Newbie Question...

[rebl22]

Hi everyone. I plan on diving some rigs out in the Gulf this summer and is there any rigs I shouldnt dive on? Is there a rig type I should be looking for and one I should be avoiding? Do any of you leave your boats unattended during your dive? Thats seems alittle scary!!!!.... thanks jason

[speckle-catcher]

We usually take three divers. we never leave a boat unattended. One person must stay on the boat at all times for safety reasons. Current or wind can change directions and push the boat into the rig, a crew boat can pull up, in water emergency with one of the divers...etc.

Plus it makes it much easier to get back in the boat when there is someone ther eto hand your speargun, weightbelt etc. too.

[gaudi]

what he said, plus i'm always available and willing to split costs..........hint hint

[spearfish]

Welcome to spearfishing! You'll love it - I've practically given up my rod and reels.

I'm new to the board, but have been spearfishing for about five years now. I used to run a 21' CC out of Freeport for spearfishing (sold it about 2 years ago due to increasing family size).

I found that it was best to have 4 divers on board, that way 2 could be down while the other pair got a surface interval. It makes it easier to get three dives in that way.

The VA Fogg area was one of my favorite spots b/c it had a lot of area. Had to get there early to claim a spot though. In addition, I preferred the larger platforms for the same reason. For starting out, an area with a +/-100' bottom seemed good - can't get tempted/dragged deeper that you want. The platforms further out are obviously better for clarity and quality fish.

Start small with the fish that you shoot. You'd be surprised that a small AJ can drag you around the wreck/platform.

P.S. If you're ever looking for a crew member, please keep me in mind.

[Redfishr]

I didnt know you could still spear game fish in the gulf????

[speckle-catcher]

in state water, you can only take non-gamefish with a speargun - therefore: flounder, black drum, sheepshead, amberjack, grouper (except goliath) and snapper are all legal.

in federal water, almost anything is elligible to be taken with a spear (so long as all other NMFS requirements are met). Red Drum, goliath & Nassua groupers are absolutely off limits.

Spearfishing while wearing a re-breather is illegal in federal water also.

[jd10g]

i go out of matty and sargent b/c of less fishing pressure and better water . . if you are ever down here drop a line . . . sometimes on very calm days when run pairs of bay boats off and then others we take the bigger boats . . . don't spear on rigs they are working on . . . be causious of swift currents and never leave ur boat unattended

[HG]

I have a place down in Sargent but only a 21 foot bay boat...would love to buddy boat on smooth days for some diving...

HG
713 392 0958

[jd10g]

I have a place down in Sargent but only a 21 foot bay boat...would love to buddy boat on smooth days for some diving...

HG
713 392 0958
same here . . . we take our bay boats off in pairs. i have three or so other friends that do the same both out of matty and sarget. let me know if you want to go . . .

dyer 281 239 5181