A little off topic for the Scuba Divers

[Anonymous]

I know this has nothing to do with reef aquaria. We do have may scuba divers that are members and just wanted to pass on some info. Before this is moved to off topic could you allow some of the scuba divers who do not frequent the sump to see. Spearfishing Magizine has started a forum at www.spearfishingmagazine.com , the format is rather lame but it is better than nothing. Any others that ya'll know of?

Sorry it is www.spearfishing.com

[ August 16, 2001: Message edited by: Fishaholic ]

 

[canadawest]

I am an avid diver, but I dive to appreciate the ocean life, not kill it!

I think spearfishing is pretty lame, IMHO. But to each their own I guess?

 

[JohnD]

Thanks for the heads up. I agree with canadawest, I like to watch the critters. The graphic of the grinning fish (Why would he be grinning, anyway?) with the spear is pretty clever.

 

[Anonymous]

I was debating if I should say anything about spearfishing? I have enjoyed doing this for 24 years, started when I was 11. Personaly I enjoy eating fish. I know of NO other way of catching fish for food that is more exacting than spearfishing. You know exactly what you are shooting, you know exactly what size the fish is. If you have acquired enough experience you do not pull the trigger unless you have a direct kill shot.

Like I said I love eating fish ad I am not squimish about going out and getting them.

I do however respect those who do not partake in this activity.

 

[canadawest]

It is nice to hear that you at least eat the fish that you catch. I can respect that as it is no different than fishing or hunting. It's the people that spearfish for the "sport" which bothers me. They kill eels or other fish that they have no intention of consuming, it's just a game to them.

I'd like to see them spearfish in shark infested water, at least there would be equal hunter/hunted then!

 

[davelin315]

I don't see anything wrong with spearfishing, it only bothers me when it is offered at resorts and things like that along with snorkel and fins (which also bothers me, even though I know we need more people to enjoy the reefs and the oceans, it's horrible to see first time snorkelers or divers stepping on corals, or grabbing onto whatever they can and snapping off large coral heads, etc.) and people go out there and shoot their spears at everything that moves. More often than not, they miss, but then they hit the reef, and the damage is done. I myself am an avid fisherman (freshwater) and practice catch and release (unless it's a tasty walleye or a nice salmon! yum yum) for the most part. As far as eating saltwater fish, I love it (although I still can't get over seeing tangs, parrots, angels, you name it at the local fish markets in Tahiti).

However, I couldn't disagree with the above sentiment more, since a stupid spear fisherman who shoots eels and other things that he doesn't want to eat would probably shoot the sharks, too, and I'm a huge shark fan.

 

[Anonymous]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by canadawest:
<STRONG>It is nice to hear that you at least eat the fish that you catch. I can respect that as it is no different than fishing or hunting. It's the people that spearfish for the "sport" which bothers me. They kill eels or other fish that they have no intention of consuming, it's just a game to them.

I'd like to see them spearfish in shark infested water, at least there would be equal hunter/hunted then!

</STRONG><HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree with you about any type of sport hunting. I do not beleive killing anything is a sport. Sharks are nothing more than tax collectors when spearfishing. They grab the fish on your float and you let go and everyones happy.

When I lived in the Azores there were great whites that came through, they even caught a 16 footer in Praia bay, the spearfishing was awsome. Athough I did not spearfish in Pria bay, not because of Great whites but because of the raw sewage. My favorite spot was Salga bay it was a WOFN spot. (way out from nowhere)

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: Fishaholic ]