Bottom Hunt Spearfishing Techniques
Bottom hunt spearfishing techniques with waiting for the prey at a certain depth require the great physical condition of a hunter. This spearfishing technique usually aims at hunting bigger predators or pelagic fish. The bottom hunt technique of waiting at depth is conducted with dives deeper than 10 m, which usually makes apnea a little longer. Depending on the psycho-physical condition of the hunter and the depth at which the fish is hunted, the average length of these dives lasts from 1 to 2 minutes. With repeated dives, the length of surface time should be at least 3 times longer than the length of the dive itself. The best time for a bottom hunt usually proves fruitful in the early morning hours, but results should be satisfactory during the whole day. Sea currents caused by tides greatly influence the feeding habits of the fish. During the hunt, it is best to use those sea currents that bring nutrient substances and organisms. These increase the food chain activities, the peak of which are bigger predator fish.
Prime Spearfishing Terrain
The choice of a suitable terrain for bottom hunt spearfishing technique. The most appropriate are steep shores, straits or channels, and exposed shallow banks and reefs. In these areas, the marine life gets very intensive while the terrain offers the hunter great places for cover while praying for the fish. Predator fish are habituated around or in the vicinity of such terrains and pelagic fish frequently visit them on their way. The key to success for every hunter therefore lies in the familiarity with these locations and understanding of the basic factors that influence marine life (winds and currents). All these factors dictate the behavior of the predator fish. Underwater hunters with experience should have no trouble with the right choice of hunting location when employing the bottom hunt spearfishing technique.
Stealthy Spearfishing Approach
When conducting this diving technique, we can count on the curiosity of the predator fish. Pelagic species are usually less timid. Therefore the first part of the diving technique is no different than the usual apnea dive. In the second part, the diver should not perform any fast or unnecessary movements while drifting into the depth. The last part of the dive should be carried out with practically no excess movement due to the negative buoyancy of the hunter. The speed of sliding is controlled by halting with the fins until the desired depth is reached. The hunter should pick the most appropriate position on the seabed a few meters beforehand and it should provide him some cover as well. When the desired depth is reached, he should keep perfectly still. Bottom hunt spearfishing technique will entice curiosity with predator fish which will lure them closer to the hunter.
The general rule for the position of the hunter is the following:
When hunting pelagic fish, the hunter positions himself on more exposed spots on the seabed (bigger rocks, ridge edges…)The hunter may notice the hesitation of the fish. On such occasions, he should give the impression that he fears the fish, e.g. slowly and calmly retreating to his cover. Such behavior will only encourage the fish. Some other species of predator fish are, on the contrary, disturbed by the exposed position of the hunter and will therefore keep away. In such cases, the hunter is to choose more camouflaged spots, such as crevices, voids,s, or positions 2 or 3 m away from the edge of the ridge. Exploiting the direction of the sunlight and the choice of positions for the bottom hunt spearfishing technique is therefore focused on the shaded areas. This is of key importance. It is a well-known fact that predator fish have a very sharp vision and are therefore more sensitive to daylight. The hunter should choose his position in the shaded areas of the seabed, with sunrays coming from behind.
With exposed seabed areas, tide, or intensive sea currents, underwater hunting with the bottom hunt spearfishing technique will at least be interesting, if not very fruitful. Experiences of underwater hunters have shown that the average waiting (bottom) time to notice the fish is 30 seconds. If the fish is not seen within this time, then waiting is no longer sensible.