How To Spearfish Guide

First up, we're focusing specifically on the Eastern Rock Lobster. They are one of the tastiest crays ive eaten. They can be found right around NSW including Sydney.

 

Where to find lobsters?

 

Generally, crays can be found in really shallow water. Don't be afraid to check ankle-deep water especially in super remote areas. You will ideally want to go on a high tide with a low swell, so you can get right up in those shallows and not get thrown around in the wash like a rag doll.  These spots are naturally protected by rough weather, so going when it's calm is going to help. However, this doesn't mean you won't find lobsters in deep water ive found my bigger bugs in around 10 - 12 meters.

 

Any rocky areas with cunjevoi or kelp is a really good place to start. Look for areas with decent amounts of darkness. Crays dont enjoy being in the light so look for dark spots on a reef.

 

The main equipment i reccomend for catching lobsters?

You will want to have a really sturdy good set of gloves. The crays themselves are covered in little spikes. They also have nasty spines on their tail that they can smash your hand against their body with. When searching and grabbing crays you will also come across sea urchins, barnacles and all other sorts of goodies that can wreck your hands.

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Wetsuit:

A good durable wetsuit is highly recommended to stop you from getting cut on the reef, especially when you're hunting in that shallow water with barnacles and so on scraping against you, you may get tumbled around. Having a wetsuit with a hood is highly recommended, as there is a high risk you are going to bump your head one day and having the neoprene just adds a layer of protection to soften the blow and help avoid cuts. 

 

Crays are found in the winter months, so id recommend a nice warm wetsuit, you're going to need a wetsuit to keep you warm during your dive.

 

Dive Torch:

A good dive torch, its not absolutely neccisary but i bet youll get more crays with one. Im currently using the Orca D710 torch its an absolute weapon and im proud to stock such a good torch.

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Check it out here: https://www.wetmammal.life/product-page/orca-torch-d710

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In NSW it is illegal to spearfish with a torch. Do not use a torch to assist your spearfishing. Personally id recommend leaving your speargun at home when using a torch to avoid trouble.

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Cray Bag:

Id definately recommend a catch bag to put your crays in, i reccomend a bag that attaches to your float line. This gives you the use of both of your hands making it easy to put crays in. You can also store a spare torch or even a cray measuring tool in there.

 

Cray Measuring Tool:

I definietly recommend a measuring tool to measure your crays. You can find these in most tackle shops, but just check the regulations in your local areas as the size limit does change from time to time. Alternatively you can mark your fins or float and use that.

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Remember your marks:

It's really important to try and remember where you find your crays because you'll often find they'll go back to that same hole time and time again. 

 

Dive Buddy:

It’s recommended to go with a dive buddy and a spare torch so you won't go astray. Practice Teamwork like all spearfishing, teamwork is greatly going to increase your chances and safety. Work together to cover as much ground as possible. If one of you gets stuck simply cross your fins and your dive buddy will understand that you are stuck come down and assist. Like rabbiting you can use your dive buddies to block potential exits.

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Remember your Surface Time:

A lot of people tend to forget to their surface rest times when going for crays. Just because you are super shallow doesnt mean you are free from blackouts. Take the proper time needed on the surface. Lobsters wont move around too much.

 

 

Stick to the rules and enjoy some tasty cray feasts.