Shows
Better SpearfishingFish biology and how to find different types of fishA quick recap of the Perth metro-masters competition we won and how to find different types of fish by understanding how they feed, their vision, and what their bodies are designed for.2025-03-1033 minBetter SpearfishingDiving the New zealand nationals in Stewart IslandGraham and I headed over to Stewart Island in New Zealand to compete in the national competition. We had a fantastic experience diving in the cold 13 degree water and I learnt a few useful things which I share here2024-12-1750 minBetter SpearfishingLonger, harder, deeper! Improve your bottom timeI share what I learnt from my recent trip with Micka about improving my bottom time, plus how to get wary tropical fish to come closer, and where to hide to give me the maximum chance2024-11-0635 minBetter SpearfishingThe picture versus the storyThanks to Micka for providing the topic and ideas for this episode. This presents a different way to judge a catch : by how impressive the picture is, or how impressive the story is2024-10-1621 minBetter SpearfishingFreediving in BaliI had a wonderful freediving trip to Amed in the North of Bali to escape Perths winter. I describe the place and why its become the freediving mecca for this part of the world. The reef was awesome and I focused on video-fishing. Highly recommended 2024-09-1520 minBetter SpearfishingWinter divingQuick update on the podcast and some pointers and tips for winter diving2024-08-1925 minBetter SpearfishingI hated floatlines, now I love them. Here's whyFor the last 20 years I've mostly used reelguns. I started using floatlines again this year, and to my great surprise I'm loving them. In this episode I share what I've learned about floatlines, and why I'm now using them. Plus my new favourite gun combination2024-07-1742 minBetter SpearfishingHow to do well in spearfishing competitionsI share some tips and tricks on how to prepare for spearfishing competitions if you want to place well. Enjoy2024-07-0535 minBetter SpearfishingThe one thing the spearfishing-industrial complex doesn't want you to know!Something a bit lighter in this podcast. I share a secret tip that everyone can use to catch great fish, using the gear they already have, and diving to the depth they are comfortable at. Enjoy2024-06-1622 minBetter SpearfishingDiving alone?Don't dive alone! It's the best safety advice we have. In this episode I share details behind this, as well as the different risks between spearfishing and freediving, plus some extra safety tips to keep you safe in the water2024-06-0542 minBetter SpearfishingMacro versus micro divingI share what I learned from competition diving and how "micro" diving can help you catch different fish even on heavily dived spots2024-05-2234 minBetter SpearfishingKeiren Limpus interviewKeiren is a top level diver competing both nationally and internationally for Australia. We dove the Australian national titles together, then Keiren sat down to share his story and learnings, as well as his spearfishing coaching courses2024-04-2636 minBetter SpearfishingChoosing the right finsConfused over which fins to gey? Plastic, fibreglass, carbon fibre, softs or mediums....in this episode I explain all the factors involved plus some simple tests you can do to choose the best option for you2024-04-1144 minBetter SpearfishingWhat I learned from William TrubridgeWilliam Trubridge is an elite professional freediver who gave a talk at Adreno here in Perth recently. I share my takeaway learnings from his talk, as well as some mental techniques I use for spearfishing.Thanks for the great talk William 2024-04-0821 minBetter SpearfishingMany little lessonsA random collection of all the interesting tips and tricks I learnt from 40 divers over the last few weeks competition2024-03-2139 minBetter SpearfishingOverview of the interpacific championships in New ZealandI share my experience of competing in the interpacific championships in New Zealand, what I learned, plus what I liked and disliked2024-03-1345 minBetter SpearfishingFinding the good spotsFinding the good spots a.k.a. scouting. In this episode I share how to scout from either the shore or a boat and what to look for to find good spots that will produce fish2024-02-1537 minBetter SpearfishingHow many spearguns do you need?Spearguns!! Everyone's favourite topic. But how many do you really need to catch the fish you want? In this episode I share the factors you need to consider when building your arsenal of spearguns2024-02-0136 minBetter SpearfishingWinning the South Australian State titles with Ethan YeoEthan joins me in this podcast to share his recent win of the South Australian Spearfishing State Titles, as well as details about diving South Australia. Ethan's story is a true zero-to-hero success story - from starting spearfishing 3 years ago to champion. Well done Ethan!2024-01-1935 minBetter SpearfishingHow many spearguns do you needSpearguns!! Everyone's favourite topic. But how many do you really need to catch the fish you want? In this episode I share the factors you need to consider when building your arsenal of spearguns2024-01-1836 minBetter SpearfishingEl Nino weatherWe are having an El Nino event here in Perth this summer, with lots of strong offshore winds. I discuss my last two weeks diving and how the weather has affected this, plus some new rollergun findings2024-01-1230 minBetter SpearfishingWhy do we spearfish?Something a bit different- I go through some philosophy and biology to try understand what drives us to dive2023-12-2621 minBetter SpearfishingSpeargun accuracy and rollergunsThis is a technical one - the results of testing all my spearguns on a target, the theory and physics behind accuracy, then testing my three new rollerguns and being very pleasantly surprised 2023-12-1548 minBetter SpearfishingDive shallowAfter a great dive this weekend where the deepest dive was 3m, I realised that you can learn practically everything you need to know about hunting fish in really shallow water. I share the techniques and tricks to use in shallow water. Seriously, dive shallow, its so underrated!2023-12-0441 minBetter SpearfishingAustralian Spearfishing team profile: Erin McGintyErin McGinty joins us to share her experience with getting into spearfishing, plus tips and tricks from northern Queensland. Hear about diving wonky holes, the importance of hunting skill, and diving everywhere. Thanks Erin!You can follow Erin on instagram @erinmcginty2023-11-2631 minBetter SpearfishingAustralian Spearfishing Team Profile: Trevor KetchionIn this episode pro diver Trevor Ketchion joins to share his experiences and give an overview of how international spearfishing competitions work, plus how you can support the Australian team for the upcoming interpacific competition. Keep tuned for more interviews of the Australian team atheletes.2023-11-1633 minBetter SpearfishingIn the Australian spearfishing teamI'm happy to share I was selected to represent Australia in the national spearfishing team in the Interpacics competition in March 2024 in New Zealand. In this episode I give a brief overview of the competition structure, then share how I'm identifying my weak points for training. I spent a lot of time target testing all my gear and share the results2023-11-0425 minBetter SpearfishingA surprise interview...of me!After recording the last episode with Micka and Antoinne they sprung a surprise on me - they interviewed me! We also talk about some tricks we discovered from diving together2023-10-3019 minBetter SpearfishingStaying healthy for divingEar infection? Trouble equalising? Here's what you need to do to stay healthy for diving. Especially useful for diving trips to the tropics2023-10-1528 minBetter Spearfishingextreme bluewater diving in IndonesiaI have just spent a week diving an island in Indonesia with my friends Antoinne and Micka. On this extended episode they describe the conditions, equipment and techniques they use to catch wahoo, dogtooth tuna and many interesting reef fish. This episode is packed with tips for bluewater diving. Enjoy 2023-10-1041 minBetter SpearfishingFreediving with David MulheronRenowned freediver David Mulheron shares an insight into the world of professional freediving. David shares tips and advice on how to improve your diving....and (spoiler alert) - tips on how most divers can get a 5 minute breathhold!!!2023-09-1533 minBetter SpearfishingWhen in doubt just goEverything looked doubtful about yesterday....marginal forecast, noone else keen....but I went anyway and had an awesom day. I describe the day out, plus what I discovered and some useful tips and tricks for shallow water diving2023-09-1034 minBetter SpearfishingPerfect conditionsThe weather this weekend was perfect! No wind, no swell, 25m visibility. I describe what we saw diving, plus the seasonal variation of fish I've noticed2023-08-2729 minBetter SpearfishingPre-dive and post-dive preparationIn this episode I discuss how to prepare for your dive, both before and after. Having your logistics sorted out and systematic makes it so much easier to get out diving and get all the tedious jobs like cleaning gear done quickly and efficiently. 2023-08-2340 minBetter SpearfishingCovering groundOver my last two dives the ocean conditions have varied widely. In this episode I share the importance of covering ground and moving spots to find the fish - plus a wonderful experience with a huge school of pink snapper 2023-08-1930 minBetter SpearfishingFinally good weatherWell there was a break in the foul winter weather at last so I got out diving on Saturday and Sunday. The conditions changed overnight and lead to some unexpected changes in the conditions which I share2023-08-0822 minBetter SpearfishingSpearfishing Sicily with Aldo TurcoIn this episode my buddy Aldo Turco joins from Sicily. Aldo is a marine biologist who has dived all over the world and now lives back in his native Sicily. Aldo shares what the diving in Sicily is like, plus some tips and techniques for anyone visiting. Thanks Aldo!2023-07-2631 minBetter SpearfishingHow long does it take to master spearfishingIn this episode I share some thoughts on how long it takes to get good at spearfishing. Then I share practical suggestions on what can help you accelerate your improvement2023-07-2631 minBetter SpearfishingRhys Clay on spearfishing multiple locationsTwo-time guest on the podcast Rhys Clay joins to share his experience of several diving destinations and how they differed. From the cold water of Victoria in south-eastern Australia, up the coast to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales and then Queensland...plus Samoa and Fiji. Rhys gives a great overview of the different locations and conditions - thanks Rhys! 2023-07-1332 minBetter SpearfishingEnjoying small achievementsWell it's been a month of winter storms, both in Perth and during a family holiday to Cape Town. I share my one day out diving and how to enjoy the small wins when that's all you can do2023-07-0422 minBetter SpearfishingFunctional Training for Spearfishing - With Jared RosenbergJared Rosenberg from Earth and Ocean Fit is a functional strength coach who has developed trainig programs specifically for watersports like surfing and spearfishing. Jared shares his experience getting into spearfishing, as well as how his courses assist with fitness for spearfishing. Check out his webpage https://www.earthandoceanfit.com.au/ or contact Jared on facebook and Instagram.2023-06-1025 minBetter SpearfishingChanging seasonsWell winter is well underway here in Perth but there's still lots of great diving to be had. I share my recent dives and catches, plus some winter projects2023-06-0534 minBetter SpearfishingFreshwater spearfishing in America with Ryan PetersonIn this episode Ryan Peterson discusses his recent experience at the World Freshwater Spearfishing Competition, as well as how he got into spearfishing. He explains lots about freshwater spearfishing, the conditions, the locations, the fish - basically everything you need to know. Many people will never have speared in freshwater, but this talk will get you keen!2023-05-2434 minBetter SpearfishingFish art with Deryck TanIn this episode chef extraordinaire Deryck Tan shares tips on how he gets the most out of his catch. Deryck is also passionate about imortalizing his catch using the Japanese art gyotaku. Deryck shares how to do this,plus a special blind taste test of 5 common fish that left us all surprised at the results. You can follow or contact Deryck by Instagram deryck.gyotaku or Facebook Gyotaku by Deryck2023-05-0735 minBetter SpearfishingTraining for spearfishingIn this episode I share a few training techniques that you can useto improve your diving and spearfishing. Many of these can even be done sitting at home, and they all help 2023-05-0141 minBetter SpearfishingPhysiology and nutrition for spearfishingIn this episode I share details on how your body responds to diving, and the sort of foods that will help you during diving2023-04-2534 minBetter SpearfishingDiving in cavesIn this episode I share tips and tricks on catching fish from caves2023-04-1740 minBetter SpearfishingSharks!In this episode I start with a recent experience with a big tiger shark, then share a few other shark encounters, plus general tips on what to look out for to keep safe2023-04-0939 minBetter SpearfishingTrying rollerguns, snapper season, and future guestsThis episode is a bit of everything - my experience trying rollerguns again (but doing it right this time!), the start of the demersal reef fish season, my last dive on a far offshore Bank with clean warm water and shooting a mackerel and seeing big snapper. Plus the future plans for the podcast and having guests on2023-03-3017 minBetter SpearfishingHow deep do you need to dive?In this episode I go through how deep you need to dive, plus share some tips for deep diving2023-03-2328 minBetter SpearfishingBoat repairs and maintenanceNot a spearfishing episode, but an overview of my boat and the maintenance I've recently done, with all the costs. Hope this gives everyone an idea of what's involved, it's very manageable but does need to be done2023-03-1632 minBetter SpearfishingTargeting new species- tailor and flatheadIn this episode I share the process I used to succesfully target three species I didn't know how to catch. I ended up catching all three in 24 hours. Plus general tips from what I did and learnt2023-03-0942 minBetter SpearfishingHunting Spanish mackerelWell the game fish season started for me Mid-february with my first mackerel of the season and I've had loads of questions about targeting Spanish mackerel so here's my thoughts2023-03-0242 minBetter SpearfishingThere's always another level to learnIn this episode I share how, no matter where you get to in spearfishing, there is always another level. The recent change to fishing regulations means I now want to target species I've never targetted before and I realised I'm like a total beginner again!2023-02-2326 minBetter SpearfishingFloat lines versus reels - with JakeJake contacted me with a great question about floatlines versus reels for Western Australian diving. He kindly agreed to come online and discuss his question, and let me monologue a bit about the pro's and cons of reels versus floatlines. Hope you get something out of this one - enjoy! 2023-02-1630 minBetter SpearfishingDiving to the conditionsIn this episode I share how and when you need to change your plans. Often we make plans but then reality throws us a curve ball, so we need to adapt. Enjoy2023-02-0923 minBetter SpearfishingThe Spearo archetypes you don't want to beJust something silly this time - a bunch of fictional spearo archetypes and why you don't want to do what they do. Plus the one you do want to be 2023-02-0219 minBetter SpearfishingHappy Australia Day!In this episode I share the story of my first dive back in Australia, plus go through what it's like to be back in Australia. Spoiler alert - it's awesome! Seems appropriate that I'm recording this on Australia day2023-01-2626 minBetter SpearfishingSecret tricks with your dive gearIn this episode I share a bunch of sneaky tricks you can use with your dive gear. From using a spear as a cray noose to inserting a wishbone underwater, these tricks will keep you diving when stuff breaks.2023-01-1230 minBetter SpearfishingEnding one thing starting anotherIn this episode I describe my last 2 days diving in South Africa before flying back to Australia. Collecting my van and preparing to drive back to Perth. Plus general comparison between SA and Australian fisheries and regulations2022-12-2929 minBetter SpearfishingHunting new species- the white musselcrackerIn this episode I share tips on how to hunt a species you've never dived for before, as well as my experience of shooting my first decent white musselcracker here in South Africa 2022-12-2230 minBetter SpearfishingAn epic dive in South AfricaIn this episode I share the story of an epic dive I had this week - my best ever dive in South Africa - plus a few pointers. 2022-12-1535 minBetter SpearfishingHow to plan an international dive tripIn this episode I share some tips and tricks to help you plan your very own international dive trip. If you've ever wanted to dive in another country this episode is for you2022-11-1729 minBetter SpearfishingFinding secret spotsIn this episode I share a few tips on how you can find your own "secret spots" and how to keep them productive for you. Enjoy2022-11-1024 minBetter SpearfishingJosh Halley talks spearfishing the remote Shetland Islands off ScotlandIn this episode Josh Halley tells about diving the remote Shetland Islands off the north of Scotland. Cold water, big fish and extreme tides, and his incredible adventure to dive one of the most remote but renowned fishing spots in the United Kingdom. He also shares stories from his time diving commercially in New Zealand for sea urchins - and his upcoming trip back to New Zealand. Thanks Josh!2022-11-0330 minBetter SpearfishingRory Macleod talks West Australian spearfishingIn this episode Rory Macleod joins me to share what he's learned from diving Western Australia, and from being involved with what must be one of the largest spearfishing clubs in the world, the West Australian Undersea Club (WAUC). We have a short chat about the contentious new fisheries closures in the state, whilst agreeing that Western Australia has some of the best fisheries anywhere in the world - and some of the best diving. Thanks Rory, great to catch up!2022-10-2729 minBetter SpearfishingRhys Clay on Spearfishing around Queensland...and salvaging his boatIn this episode I chat to Rhys Clay who lives in South-East Queensland. We met during the Queensland Spearfishing Nationals competition last year and discuss the diving around Queensland, fisheries management...and Rhys amazing story of how he found and salvaged the boat that is now his diving boat!2022-10-2035 minBetter SpearfishingSpearfishing Cartel - Spearfishing the UK with Matt CoombeIn this episode I talk to Matt Coombe who started Spearfishing Cartel. They just ran the UK's first spearfishing competition focused on sustainability, so huge kudos. Matt talks about growing up spearfishing the south-coast around Cornwall and gives a general overview of UK spearfishing. Great to chat Matt!2022-10-1330 minBetter SpearfishingSetting up a kayak for spearfishing- part 2Continuation of the previous episode on how to set up a kayak for spearfishing 2022-10-0630 minBetter SpearfishingSetting up a kayak for spearfishing- part 1I've received a lot of requests on setting up a kayak for spearfishing and I realised its a big topic so I've broken this down completely over 2 episodes. Enjoy!2022-09-2933 minBetter SpearfishingDiving in dirty waterWe all probably want to dive in clean water, but sometimes that isn't possible. In this episode I share tips and tricks on diving in dirty water and how to make the most of the situation 2022-09-2234 minBetter SpearfishingShore diving, kayak or boat - which is best?In this episode I go through the differences between shore diving, diving from a kayak, and diving from a boat, and the pros and cons of each. Enjoy 2022-09-1532 minBetter SpearfishingA spearo’s journey – with MickaIn this episode I speak to Micka, a French diver who I met in Western Australia many years ago. We had many diving trips together, and he now dives almost every day. Micka shares his experience and what he's learnt over a decade-and-a-half in this great sport...plus stories of fending off sharks, loosing a finger diving, and some wild times at sea! Thanks Micka2022-09-0826 minBetter SpearfishingWhere do the fish go?In this episode I talk about how water temperature and seasons influence fish behaviour, as well as currents, swell and storms, plus a few tips to help you find more fish 2022-09-0124 minBetter SpearfishingBrandon Swanepoel: Starting Spearfishing in CapetownIn this episode I interview Brandon Swanepoel on his experience with starting spearfishing in Cape Town, South Africa. Brandon has become very involved in the spearfishing scene as a content creator for major brands like Noob Spearo and Old Man Blue. Brandon shares what he's learned from his experience of starting spearfishing2022-08-2521 minBetter SpearfishingWhat is the best type of speargun?In this episode I go through the different types of spearguns and each of their pros and cons, as well as where they are useful 2022-08-1839 minBetter SpearfishingNew divers - this is the gear you needIn this episode I go through exactly what gear you need as a new diver. More specifically I detail which gear is the most important and which least important- and show you where you can save money. I know how confusing it can be getting into a new sport and all the conflicting opinions about what you need. So this episode is to clear up all that confusion for new divers so you know what you need. Enjoy 2022-08-1139 minBetter SpearfishingWhere is the best spearfishing in the world?In this episode I share where I have dived and where was the best and worst diving in the world...enjoy 2022-08-0730 minBetter SpearfishingThe wildest stories of things going wrongIn this episode I share some of the stories I've heard over the years of things going wrong at sea. Please note that this is just what I remember hearing, so I'm sure I do not have the full story or context. I ask that you don't name anyone here - the purpose of sharing is for us to all learn so we can avoid similar problems in the future. 2022-08-0427 minBetter SpearfishingHow powerful should your speargun be?In this episode I share what you need to consider when powering up your speargun. I discuss the pros and cons of power, and some tips on how to decide the best setup for you2022-07-3130 minBetter SpearfishingThe best fish for new diversIn this episode I share my thoughts on which fish new divers should look to target. The goal is to look for species that new divers can catch, as well as those that will help them improve. This was supposed to be episode 3 but I mucked up...2022-07-2824 minBetter Spearfishing5 techniques to approach fishIn this episode I share five ways you can approach fish2022-07-2428 minBetter SpearfishingThe difference between warm and cold water divingIn this episode I discuss the differences between diving in warm and cold water. In summary it's the different number of species and the different equipment you need2022-07-2116 minBetter SpearfishingHow to predict diving conditionsIn this episode I explain how to predict diving conditions by understanding how swell, wind, rainfall, season and location interact. It makes a huge difference when you learn how to forecast the good diving days and its a skill you definitely need as a spearfisher. But if in doubt - go diving!2022-07-1724 minBetter SpearfishingHow to find diving spots for beginner spearosIn this episode I explain how new divers can find spearfishing spots. Some tips, plus an overview of the etiquette in the diving community about spearfishing spots2022-07-1418 minBetter SpearfishingWhat is the hardest fish to catch?In this episode I discuss what makes certain types of fish hard to catch, and give my thoughts on what are the most difficult species. Enjoy2022-07-1028 minBetter SpearfishingWhat is the best beginner speargun?In this episode I share my thoughts on what sort of speargun a new diver needs. I like the KIS principle, or "Keep It Simple", especially for new divers. I explain what you need and give the reasons why. So if you're looking to start spearfishing and excited to buy your first speargun but confused about the options - start here!2022-07-0723 minBetter SpearfishingWhat thickness wetsuit should you wear?Ever wondered what thickness wetsuit you should wear? 1.5mm or 3mm or 5mm or 7mm....it all gets very confusing. In this episode I explain how to choose the right thickness of wetsuit based on water temperature and your body size....plus tips on how to get more our of your wetsuit. Enjoy2022-07-0519 min