Prefered pony set up for bug hunting

[3RNZIR]

As above.Yet to purchase a pony.Seen plenty of comment on other threads re pony's,but none seem to refer to a hunting config.My local bug(crayfish) haunt is saltwater,with a buddy,less than 80' but often low viz with moderate current at times.Often become separated from said buddy,so effectively diving solo most dives.Don`t go for the widow-maker bugs(narrow overhead environs) but the added safety factor of a pony appeals to me.Was thinking along the lines of a main tank pony setup.I can see a slung pony getting knocked up around my waist as I really have to hug the seabed to battle the bugs.I only use gloved hands for the crays.Most interested in other hunters recommendations.
Cheerz

[navyhmc]

Seeing as your in an area where a slung pony will get bumped around, I'd go for at tank mount.

Zeagle Pony Bottle Attachment reviews and discounts, Zeagle would be a good way.

[MSilvia]

I never had any issues with a slung aluminium pony while hunting. The tank's buoyancy characteristics make it "bottom light" so it rises conveniently out of the way.

[No Misses]

When I carry a pony, it is with the Zeagle pony mount (along side my primary). I mount it valve down, so that I can easily reach it to turn it on. I believe in diving with the pony valve in the off position. I want to know that the bottle is full when I reach for it.

I have used this configuration while hunting bugs and/or spearfishing. It keeps everything out of the way.

[3RNZIR]

Thanx for replies men.Msilver,when you sling your pony when bugging,is it slung over your butt ,front waist or side?Nothing stopping me trying either style to see what works for me.Also,when you guys in the USA say `bugs` I assume this depends from which maritime State one dives from.In NZ `bugs` are all crayfish.No pincers like those cool looking lobsters you have up there.2 types of bugs here,Spiny aka Reds (most common) and Packhorse aka Packy,which I understand to be the largest crayfish in the world.Over 30lbers have been captured I belive.
Where is the transition zone for lobsters and crayfish in the USA?
Are the crayfish different on each of the USA coastlines?
The NZ spiny is very similar to those caught in SoCal from what I can gather.Same ocean, Pacific.
Dive season has just kicked off down here.
We are in a moderate El Nino phase this year.Will have more wind from the West with cooler temps.
If any USA hunters ever head to NZ,plan you trip for the months of March,April,May.Our Fall.Water temp at it`s best(Usually).Bugs are in top condition.Yellowtail Kingfish and other species waiting to be speared.
Be sure to let NZ ST members know your plans.
We look after our mates (Allies).
Sorry for the HiJack.
Cheerz

[3RNZIR]

Thanx men.May try both styles and see what works.
HiJack:Where is the transition zone for lobsters and crayfish in the USA?
Also,are the crayfish species different between East and West coasts,North and South?
Cheerz

[bigman241]

I could be wrong but I think most crayfish hunting is done on the Florida gulf coast on the northern pan and the everglades. I think they do it in Mississippi and such around there on the gulf coast area. We have them up here in Indiana but there tiny.

[Grin]

I dive a pony every dive. Much of my diving is for lobsters. Mine is mounted to the tank via Zeagle straps. I dive with "No Misses" alot and he dives the valve off, with the mindset the tank can't leak down during the dive. Believe me, if it's leaking you will hear it and it will drive you nuts. I dive my valve on, with the mindset everything (pressure and operation) is being verified, before and during each and every dive. I have never had my pony unknowingly leak down during a dive in the 5+ plus years of diving a pony every dive. I tryed the mounting it upsidedown idea, but it made my level of verification to hard for me to do. I like the pony gauge easily visible (in my face), tank mounted upright, and both valves oriented the same for ease of verification. So I can crank both valves(main and pony) on at the same time. And the pony gauge is right there in your face, as you crank the valves on. I figure my way forces to easy of verification, every dive, no matter what. Occassionally the reg, or o-ring will start dribbling and it will drive you nuts, once under water, which informs you some service action is required ( A good thing). I like that verification before, and during every moment, of every dive. If I dove the valve off, it would be to easy to skip, or wonder if I skipped, the pressure verification before each dive, and I would worry if it was going to work if I needed it. My way there is 100% verification every moment of every dive and the thing is ready with no need to crank it on when needed as a bonus. On occassion, I might know I will be needing it for a little extra accent time, and I can verify it's ready by simple purging it way before I actually decide to go to it. This is a nice feeling and simple extra comfort to me.
Mounted on your tank (with Zeagle straps) it is completely uninhibiting as you can't tell it's there at all. I would do it that way. I have dove a 30 pony with Zeagle straps, and you still can't tell it's there.
Normally I use a 13, sometimes a 19, and occassionally the 30.