Outdoors

Daily fishing report

By CHAD CARNEY
Published May 27, 2006

Learning to spearfish can be challenging, but sisters Jamiee and Jaclyn Afeld took the fast track this week, with help from their father, Dan, a 30-year spearfishing veteran. The girls rarely missed their targets, the ample triggerfish and good-sized sheepshead. Visibility was top to bottom in 55 feet of water near Egmont Channel's Whistler Buoy, unaffected by some "gumbo" algae found just on the bottom. Mangrove snapper and gag grouper proved too speedy and crafty, and remain for future advanced spearing lessons.

Some tips for new spearfishermen include: Study fish species and size limits before hunting, as they often intermix on reefs and wrecks. Gun-aiming and reloading skills can only be learned by pulling the trigger frequently. Get as close as possible before you shoot, which requires learning the prey's flight distance.

Stalk fish from above, stay calm and swim slowly or you will spook fish away. Swim to a speared fish and secure it, pull on the spear or line only as a last resort, and always string the fish before removing the spear. For most Florida spearing, long guns have the best range, accuracy and knockout power. Safety is important, so practice gun rigging and handling above water, but only cock or shoot the gun underwater. Keep the speargun pointed down and always know what is behind your shot.

[Last modified May 27, 2006, 01:46:14]