Safety precautions for spearfishing

How to avoid becoming a poacher

Spearfishing is, like regular hunting, a conditionally licensed activity.

To start spearfishing, you need to:

• be a member of a sport fishing club (the organization may have a different name, but it must have the appropriate license from the Russian Underwater Fishing Federation - FPRF);
• have documents permitting hunting.

A document confirming membership in the club is the “Underwater Hunter of the Russian Federation” certificate. A document permitting hunting - a permit - is also issued by the administration of the home club.

Spearfishing without these documents is considered illegal. You say: who will find me in this river? Anything can happen. It's better not to joke with the law. By joining a sport fishing club, in addition to legalizing your own status, you will make a lot of new acquaintances, find yourself among like-minded people and protect yourself from troubles.

Restrictions and prohibitions on spearfishing

Spearfishing

- This is a special type of fishing.
Spearfishing is usually carried out using air guns for shooting underwater. Such guns shoot trident or single-prong arrows or slang (pike). A license is not required to purchase and use air guns. According to existing rules, spearfishing is carried out while holding your breath, and the use of scuba gear is considered poaching.
Such rules prohibiting spearfishing using scuba gear are practically common in all countries of the world with the exception of the United States. Spearfishing is divided into sea and freshwater. Sea spearfishing

well developed in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Denmark, Norway.
Freshwater spearfishing
is prohibited in European countries such as Austria, Holland, Germany, and Norway. In this regard, before starting spearfishing in local waters in any country, you need to know and strictly comply with the laws and regulations of fishing and spearfishing of that country.

The reservoirs of Russia have their own specifics, as they are divided into reservoirs where fishing is paid and where fishing is free. The same applies to spearfishing. For fishing and spearfishing at various fish farms for sporting and amateur purposes, you must purchase special vouchers. Such a document, which has a prescribed form, gives the right to spearfish.

To obtain such a permit, a person must provide the following documents; an underwater hunter's certificate, an identity document, and if there is a document for the provision of benefits (pension, veteran's card, war veteran's card, certificate of disability group).

To carry out underwater hunting in the inland waters of Russia, continental shelves and territorial waters, citizens of the Russian Federation and guests from other countries, in the economic zones of the Russian Federation must have with them “underwater hunter” certificates of the Russian Federation. It is issued by the Russian Spearfishing Foundation of the Russian Federation.

Spearfishing in Russian reservoirs

governed by standard fishing regulations. Since underwater hunting is considered one of the types of fishing that uses fish (natural) resources, for which Rosrybolovstvo is responsible. The activities of Rosrybolovstvo are managed by the Government of the Russian Federation.

The use of fish resources is regulated by order of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation. The model rules establish the general requirements for fishing rules for a particular fishing basin. These rules regulate the activities of various users who carry out fishing in the internal waters of the Russian Federation and the sea waters of the Russian Federation.

The rules prohibit:

· Catch of fish resources, with the exception of those types of water resources, in accordance with the law, the fishing of which is carried out freely in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.

· Fishing of water resources (mining) in areas closed to fishing and during prohibited periods.

· Catch (production) and other operations that are associated with the fishing of water resources at a distance of less than 0.5 nautical miles from the boundaries of marine zones that are specially protected marine areas and territories

· Catch (extraction) of water resources by ships and other watercraft that are not registered according to established rules and that do not have identification marks clearly marked on board in the established manner.

· Catch (extraction) of water resources on shipping fairways, wintering pits, at locks, dams at a distance closer than 0.5 km, as well as within a radius of less than 0.5 km, at waste collectors.

· Catch (extraction) of water resources by amateur or sporting methods in fishing grounds without prior approval, which belong to the user of biological resources who, in accordance with the issued permit, carry out fishing in this area.

· Catch (extraction) of water resources using toxic, explosive, narcotic substances, firearms, sharp fishing gear, as well as fishing gear prohibited by the legislation of the Russian Federation.

· Conducting spearfishing during the spawning period, in places of organized mass recreation for people, as well as using spearfishing equipment from aboard boats, from the shore, or wading

· Hunt using scuba gear and other underwater breathing apparatus.

· Throw away biological resources extracted from water.

· When catching species of biological resources that are prohibited from catching or exceeding the permissible limit for catching biological resources that are not specified in the permit, they, regardless of their condition, must be released with the least damage into the natural habitat.

· Catch (harvest) certain types of water resources that have been acclimatized. Such objects caught in fishing gear must be released alive and immediately with minimal damage to their permanent habitat.

· Allow deterioration of living conditions in the natural environment of water resources.

· During the spawning season, fish move along river beds where there are spawning grounds, reservoirs and their channels, along lakes, on all types of vehicles, including watercraft with motors.

However, at this time, the legal regulation of amateur spearfishing has many gaps. There is no reliable operational information about the situation as a whole, the current rules and prohibitions of fishing in water bodies.

The fight against this is being carried out at the level of regional authorities, who are developing regional rules for fishing in the regions. They should become the main documents that will regulate underwater hunting for various types of fish for Russian underwater hunters.

For persons violating the Fishing Rules, criminal, administrative and civil liability is provided in accordance with the current laws of the Russian Federation.

Restrictions and fines for violating them

Even if you have a certificate and a permit, you cannot hunt wherever you want. Hunting in Russia is prohibited:

• in protected natural areas, reserves, as well as in adjacent territories;
• for fish that belongs to a protected species (there are dozens of such species);
• near dams, locks, on fairways, despite the fact that it is in these places that a lot of fish accumulate;
• in places where the right to commercial production belongs to any legal entities;
• during spawning (you can’t not only hunt, but even sail a boat in these places!);
• where people rest;
• using scuba gear (you can only use a mask and snorkel!);
• using dynamite.

An administrative fine for violating fishing rules for citizens is up to 5 thousand rubles. with confiscation of weapons and watercraft (Article 8.37 Part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Criminal liability for catching fish species protected by the Red Books involves correctional labor, restriction or imprisonment for up to 3 years (Article 258.1 Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

As you can see, many things are prohibited, and it is not always possible to know whether you are violating the rules of spearfishing right now and in this place. For example, this concerns the time of spawning, protected fish species, and the assignment of a reservoir to a fishing industry.

All these problems can be avoided by a centralized club organization. Club hunting vouchers are issued only to those places where hunting is permitted without restrictions. An alternative option is to go hunting in distant seas, where there are no legal restrictions.

Amateur fishermen will be issued personalized permits, and paid fishing will be abolished

After reading the document prepared by the government, we had a lot of questions. Fishing for many Russians is not only a hobby, but also a way to feed themselves, but the authorities suddenly decided to subject this matter to norms and rules. This is what happens: before you cast a fishing rod, you will need to think 20 times - in case you catch a valuable fish or catch more than the daily norm. What then? For example, instead of two bream weighing one kilogram, an angler caught three each weighing 700 grams. Will he be detained and fined as a poacher? Not to mention the fact that you will probably have to carry weights when fishing!

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The result is a compromise. Not tightening the screws, but streamlining the industry. The government abandoned the idea of ​​introducing a mandatory fish card (fishing ticket) for everyone who decided to cast a fishing rod in the river. This would be perceived as another tax. Personalized licenses are introduced only for catching particularly valuable species of fish. Which is logical: preserving them is a task of paramount importance.

Required equipment

To start spearfishing, you need the following equipment:

• underwater crossbow or air gun;
• underwater mask;
• breathing tube;
• flippers;
• wetsuit;
• weight belt;
• gloves;
• knife.

Weapons for hunting. Spearfishing guns are a key element in a hunter's equipment. If you are a beginner, then take a modest crossbow - no more than 70 cm in length. It will allow you to hit targets at a distance of 3-4 m, which is more than enough for hunting in muddy rivers and lakes. Such a gun will cost about $130. But you can also find budget models for $80 with a firing range of 1.5 m. Air guns are more serious equipment, difficult to handle and support, and shoot much further. Their cost is from $600. A good option for clear water and large fish. If you are on a limited budget, read how to make a speargun with your own hands.

Mask and snorkel. Before purchasing a scuba mask, try it on. The greater the viewing angle, the better. The mask should fit well to the face. Carry out a test: place the mask on your face without securing it with an elastic band, inhale a little through your nose. If the mask does not fall off, then it is yours. From $50. With a breathing tube, everything is simple: take a regular J-tube. $15

Flippers. When choosing fins, give preference to longer and narrower ones. Of course, they must fit tightly so as not to be lost in the water. Good fins will cost $150. Very good - $400.

Wetsuit. Not required, but highly recommended. It is warmer, which is important if the hunt lasts longer. Overall, the suit makes being in the water more comfortable. If you are going to hunt in mid-latitudes during the standard spring to autumn period, take 7mm neoprene suits for temperatures of 10-18°C. You can meet $150 without any problems.

Belt. If you hunt in a wetsuit, a weight belt is a definite must. Neoprene suits increase buoyancy. The thicker the suit, the higher this parameter. Depending on the weight of the hunter, a 7 mm suit will require 5-7 kg of additional weight. From $10.

Gloves. Necessary for the same thing a suit is for. Made from neoprene in various thicknesses. There are five- and three-finger ones (thumb, index, all the rest - together). They do not restrict movement and prevent water from flowing inside. From $15.

Knife. Absolutely necessary equipment for spearfishing. If a hunter finds himself in an unpleasant situation with algae or nets, then a knife is what comes to the rescue and saves lives. This tool does not have to be large, but it must be sharp.

The cost of a set of basic equipment for spearfishing is $500-$600.

Fishing Law 2021 - A to Z

• Fishing with nets and similar fishing gear. With the exception of some territories of the North, Siberia and the Far East, for which a period is established when such fishing, using licenses, is permitted;
• Network turnover in the Russian Federation;
• Fishing with the help of chemicals, explosives, electric current, fishing methods and jamming;
• Spearfishing on beaches, in crowded places. Scuba hunting using an echo sounder.

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How the current RPU will be disbanded, what amendments will be made at the local legislative level and, most importantly, how it will work in practice, we will only know over the next couple of years. In the meantime, by and large, nothing radically new has happened in the current way of life of amateur fishermen.

Secrets of spearfishing

Underwater fishing is a combination of skills, techniques and tactical principles. All this changes depending on the hunting pool, the fish living in it, the season and even weather conditions. The main secrets of spearfishing concern the behavior of the hunter underwater. Here are some basic tips:

1. Be like a fish

The underwater world is phlegmatic, quiet and motionless. Not only are sudden movements discouraged here, but any movement as such is perceived as dangerous. In order to be a successful hunter, you must mimic this underwater phlegm, merge with it. If you swim, do it with a minimum of movements. Don't wave your arms and gun. Make subtle movements with your fins. If you're hunting from a boat, get into the water so you can't hear it.

1. Hunting is the ability to wait

When a fish swims past a bottom snag, it doesn’t care about it. An underwater hunter must fully follow this principle and be just such a lifeless snag. After all, hunting is not shooting. Hunting is about waiting and stalking prey. Beginners, seeing the target, suddenly raise their guns. The fish's reaction is immediate: it disappears.

Therefore, the main secrets of spearfishing:

• become a snag for a while;
• do not make noise or movements;
• wait for the right moment.

1. Keep calm

If, when you see a fish, you do not restrain your emotions, then even if you maintain external calm, you will not be able to deceive the fish. Humans are 80% water. There is also water around. The liquid medium perfectly conducts sounds. Your heart, which begins to beat a little faster in anticipation of the prey, will give you away instantly.

1. Train your ears

Learn to listen in the water. Different types of fish make different sounds when swimming. You can hear fish approaching long before you see them. This will allow you to hunt from cover and become a successful fisherman.

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Key Definitions

Underwater hunting should be understood as a type of human activity aimed at the extraction, protection or reproduction of biological and animal resources. That is, it can be classified as a type of traditional fishing. All actions are carried out by the hunter being underwater. In this case, certain physical characteristics of the body are required and special equipment may be used.

The main goal of spearfishing is to catch specific types of fish. To facilitate the process, special devices are used. However, mass fishing gear is prohibited. Fishing is carried out with a harpoon or a special gun. The process is divided into the following stages.

1. Search.
2. Watching, luring.
3. Detection.
4. The pursuit.
5. Catch.

All actions are carried out subject to free movement of fish and hunter.

The main purpose of underwater fishing is to improve human health. The results of the hunt are assessed according to the established international standard.

Catch standards, permitted places, objects, and means for catching are provided for by the “Rules for the Organization of Amateur Fishing in the Russian Federation.”

Fishermen who fish underwater are considered athletes, provided they have a non-zero individual sports rating (regional or state) according to the RFPR classification for the current year. Every year, lists of such hunters are provided by management to Glavrybvod. Information about athletes with a regional rating is submitted to the territorial inspection.

The all-Russian rating is given to hunters who received credit points at competitions included in the RFPR calendar.

Sports spearfishing requires the following training:

• independent training;
• training camps;
• underwater fishing competitions.

Amateur spearfishing and competitions are conducted in accordance with a special set of rules approved in the Russian Federation.

Fishing ethics

Thus, a hunter or fisherman (and spearfishing refers to fishing) must take care of the ecosystem and extract exactly as many resources as he needs, and no more. Fishing ethics prescribes being reasonable and humane—giving the population the opportunity to recover and not constantly hunting in the same bodies of water. Killing for the sake of killing is frowned upon in sports fishing circles. The types and quantities of fish caught in competitions are also strictly regulated.

Underwater hunters are also prohibited from hunting in places of mass and organized recreation of people. The activities of underwater hunters are regulated by the “Rules of Amateur and Sports Fishing”, as well as regulations of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

Weapons and useful equipment

Underwater hunting is unthinkable without weapons; it must be chosen depending on experience, physical capabilities and preferences regarding the method of hunting the inhabitants of the underwater world. The main types of weapons that can be used in spearfishing:

• crossbow,
• pneumatic gun,
• knife.

A fairly simple to use and effective weapon for underwater hunting is the crossbow. It is also suitable for those who are just starting to master underwater fishing. Its action is ensured by rubber rods. For beginners, it is better to choose shorter models for hunting - no more than 70 cm. A crossbow is most effective in clear water. The range of destruction of underwater prey is up to 4 m. An air gun is another type of weapon that fires a shot thanks to compressed air, which pushes the arrow out under pressure. This is a very popular and effective weapon for underwater hunting. For beginners, guns of about 50 cm are recommended. Guns can be used in almost any conditions and produce a good catch. They need to be recharged in water. A knife is a faithful companion for underwater and any other hunting; it must be reliable, sharp, with a blade length of at least 11 cm. The knife must sit firmly in its sheath during hunting. With its help, you can not only finish off and remove the fish from the harpoon, but also cut the nets in which the fisherman can get caught, get disentangled, or get weapons from reeds or sedge thickets. Also useful during spearfishing is a device called a kukan. This is a snap cord with a needle at one end to put on the fish you catch. Kukan is attached to the belt of an underwater fisherman. A waterproof, powerful flashlight with a rope to tie to your belt will also come in handy. Underwater hunting will be effective when the hunter learns how to handle weapons and equipment. Don't expect a big catch the first time.