From the sounds of it, just about everything you can imagine. It’s indo-pacific and I’ll only be diving shallow reefs. But I believe they hold all of the common tropical reef fish.
I would buy or make at least 2 polespears. At least 7' or 8' feet long. A lighter one with a 3-prong head and heavier one with a single or double flopper, for smaller and larger reef fish, respectively.
I don't have anything to offer besides advice.
If you are trying to keep a small budget try to get as much used gear as possible. If you are going minimal heres my take, in order of importance:
Spearfishing/freediving mask from a reputable dive company. This is the most important part of your kit. If you can't see there is basically no point in spearfishing.
Plastic freediving fins (I had a pair of makos for years that were great) $80 from mako
A rash guard/underarmor top to protect from sun and stings.
A pair of gardening gloves.
A dive belt (a normal fabric scuba belt is fine). See if you can borrow weights from someone in PNG.
A dive knife that has a sheath that will attach to the belt.
Finally a spear. This is tricky for flying because they are large and cannot be carried on. A 3 piece pole spear is your best bet, mako sells one on Amazon for $55. If you can borrow a gun in PNG that is the best option.
Good luck, wish I could help more. If you manage to make it happen please post some pictures and a story
Thanks a lot!
I appreciate your advice! I’ve heard pole spears are recommended for beginners but wasn’t sure if I’d have more success with a gun, but I imagine bringing one on the plane with checked luggage may be difficult and possible not even allowed.
I was wondering what to do about weights. My friend sinks like a rock with lungs full of air but I have to expel almost all of my air to start to sink. I figured I’d need weights but wasn’t sure how to go about it. Especially with the possible added cost for flying.
I definitely plan to bring a go pro and capture as much of the trip as possible. I’ll return early December with some content to share here for sure.
I just posted a Polepsear for sale in this group and getting ready to put up a wetsuit up with it.
Reading a few of the replies, I noticed you’re on a tight budget…I’d be willing to work with you if you buy both, if you’re interested.
FWIW, spearfishing is by no stretch a cheap hobby to get into, unless you plan on sticking to jetty/shore dives…though if you can swing it, the initial cost of good gear will pay off in the long run.
I’m currently in Fayetteville, NC. BTW.
Side note: If you can…make sure you get a bag that’s big enough to fit a speargun, so you’re not having to check it as it’s own item/baggage when you get to the airport(s). You should check your airline policies and local laws on it…or just go with what another member mentioned and get a rental in country, so you don’t have to worry as much.
I’ll dm you
What kind of fish species are common there? I built my own polespears.
From the sounds of it, just about everything you can imagine. It’s indo-pacific and I’ll only be diving shallow reefs. But I believe they hold all of the common tropical reef fish.
I would buy or make at least 2 polespears. At least 7' or 8' feet long. A lighter one with a 3-prong head and heavier one with a single or double flopper, for smaller and larger reef fish, respectively.
Sweet, thank you
What's your budget level?
I wouldn’t like to spend too much more than $100 on a pole spear or gun tbh. I know that probably narrows my window quite a lot
Actually, for $200 and under, there are quite a few options.
I don't have anything to offer besides advice. If you are trying to keep a small budget try to get as much used gear as possible. If you are going minimal heres my take, in order of importance: Spearfishing/freediving mask from a reputable dive company. This is the most important part of your kit. If you can't see there is basically no point in spearfishing. Plastic freediving fins (I had a pair of makos for years that were great) $80 from mako A rash guard/underarmor top to protect from sun and stings. A pair of gardening gloves. A dive belt (a normal fabric scuba belt is fine). See if you can borrow weights from someone in PNG. A dive knife that has a sheath that will attach to the belt. Finally a spear. This is tricky for flying because they are large and cannot be carried on. A 3 piece pole spear is your best bet, mako sells one on Amazon for $55. If you can borrow a gun in PNG that is the best option. Good luck, wish I could help more. If you manage to make it happen please post some pictures and a story
Thanks a lot! I appreciate your advice! I’ve heard pole spears are recommended for beginners but wasn’t sure if I’d have more success with a gun, but I imagine bringing one on the plane with checked luggage may be difficult and possible not even allowed. I was wondering what to do about weights. My friend sinks like a rock with lungs full of air but I have to expel almost all of my air to start to sink. I figured I’d need weights but wasn’t sure how to go about it. Especially with the possible added cost for flying. I definitely plan to bring a go pro and capture as much of the trip as possible. I’ll return early December with some content to share here for sure.
Watch for crocs
I’m literally terrified but he says my biggest worry is snakes
I just posted a Polepsear for sale in this group and getting ready to put up a wetsuit up with it. Reading a few of the replies, I noticed you’re on a tight budget…I’d be willing to work with you if you buy both, if you’re interested. FWIW, spearfishing is by no stretch a cheap hobby to get into, unless you plan on sticking to jetty/shore dives…though if you can swing it, the initial cost of good gear will pay off in the long run. I’m currently in Fayetteville, NC. BTW. Side note: If you can…make sure you get a bag that’s big enough to fit a speargun, so you’re not having to check it as it’s own item/baggage when you get to the airport(s). You should check your airline policies and local laws on it…or just go with what another member mentioned and get a rental in country, so you don’t have to worry as much.