dangerous salt water spear fishing

[Kidder]

I have a spear gun and can't wait to go fishing, but I don't think I'll ever go in salt water. The risk of shark attacks seems too great.
http://www.cdnn.info/news/safety/s070919a.html

[marchand]

It really depends on where you are doing th fishing. Australia and the surrounding countries, I hear, have tons of sharks. If you are diving I the USA then you shouldn't have a problem with them.

The only time I have crossed paths with a shark was when I was diving about 20 miles out of Daytona, Fl with my uncle. we were mainly going for the bugs but brought the spears in case we saw any good sized fish, which we did. a few minutes after my uncle shot and bagged the fish a shark came swimming up the reef. It wasn't a BIG shark, ,my guess is about 6-7ft. Just sat there for a few minutes while we collected bugs. It eventually swam off. I think it figured out that the fish in question wasn't up for grabs, or I just might be that ugly…

Just to let you know, more people die from falling coconuts than get attacked by sharks. No idea how true that is. I live in Florida so I hear that a lot.

[Kidder]

Maybe its because I have never been, but salt water spear fishing seems like it is baiting your self. I wouldn't want to cross paths with a bull shark.

[marchand]

My family was been spearfishing in saltwater for the better part of 30 years. none of us have ever been attacked by a shark, and none of our buddies have either. Shark attacks are really uncommon, especially when you compare the numbers to how many people go spearfishing every day.

Just carry a bangstick and you wont have any problems

[scubasavvy]

I don't think it matters, just as long as you don't carry it up next to you on your body. I also don't think the risk would be that great if you weren't in warm water...

[diverdad]

I think if you spear fish you are competing for the same food as the sharks and they are attracted to fish in distress and the blood in the water. But i am no expert so you can use my advice one way or another.

[BuzzGA]

Shouldn't be much of a problem. My buddies who spearfish all keep their catch in a bag with a long line on it. That way its not next to their body and if the need arises they can drop the bag.

[Kidder]

Originally Posted by BuzzGA

Shouldn't be much of a problem. My buddies who spearfish all keep their catch in a bag with a long line on it. That way its not next to their body and if the need arises they can drop the bag.

A long line would definitely be a smart idea. As well as an alert buddy to watch your back.

[mulefeathers]

the reason I got into scuba was to spear fish. Have never had any problems. We are using a stringer that attaches to the BC. Can easly be removed should the need arise however.

[Keiths]

We use lift bags anything that we shoot gets sent to the surface. Bull sharks are deff not scared of anything when theres blood in the water.