They've all grown some balls and gone to the free diving forum.

Hi Stonedpirate,

I was a member of one of the spearo clubs in Perth. I dropped out years ago due to family commitments and also because I felt that safety was being put below ego's. There was an old boys club culture within the club from some members. There were also some pretty cool guys who were a bit more interested in safety willing to help new members. There is a lot to be learned from some of the more experienced spearo's.

I think that yes, there was a few members dropped out due to the sighting and interaction with some Great Whites around the time of the attacks. There was also a few "incidences" with SWB and other safety issues after I left.

I think more likely was the scarcity of fish and the rules and policing from fisheries, the Greens sanctuary zonings and other things probably had more to do with it. There was a lot of **** going down around that time like the spearo being deliberately run down by a fisho in a boat at the FADS and having his leg almost severed and not being charged.

I think you'll find most of us still dive. I don't know if the clubs are still active. I learned a lot from being in the clubs and enjoyed the dives I had with them, but I feel safer diving alone or with my mates.

No one used a shark shield in the club I was in and to be honest, I have my doubts as to their effectiveness when spearfishing, but that's another topic all together.

DM

I spoke to a couple of blokes on Sunday who had kayaked out to the reefs off Hillarys , snorkel,masks and speargun on board.
Water was super clear and a few fish around they said.

Good to know I'm not alone :P

cauncy said..
I look at fish now and admire them, on my last to visits with my gun to dhi and Abrolhos islands I've chose to view them not knock them off, maybe I'm getting getting an old cock and have lost my killer instinct

Just wise. It's called sustainable fishing and only taking what's needed.