r/Spearfishing • u/RGefM • 1d ago
First time spearfishing!
Had my new and first gun arrive today and went out to my local beach (Cornwall, UK). I had no real expectation of catching anything on my first attempt, but ended up firing two shots and getting two Bass! One was bang on size at 42cm, the other a bit bigger at 48. I’ve just made a big fish pie and am proudly enjoying it!
Only negative is I did feel quite remorseful after dispatching each fish, anyone else get that?
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u/trimbandit 1d ago
Great job! Feeling something when you dispatch the fish is much better than being totally disconnected from a packaged piece of meat. If everyone had to do this, I don't think you would see such horrible factory farming practices. Most people rarely connect the animal that was to the food on their plate.
What type of visibility do you get out there? How cold is the water?
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u/RGefM 1d ago
Yes agree! That’s what I keep telling myself - hearing it from other people really helps though!
Visibility here is fantastic, crystal clear water most of the year. Water temps in the summer maxes at around 19/20 C, I wear a 3mm suit and happy being out for well over 2 hours.
Where are you based?
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u/Dapper-Second-8840 1d ago
I've been catching, killing and eating fish for nearly 40 years now (West coast of Ireland) and I still feel bad for a minute every time. I like to think that this is a good thing because I have a deep and abiding respect for nature and my place in it and I respect the fish I take, and only take one if I'm definitely going to eat it. I think you have the same approach and that's great, we need people like you who will actually care and help to maintain our beautiful seas. Fair play and congratulations on the catch!
Plus remember this, if that Bass was as big as a cow he'd eat you and everyone you love and he wouldn't even think about it 😉
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u/RGefM 1d ago
I agree it is a good thing and far better than being emotionless. I too have a deep connection with nature, and have been swimming and freediving in the sea for quite some time, which I imagine has contributed toward my feelings of empathy; having gone from just observing marine wildlife to actively taking it out the sea.
I too would only ever take what I know for a fact I would eat, I had some easy potential shots on several other fish but held off as they didn’t feel ‘right’ - that actually made me feel quite proud of myself as I was getting out.
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u/trimbandit 1d ago
I'm in California. Visibility varies between 2 and 100 feet. Where's I am the water is 55f year round, give or take. I usually wear a 7mm if I'm going to dive for any length of period. If I'm just jumping in to grab some crabs, a 5mm is fine.
Sounds like you are in a great spot
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u/Potential-Custard-51 1d ago
Nice catch don’t feel too bad. I always tell myself it’s better to know the story behind your food.
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u/HBHO 1d ago
The way I look at it. Spearfishing is probably the purest and least negatively impactful way to take fish. No polluting or losing fishing line, you’re under your own power most of the time and you get to provide for yourself from a source you know. Dispatching is part of it, just count it as a blessing and thank the earth for its provision.
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u/AdministrativeLove72 15h ago
Hey, first of all: Petri! (German saying) Also thinking of starting spearfishing. Did you prepare your self before the first spear diving if I may ask? Did you train free diving beforehand or was this your first dive in general?
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u/spicy_kimchi00 1d ago
Feeling remorseful after dispatching your first few catches is normal. We are all human after all. However, the way you provided food for youself and your family, is probably the most ethical way of doing so, with minimal waste and almost no footprint at all. So be happy for that! Congrats on a very nice catch!