I am an avid fisherman, new diver and new to spearfishing. My goal is to soon be shooting some grouper on some wrecks off the NC coast. I have always wondered after having one on the end of a fishing pole, how you handle a 40# grouper underwater when scuba diving. Also, with all the sand tigers off the NC coast, how do you use float bags to get your fish to the surface. Do you clip it to the anchor line and float it up? Or float it and then go find it?

Lot of questions in there.

First of all, NC diving is considered advanced diving. Considering that most dive agencies version of 'open water' is a quarry, ocean diving is a big step. And NC is pretty tough ocean-wise. The additional burden of spearfishing alongside diving makes it pretty stressful. Since spearing is quasi-solo diving as well, you've got to be experienced enough to handle underwater issues.

I'm speaking from experience, in that I've been diving for years, but spearing on top of it was/is a steep learning curve.

You probably won't be shooting 40# grouper your first time out, and I don't recommend it. The best way to start is with a pole spear, and do the shallower stuff. There you'll learn how to string up a fish, not muck up the bottom, maybe deal with a curious shark, and not have to worry too much about your air consumption and DCS.

To answer your questions specifically, when you shoot a big grouper, hopefully you didn't just shoot him in the lip. He'll be hurting. I carry a second shaft and my knife to make sure. When you string him up through the eyes, that will calm him down as well. I typically carry my stringer with me. Only a couple of times have I floated my catch up.

As far as sharks, read the stories about them here. Don't give up your catch to them- it'll make it worse for the next guy who wants to keep his. The best advice I've heard (and what has worked for me) is to scare the sharks away before you start shooting. The wrecks out here are crawling with sharks though- you'd be better off looking for live bottom.

There are several charters that allow- and cater to spearfishing. There are people who teach spearfishing in Beaufort and Wilmington. Most people will say to just hang out with people who spear and get advice from them, but since you're a new diver, more training is a good thing.

Finally, welcome to spearfishing. :corkysm60: Once you get hooked, it'll be pretty rare that you find yourself picking up the pole again.

Thanks. I am completing my dive certification thru Discovery Diving there in Beaufort so atleast my certification dives will be in the ocean. I am a very experienced boater/fisherman off NC and know the area pretty well. I am also lucky enough to have a family member that is a lifetime diver/spearfisherman from harkers island/morehead city and he will spend time with me teaching the ropes. Hopefully that will speed the learning curve. And you are right about not starting with a grouper. We will start with some flounder in 45' or less to learn the ropes. Thanks for the advice.

Okay, very cool. I think Discovery has a spearfishing class they teach as well. When you're up to speed, pay attention to the S Atlantic sections, a bunch of us go out and post up when we have a spot open.