the methods of their capture in various conditions, the greater the chance to return with a full cage.

In many countries this hobby is very popular. European and world championships are regularly held. The difference is that spearfishing is more common in Russia. in lakes and rivers, and in other states - the main share is occupied by sea hunting.

Hunting in inland waters is generally prohibited in some places. But Russia's rich fish resources make it possible to catch fish in fresh water bodies within the country.

Basic rules of spearfishing

Spearfishing for beginners should start with learning the basic rules. Otherwise, you can run into trouble associated with violation of the law.

Novice hunters should be aware that fishing is regulated Federal Law of the Russian Federation adopted in 2004. All lovers of this bright, exciting sport are required to comply with the “Model Rules for Sport and Amateur Fishing”, because spearfishing is a type of fishing that uses state-owned fish resources.

The hunter must:

know their duties and requirements that the Law puts forward to users of fish resources;
have the necessary documents;
know the prohibited periods, areas and types of fish resources;
use approved fishing gear.

For violation of fishing rules, various types of liability are provided, up to criminal. It all depends on how gross the violation is. Control is entrusted to fish inspectors, endowed with broad powers.

Safety

Spearfishing is fraught with a lot of dangers that you need to be aware of. Strictly follow the rules of personal safety, as negligence can lead to injury or death.

Never stay in the water for very long, at the limit of holding your breath. In the reckless pursuit of fish, it is easy to lose track of time. You can overtake a blackout - an instant loss of consciousness from a lack of oxygen. The mind is turned off, and the hunter is threatened with death at the bottom.
You need to rest after each dive twice as long as the duration of the dive.
Don't shoot at obscure targets. Fins are easily mistaken for the tail of a large fish.
The speargun should only be loaded and unloaded in water. This will protect against accidental release of an arrow with great power.
Do not approach the fish until it calms down, so as not to injure yourself with a sharp tip.
Drop the weight belt only when there are no obstacles to ascent.
Do not forget to take a knife with you, which will save you in a difficult situation.
Beware of boats, especially high-speed ones, fishing nets and hooks set by poachers for large fish.
Watch the current so that it does not nail you to the stones, does not drag you into the rubble or snags.
In winter, beware of occasional ice floes, as well as wetsuit icing after landfall.
At the first sign of hypothermia, get out of the water and take steps to warm up.
Do not hunt under piles of driftwood or logs, no matter how attractive prey may seem.

We suggest you watch a spearfishing video useful for beginners. Happy viewing.

Equipment

Available in specialized stores wide selection equipment of import and domestic production.

In addition, many hunters, especially on the periphery, order the manufacture of improved fishing gear from local craftsmen.

But this requires experience and understanding of what you want. And for beginners - a direct road to the store.

Mask

Through its glass, the hunter sees the underwater world. The mask should fit tightly to the face so that water cannot seep under it. The mask is selected individually, taking into account the shape of the face, the conditions of future hunting, susceptibility to rubber. The review must be good.

If you are allergic to rubber, buy a silicone mask. Transparent material is not suitable, as the reflected sun will interfere with the view.

Corrective glasses are needed if it is difficult for you to see objects at a distance of a meter or two.

Snorkel

This device provides the hunter with the opportunity to constantly assess the situation around him, easily cope with the fish caught or off the hook. Seriously hunt without a high-quality, comfortable tube is impossible.

The main requirement is that its upper part must be sufficiently mobile, in relation to the mouthpiece, so that the palate does not grow into the blood by vibrations of the tube while searching for fish at the bottom or in thickets of underwater shrubs. The corrugated insert copes with this task. It is important to choose the right size mouthpiece. Hunters praise this part, made of silicone.

The upper valve of the breathing tube helps not to frighten away the fish, prevents cold water from getting to the teeth during winter hunting and allows you to float under the leaves of water lilies or a layer of duckweed. Ask for advice from those who have been spearfishing for a long time. They will tell you which model to choose.

Wetsuit

Comfort under water is the key to successful hunting. A wetsuit is needed at any water temperature, because the movement is very slow, and after an hour of being in water with t + 25C without a protective suit, you will freeze. The wetsuit also protects the diver from various mechanical damages: scratches from fishing hooks, snags and branches of trees, burning animals and plants, corals.

Suits for spearfishing are divided into wet and dry.

The first type is made of a special rubber - neoprene. A small amount of water seeps inside, under the suit, but body temperature heats it up and creates a pleasant warmth for the person.

Dry suits are made of rubberized fabric or sheet rubber. Warm clothes are required to protect against hypothermia. Water ingress under it is unacceptable.

Which wetsuit is better? Each type has pros and cons. A wet suit gives you more freedom of movement, it is more elastic, allows you to dive deeper and fatigue is much less felt. If such a suit breaks, nothing terrible will happen. Choose a neoprene thickness of 7mm.

The main advantage of a dry suit is good protection against hypothermia while in icy water. The water temperature in the lakes and rivers of Russia has never been high. A dry suit makes it possible to catch fish throughout the Russian Federation, even in frosty winters. Choose a few sizes larger so that warm clothes fit under it.

Belt with weights

An important condition for normal spearfishing is zero buoyancy so that the hunter can easily rise and fall in the water column, he could hang for a while. How to reduce buoyancy? Use a weight belt. A simple device consists of a thick and wide belt, to which lead weights of various shapes and weights are attached.

Sometimes compensators are used, in which the lead filling of special bags is replaced by sealed bags with shot. But they quickly silt up, and in the cold the Velcro freezes. It will also not work to freely wind the kukan on the front weights.

Kukan

A device with such a strange name is much makes life easier underwater hunter. The caught fish must be stored somewhere. This problem is solved by the cook. You can swim along the river for several kilometers, explore the thickets and the bottom, and then return with the fish back, where there is a convenient access to the shore.

Kukan is a guide cone on a metal latch, a strong steel needle and a thick nylon cord, the strength of which is given by weaving. It is attached to the back of the hunter's belt.

It holds fish of all sizes and weights well.

Flippers

For a quiet, smooth movement, an underwater hunter needs fins. The basic rule is that galoshes should not squeeze the feet, should not have protrusions and hooks.

Stiffer fins are suitable for hunting at depth and in strong currents, while those that are softer are suitable for less extreme conditions.

Weapon

Pneumatic guns. The shot is made under the action of compressed air, which pushes the arrow under pressure. Shotguns have a rear or front hook. The piston type is more reliable, although structurally more complicated. The best length for Russian reservoirs is from 500 to 800mm. The handle should be in the middle, and the distance to the fish should be within 1-1.5 m.

The arrowhead can be single (single tooth) and with several teeth. For clean reservoirs, a single tooth is more suitable, and for fishing at the bottom or in thickets - a trident.

Crossbows. Their action is based on stretching made of rubber. The barrel has a classic round section. Material - durable aluminum alloy, which is used in aircraft construction. Convenient, simple weapon. Suitable for all categories of spearfishers, regardless of experience.

The spear is a cheap, simple, compact and light tool that was used by our ancestors. The pointed spear strikes the fish perfectly. It can be used to probe muddy bottoms or voids between driftwood. In case of a miss, you can hit the fish again much faster than with other weapons.

Most men enjoy the thrill of hunting. It's in the genes. The underwater hunter is completely immersed in the world hidden from prying eyes and explores it, getting trophies. Anyone who decides to go spearfishing has a question: where to start?

Where to start for a newbie

To begin with, decide whether it will be a test hunt or a constant hobby, and then take up the choice of equipment. A lot of brands and an abundance of information will only confuse a beginner and the beginning of spearfishing may not take place. Equipment must be selected taking into account the following factors:

The place where the first hunt will be (at sea, conditions are completely different than in the river).
What kind of fish will be hunted.
Season and weather conditions.

What do you need for spearfishing

The right equipment can save a hunter from possible health problems or even save a life.

Wetsuit

A good wetsuit is necessary for a hunter in order not to overheat in summer and not to freeze in winter. Experienced hunters have several suits, but for novice hunters, it is wise to limit yourself to one. Experienced hunters are advised to take a separate suit (jacket and pants), 9 mm thick without zippers.

Mask and breathing tube

The mask should fit snugly around the hunter's face. Do not buy masks with different effects and coatings. Do not forget that the main task of the mask is to keep water out and create a good view. The average length of the breathing tube is 40 cm.

Tubes with various devices: hinges, balls and valves are not needed by a novice hunter. They will not affect the quality of spearfishing in any way. It is best to take a soft tube. The soft tube will not tear the mouthpiece out of the mouth and will not tear the mask off the face if it catches on an obstacle, such as rocks or stones, during the hunt.

Flippers

Fins should be chosen so that they sit comfortably on the leg. It is better for a novice hunter to opt for short fins (up to 65 cm). To use long fins, you need the right technique and developed muscles that set them in motion.

There are many different types of underwater guns. Many beginners struggle to find the "best" gun in the world. Each type has its own characteristics, pros and cons. For novice hunters, a crossbow or pneumatic gun with a receiver length of 55 cm is suitable.

weight belt

With the help of a weight belt, the hunter regulates his buoyancy. For effective immersion, a tape with a ballast is attached to the diver's belt. Also, this piece of equipment is used to carry additional equipment (knife, flashlight, kukan). Many weight divers also use:

Unloading systems of the "backpack" type, if it is necessary to distribute a large load (9-10 kg -12 kg) along the spine.
Unloading vests (allow you to carry additional equipment on the shore).
Weights attached to the legs (used for hunting in shallow water).

Many beginners make similar mistakes that prevent them from enjoying hunting. They fuss and forget that:

You need to dive easily so as not to scare away the fish.
Put on flippers while in the water.
Shoot and reload speargun only in water.
It is necessary to monitor the time of immersion and rest, so as not to exhaust the body.
You should hunt with a calm face, otherwise water may get under the mask.
Being in water at the limit of holding your breath is fraught with a sudden loss of consciousness.
Swimming aids, fishing hooks and tackle should be avoided.

For a novice spearfisher, it is best to find a group of experienced divers. With them, he will take the necessary lessons in spearfishing and learn the basics in practice. Experienced mentors will show you the correct foot technique, point out possible mistakes in behavior or equipment, and teach you how to act in emergency situations. With their experience, the beginner will gain confidence in his abilities and will be able to sail away from the worries of the everyday world, completely immersed in the hunt. Happy spearfishing!

Video on how to learn spearfishing for a beginner:

You decide to do spearfishing. True, you still do not quite accurately imagine, what is spearfishing, and how to do it, but the desire to hunt with an underwater gun for the inhabitants of reservoirs does not leave you. Do you spend hours on the Internet in search of useful information? spearfishing information, looking at photos from spearfishing experienced tricks and dream of doing exactly the same, only better; you have already chosen the right one for you spearfishing suit, and even planned for themselves the next purchase - a beautiful spear gun; you even mapped out for yourself the approximate route of your future adventures. So maybe it's time to move from words to deeds, and indeed go spearfishing for real! So, you have already taken your first step under the water, having decided to go spearfishing. Well, if you are reading this article, then, most likely, an underwater hunter is your diagnosis. And this is not bad! From this it follows that you, at least, love nature and outdoor activities, you are not alien to the spirit of adventure and adventurism, you are an athlete and, more importantly, you have free time and money. And you will need a lot of time. AT spearfishing everything, especially at the starting level, is both easier and more difficult at the same time. The passion for hunting is inherent in most men, and many women are not alien to it. Spearfishing as a way of active recreation allows not only to realize these desires, but also gives you the opportunity to get great aesthetic pleasure, because the beauty of the underwater world and its diversity are sometimes simply mesmerizing.

Where to go spearfishing

Many people think that spearfishing, and just diving, are possible only in the sea. But very close to home, wherever you live, you can always find a freshwater pond with clear water. And if such a reservoir was found, then most likely. You will also meet an underwater hunter there. Yes Yes, spearfishing is so popular and so many people devote their time to this most interesting occupation that you can meet like-minded people almost everywhere. We do not argue that the underwater world of fabulous tropical seas is unforgettable. Many people ask themselves: “Does it make sense to engage in spearfishing in our waters? There's nothing to see here anyway." There's a meaning! Can you put into words what you see? Try your hand at spearfishing in your native waters: moving in three-dimensional space in a state of weightlessness, searching for and unraveling the behavior of various fish, tracking down and defeating a selected object - endows a person with a rich spectrum of new sensations.

How to start spearfishing

The most correct way is to contact the nearest spearfishing club or dive center, where a competent instructor will help you choose the necessary equipment for spearfishing, tell you about all the nuances, and teach the first spearfishing lessons. And if not? Then read the article, and here we will tell you about the basics of spearfishing.

Most often, beginner spearfishers take their first steps in the sea, where the water is warm and fairly clear, which is most favorable for a start. In a river or lake, as a rule, the water is cooler, there is a lot of aquatic vegetation, and if you can do without a wetsuit for some time in the sea, then it is simply necessary in the river. Spearfishing weapons for the river and for the sea are also used differently.

Selection of equipment for spearfishing today, oddly enough, this is a rather big problem: the choice is so huge and varied that sometimes quite experienced divers also have a dizzy head, but: it’s very difficult for a novice spearfisher to find exactly the kit that would suit all parameters , and here you will have to "shovel" quite a lot of stores.

Let's start with the fact that diving equipment and spearfishing equipment are two completely different groups of equipment. Special masks, special snorkels, long fins and so on and so forth! If you still decide to spend a fairly large amount of money (and the equipment is not cheap) and devote the rest of your life to this exciting activity - go ahead! Yes, yes, for the rest of your life! It is so exciting that only important work and family matters, according to many, can compete in importance with this hobby!

Fifteen years ago there was a saying: if you want to ruin a friend, give him a camera. Now something similar can be said about a person who decided to devote his free time to spearfishing. Equipment for spearfishing is quite expensive, you need a lot of it, and for different hunting conditions you need different things. Different conditions and different regions dictate their choice, and it is very difficult to figure out, especially at first, what, where and how.

Besides, spearfishing as a form of recreation, sport and leisure such a comprehensive and diverse concept that, perhaps, we can talk about the way of life - "Underwater Hunter". You can give a lot of examples when spearfishing led to fundamental changes in the way of life, relationships and even the worldview of already quite adult people. I have met hunters who have been engaged in spearfishing for 40-50 years, and people who only come to the idea of doing this fascinating business at the age of 40-50. There are boys who, with a fork and a mask, chase roaches and ruffs in the nearest puddle, and respectable businessmen who spend thousands of dollars on equipment.

People come to spearfishing in different ways: someone with diving experience, someone with fishing experience, some are given a starter kit for a birthday or anniversary, and someone, warming their belly in the sun, suddenly sees a man in a suit and with a gun coming out of the water, on whose belt hangs a solid catfish or a few mullets or something else and ... in general, envy takes!

Conclusion 1. It is best to start spearfishing under the guidance of an experienced mentor!
And what about those who do not have such a person nearby, but have a river, a pond, a reservoir? Or you ended up at sea, but for some reason there are no competent, experienced spearfishers nearby. Or are you standing in front of the counter, full of determination and money, in order to immediately buy yourself the best set of equipment, and your eyes run wide from the general abundance, but what to choose, where to start and where to go? There are several extremes that I would like to warn against. You don't have to buy the longest fins and the biggest gun all at once, just as you don't have to buy the cheapest. Your choice should best meet your current needs. Later, after gaining some experience. You can always buy the necessary equipment parts.

Conclusion 2. No need to try to buy everything at once and for all occasions, choose a spearfishing kit for yourself, based on the conditions in which you are going to hunt.

Option 1
For example, this is the sea, the Crimea or the Caucasus, you have very little money and you are going to go spearfishing in between preference on the beach and evening beer. Then your spearfishing kit- this is:

the simplest rubber gun 75-90 cm long,
fins with a closed heel and no bells and whistles, m
aska with black or silver silicone,
tube without valves.

This kit will allow you to put on such wonderful equipment several times a day, feel that everything is not as easy as it seems, get pretty cold and, as a result, you will either throw all this equipment away or think about your next steps. If you have a lot of money, buy:

the most expensive rubber gun 75-90 cm long,
a couple of spare harpoons,
most expensive closed heel fins,
the most expensive mask with black or silver silicone,
the most expensive tube without valves.

In any case, it is necessary: buoy, buoyrep (a floating rope connecting you and the buoy) and a kukan is also desirable, which will allow you not to swim to the shore every time if you still manage to shoot something. Be sure to buy gloves to protect your hands from injury and cuts.

Option 1

and dark mask
and a simple tube
but the gun should be either 50-60 cm rubber or pneumatic, the rear handle will ensure the accuracy of the shots, and the pneumatics with the middle position of the handle will be more maneuverable.

Option 3

A gun for spearfishing (for some reason, most often pneumatics) was presented to you for an anniversary, on the occasion of graduating from school or college, or was given by a neighbor who was not at all interested in this spearfishing (because beer and preference are more interesting). Here the problem of choice becomes important: where and what other equipment you need to get in order to quickly dive under the water. In all three options, it is important to take into account as much information as possible. Where can I get it? - Internet, magazines, books, advice from friends.

Conclusion 3. Study well everything related to equipment and equipment for spearfishing.

To date, a rare magazine does not publish tests and analyzes of modern spearfishing equipment, try, if possible, different things and choose from all the abundance (for starters), maybe not the most expensive, but solid and reliable. No matter how warm the water in the reservoir chosen by you for the first trainings, the water in our country is still quite cold, and it is inevitable that you will freeze immediately or a little later. Cold, hypothermia and temperature discomfort are not only harmful to the body, but also distract a person from spearfishing, reduce emotional mood and, as a result, interfere not only with hunting at the moment, but can also lead to quite serious consequences that will make it completely impossible spearfishing in the future. Besides, spearfishing wetsuit protects the body from contact with water vegetation, from injuries and cuts on shells, stones, and so on. A wetsuit, among other things, is also a means of passive safety.: without a weight belt, the wetsuit can work as a life jacket, providing its owner with 3-15 kg of positive buoyancy.

Conclusion 4. Use waterproof clothing.

A wetsuit is not only beautiful and prestigious; it is, first of all, safety and comfort. Safety and insurance in spearfishing are always put "at the forefront". No matter how wonderful (in your opinion) swimmer and diver you are, no matter how comfortable, simple and safe a pond looks, there are many reasons and situations when the line between life and death, health and ill health is so thin and invisible that an underwater hunter often cannot even foresee what will happen in a moment.

The diver must constantly monitor the situation, his condition and the state of the environment, applying all safety requirements and rules. All this must be supplemented passive and active safety equipment for spearfishing:

a good sharp knife in a comfortable sheath,
a bright, conspicuous buoy, preferably with a flag, equipped with a comfortable reel, a floating buoy and an easily removable weight or anchor.

It is also necessary to remember the possibility of getting injuries, wounds and injuries - mechanical injuries and bites from needles, teeth, and tentacles of various marine and aquatic organisms. You must not only be able to provide first aid to yourself or your comrades, but also know how to act and what to do in situations where the victim needs to be taken to the nearest medical facility. It is good if there is a boat next to you and a comrade in it who will be able to provide the necessary assistance at the right time. Once I was sailing in the floodplains not far from Kyiv, where, until the summer cottages were washed, there was a wonderful hunt. And suddenly I see a “comrade in misfortune” emerging from behind a turn. As soon as I was about to swim up to him, ask a couple of questions, a boat flies out, in which a couple of “Indians” are sitting with weapons, and who completely categorically explain to me, negligent: “... There is no need to hunt here, there are no fish here! And in general, our chief does not like it at all when someone hunts nearby! Here is the safety technique! Although, on the other hand, this had its own deep meaning. Already quite a few hunters in the fall fell under the shot of drunk duck hunters. From a distance, the head of an underwater hunter with a protruding pipe really resembles a water bird, and even more so from drunken eyes! Often people die because they don’t have a knife with them, or it’s not sharp enough, or it’s too firmly fixed in its sheath and it’s hard and inconvenient to get it, or the knife has already been lost at that moment. True, it is worth noting that the hunters died exactly when the knife was lost - this is a rarity.

Conclusion 5. Know and follow the safety rules for spearfishing.

Water, being the birthplace of all life on Earth, nevertheless, is a source of increased danger. This is a denser environment, unnatural for human life. There are many specific diving diseases and pathological conditions associated with the vital activity of the human body in the aquatic environment. All these diseases are the result of neglect of the study of these diseases and disregard for the basic rules and norms adopted for divers. You need to know the simplest rules for first aid on water and on land. To know how, why and why diving diseases occur and how to avoid them.

I once met on the shore with one fairly experienced underwater hunter, and he asked me a question: “How do you dive so deep? What, your ears don't hurt? I answer: "Yes, I'm blown." - "And how is that?" - I explain and ask: “How did you dive before, because it hurts?” “Yes, I did,” he replies.

Conclusion 6. Study and know the laws of physics, physiology and underwater medicine.

Many cases have already been described when, in an emergency, it was possible to save an underwater hunter only because the athletes dived in pairs and help came on time and as soon as possible. Going out on the water and hunting in pairs, you get a wonderful observation experience. not only behind a dynamically developing situation, but also see the mistakes, mistakes and successes of a partner, which gives you the opportunity to more accurately track the behavior of a friend, correct his mistakes and learn not to make similar ones yourself, as well as vice versa: a partner, controlling you, learns himself and helps you by correcting your mistakes.

The most risky and complex competitive formulas are possible only in pair hunting, and mutual insurance makes them as safe as possible. And after spearfishing, snacking on sandwiches taken from home and washing them down with fragrant tea. You share fresh impressions and relive the most interesting moments of the hunt that just ended. The help of a partner becomes especially important in trophy spearfishing., after all, your shot does not always fall into a killer place, and then your friend will help you get the fish, he will also help you feed it into the boat, and rescue a stuck harpoon from writhing or rocks. Even at competitions, when you need to get a harpoon or fix or repair something “on the go”, you should not hesitate to ask for help from nearby spearfishers, even if they are not members of your team. And if you are hunting in the ocean, where encounters with sharks are possible, he will always secure you from the back and will notice a suitable predator in time.

Conclusion 7. Try to always hunt in pairs.

It has long been noticed that if you keep in mind the image of the fish you are going to find, then soon you will certainly meet it and, most likely, exactly there and in such a place as you imagined. The saying: “special is always better than universal” is especially true in spearfishing, and if you specifically and purposefully look for, for example, a large pike, catfish or carp, then the probability of meeting this particular fish increases many times, but this does not at all exclude meetings with any other fish. A targeted approach makes it possible to better and more thoroughly prepare for each specific hunt and, as a result, get completely different emotions and impressions. The difference is especially noticeable among marine spearfishers. There are narrow specialists - mullet hunters, hunters for deep rocky fish and, of course, all-rounders - as a rule, these are athletes who often have to fight for awards in water bodies that are completely different in terms of relief and fauna. Each method of hunting has its own nuances and "tricks" that require special equipment, skills and, in the end, special hunting places.

Conclusion 8. Specially tune in to each next spearfishing, prepare equipment specifically for these conditions.

Each new exit to the reservoir brings you new experiences and knowledge, and over time there comes a moment when you are not able to remember exactly all the circumstances of some interesting hunt. You painfully try to remember when and where it was, what was the temperature of the water and the weather. The best way to organize all this information is to keep a diary! The diary allows you to slowly follow the whole day of the hunt and, as it were, to look at your actions, successes and mistakes from the outside. Over time, that way in a year or two. You will begin to realize the usefulness of the diary, and in ten years, if your hunting grounds survive under the pressure of man, the diary will become an invaluable source of information. Do not be lazy to draw schemes of hunting places and landmarks to the most interesting points. I sometimes look through old diaries and sometimes I find new interesting features and patterns that I did not pay attention to then. When you start keeping a diary of sports training and the dynamics of the growth of sports form becomes visible, the stages of stabilization and inevitable declines, then it becomes possible to predict the results!

Conclusion 9. Keep a diary of your spearfishing, activities and training.

Of course, this is troublesome and at first it will seem pointless and not very interesting, and sometimes just a tedious task, but do not give in to laziness and believe me, it works! Most modern people give the lion's share of their time to work or study, and there is very little time left for spearfishing. Nevertheless, spearfishing is a serious and very tough sport that requires maximum concentration of strength and attention from a person. The loads in spearfishing can be compared with the loads experienced by a long-distance runner, so here, more than anywhere else, good physical and athletic shape becomes especially important. Morning or evening workouts, a gym, fitness equipment, yoga and, of course, a swimming pool will help you gain, maintain and maintain good physical condition, which is so necessary for you on the hunt.

It is important not to confuse training, exercise and physical education! The body trains, and the results grow only when you drive yourself into the limit modes, and here the role of the coach becomes especially important, who will prompt, and force, and say “rest”! Physical education contributes mainly to maintaining fitness. The variety of exercises, forms and methods of training that you use for your classes, depending on your capabilities, every day or several times a week, contributes to harmonious development and makes training interesting.

Charging is one of the forms of physical education. A set of exercises that allows you to keep your muscles in good shape, preventing the body from relaxing and degrading.

Conclusion 10. Make time for sports training. Your body must be prepared!

These ten elementary tips, I hope, will help you take a slightly different look at spearfishing as a sport and a way of spending your leisure time.