Underwater hunting in our country is not as popular as classic hunting for wild animals, but this activity still has its adherents. The rules of spearfishing in Russia must be regulated by law, but not everyone knows where to look for the appropriate regulatory document.
Today, in the minds of many nature lovers, there is a stereotype that fisheries supervision imposes penalties on any activity related to catch.
To destroy it, you need to take a closer look at issues related to spearfishing.
Fishing rules
The extraction of aquatic biological resources, which is spearfishing, is subject to developed fishing rules. The initiator of these rules is Glavrybvod.
The condition of water bodies is periodically monitored by specialized specialists. In accordance with their indicators on biological resources, regional fishing regulations are undergoing some changes. A list of fish that overpopulate a particular body of water is compiled, as well as a list of endangered species. As a result, those reservoirs are determined where recreational fishing is permitted for the current period of time. It becomes clear why there are no uniform rules covering all Russian regions.
An underwater hunter should not be negligent in choosing a fishing spot. Even if this body of water is included in the list of permitted spearfishing this year, this information must be checked next year, otherwise the citizen will be considered a violator of the law.
Fishing in another region should begin by contacting fisheries authorities for information. It is necessary to find out the list of reservoirs where fishing is allowed, to clarify which objects are subject to fishing, to find out the nuances associated with the amount of prey exported, and also to familiarize yourself with the prohibitions established in connection with spawning.
It is recommended that upon arrival in the hunting region, you immediately find out where the fish protection point is located. Experienced fishermen who hunt in the same bodies of water prefer to personally meet the local inspector. In addition to the fact that such an acquaintance can prevent you from getting into trouble, you can learn some useful tips from the inspector.
If an unscheduled meeting with an inspector occurs, you must comply with his demands. Keep in mind that he is armed and may use weapons if you disobey. And resistance is regarded as a violation of the law and is punishable by an administrative fine.
Beginner underwater hunters: what do you need to have with you for a successful hunt?
One day you firmly decided that you wanted to go into spearfishing, and you were faced with a logical question: “What do I need for this?”
In this article, we have outlined in general terms everything that a real underwater hunter needs.
| 1. Wetsuit. A wetsuit retains your body heat. This is necessary if you are going to be in the water for a long time, and spearfishing usually lasts several hours, and even warm sea water will make itself felt during this time. You can find out more about how to choose the best option in the corresponding article, or by consulting with our specialists. | |
| 2. Gloves. Gloves also serve the function of keeping the submariner warm. It is very important that the gloves do not fit too tightly on your hands, leaving minimal free space inside, otherwise blood circulation will be impaired, and in this case your hands will freeze, regardless of the thickness of the gloves. The preferred thickness of gloves depends on the ambient temperature, usually 1.5-3mm is chosen for summer, 5mm for autumn, 7mm-9mm for late autumn and winter. | |
| 3. Socks. With socks, everything is the same as with gloves. | |
| 4. Fins. A submariner without fins is like a car without an engine. As noted above, it is important to remember that spearfishing is a very time-consuming activity, and during the hours spent in the water, fins will help you save a huge amount of energy. Choosing fins is a very individual process, depending on the structure of your leg, the terrain in which you are going to hunt, and even your physical fitness, so we recommend choosing fins with the help of our specialists directly during fitting. | |
| 5. Mask. No need to hunt without a mask. From a variety of masks, you need to choose one that will stick tightly to your face, ensuring the tightness of the under-mask space. You can familiarize yourself with other features in our article: Choose the best mask for spearfishing. | |
| 6. Tube. It is not necessary to take the tube if you can hold your breath for at least 15 minutes. Otherwise, it will give you the opportunity to do what you love without being distracted by such a trifle as a lack of oxygen. Choosing a tube is everyone’s business; here you can, without bothering, take the one that catches your eye. | |
| 7. Belt. A weight belt is necessary to secure loads on the diver's body. When diving, the body contracts under water pressure, so it is important that the belt is elastic and holds tightly at depth. | |
| 8. Cargoes. Weights compensate for the positive buoyancy of the suit, and accordingly, they must be selected based on it. | |
| 9. Kukan. So that underwater hunters do not have to swim to the shore with every fish they shoot, they use kukans. They are usually attached to a weight belt. The needle of the kukan must be sharp and have a petal hook that prevents the fish from slipping back from it. | |
| 10. Gun. The main attribute of the catch. Without a gun, you are just a guest admiring the beauty and inhabitants of the underwater world, but with it you are a thunderstorm in the reservoir, a cold-blooded predator. However, it is usually recommended for new hunters to go with a simple, budget option just to get a taste of what it's like. Read more: Air guns for spearfishing. | |
| 11. Knife. A knife will save you from a fishing net that has suddenly entangled you and does not want to come off. He will also help you finish off a sea monster that has just been caught, but is still full of strength and desire to live. Experienced hunters recommend choosing a knife with a blade length of 100 mm or more. It must also have a serrated sharpening on one side of the blade in order to cut almost any fishing line or cord in one movement. |
ATTENTION: When purchasing a set of equipment for an underwater hunter in our store, you will receive a pleasant surprise: a Spetton unloading vest AS A GIFT! You can find out more in the online chat or by calling +7 (343) 360-93-51.
Types of spearfishing
Depending on the goals, there are several types of spearfishing.
- Traditional human activity, which has historical roots and is aimed at the extraction, reproduction and protection of water resources. This activity is carried out without technical means and solely due to the capabilities of the human body. It's called underwater fishing.
- Spearfishing, as a part of fishing, the purpose of which is small-scale production of fish. Fishing methods are used by hand or harpoons. It involves detecting and pursuing prey while the hunter moves freely in the aquatic environment.
- Sports spearfishing is carried out in order to improve a person’s physical skills and is not aimed at mass fishing.
- Spearfishing using permitted types of fishing.
Equipment
Spearfishing on a river with a gun involves staying in the water for a long time. Even in the summer months, without a special suit, you can get hypothermic. Special suits will help you avoid trouble. They will not only prevent you from getting too cold, but will also protect you from possible parasites living in the grass. There are two types of suits: dry and wet.
Dry
Neoprene suits used in cold water below 4 degrees and at great depths. They are rarely used for hunting because they have low elasticity.
Wet
The most common suits are selected according to the figure. The thicker the neoprene fabric, the warmer the hunter.
- 2mm 28 degrees water temperature
- 3mm 21-28
- 5-6mm 18-21
- 6-7mm 12-18
- 7-9mm 4-12
- When the water temperature drops below 4 degrees, dry suits are used.
Rules and procedures for hunting underwater
Regional basin authorities in the region are required to provide a list of equipment permitted for spearfishing. The document specifies the timing of the established ban, as well as the possibility of recreational fishing during the spawning period.
It is important to remember that hunting can only be done without the use of self-contained breathing devices, and this hunting is prohibited in places of public recreation and in the territories of health institutions. This ban is also imposed on hose devices.
The regional basin management has the right to limit hunting only in a certain part of the reservoir. There may be a ban on fishing for a certain object. In some regions, it is prohibited to use spearfishing equipment from a boat. It is also prohibited to hunt during the spawning period.
All Russian citizens have the right to engage in spearfishing. However, they must have the appropriate submariner’s certificate. Such a certificate is issued by underwater fishing departments, organizations or clubs that have the appropriate license. When holding competitions that involve fishing without restrictions or with restrictions depending on the qualifications of the athlete, the underwater hunter's certificate is required to have an o.
Every underwater hunter has the right to participate if he meets the requirements of the competition regulations. Underwater hunters, as well as athletes, have the right to train in the territory designated for recreational fishing. They also have the right to catch those objects that are permitted for recreational fishing, and the quantity is determined by their personal plan for preparing for the competition.
The all-Russian rating of an athlete gives him the right to hunt in all regions of the Russian Federation. An individual rating applies only to the territory of its region. In neighboring regions, the athlete will be considered an amateur.
For an amateur hunter, the volume of fishing and its objects are established by special norms, which are introduced by the regional self-government body. If a hunter is currently undergoing instruction under the guidance of licensed instructors, then he is considered an amateur. Consequently, the instructor himself bears full responsibility for compliance with fishing rules. Foreign citizens engaged in spearfishing on the territory of the Russian Federation are also required to have the above-mentioned certificate.
Permitted weapons for underwater hunting are harpoons equipped with a tip, and the number of teeth on the tip does not exceed five. You can also use harpoon guns, but the rod that releases the harpoon must be of a mechanical nature (rubber or spring), as well as in the form of a gas or hydraulic device that allows you to load the weapon with the effort of the hunter.
The use of breathing apparatus is prohibited, regardless of its design. If this is expected at some events, then the fact must be discussed with the employees of the Glavrybvod.
Features of river hunting
Varies by time of year
- summer
- winter
By day
- daytime
- night
Summer
Daytime summer underwater hunting on the river differs from sea fishing not only in the species of inhabitants, but also in the transparency of the water. Knowing the place and object of the hunt will greatly simplify the search for a trophy. Especially carefully during the day you should examine the rubble of trees, among which there is a high probability of meeting pike, perch, burbot , and catfish. In the thickets of vegetation, along with pike, large crucian carp and tench. Reed plantations are a favorite place for carp and carp. In places with reverse currents, there is a high probability of encountering large bream, ide and asp.
During the daytime in summer, trophy catfish, pike, and pike perch lie in pits, hiding from direct sunlight.
The night search for predatory fish is simplified by the fact that almost all of them, having rested during the day, rush to shallow water for small change. The exceptions are species that rely on sight for hunting: perch, ide, and asp.
Fishing on small rivers with depths and visibility of 3-4 meters, can be of three types.
- With the flow, it requires the hunter to be attentive and quick to react.
- Against the flow, in addition to the first two qualities, there is also strength.
- Laying down requires patience.
Sanctions for violations
Possible punishment is one of the most interesting topics for those who decide to try themselves as an underwater hunter. According to Russian legislation, an administrative fine for violating spearfishing rules can be imposed on a legal entity or an individual.
A misdemeanor will not always entail a substantial fine. The law provides for such punishment as a verbal warning. However, in cases where violations entail serious consequences, cause harm to the population or cause damage to a water body, the fishery inspector may confiscate the weapon, and the court may subsequently revoke the license.
Spearfishing in the Moscow region
Spearfishing
Many people associate it with the southern seas, coral reefs and exotic fish.
Especially if we are talking about spearfishing in winter. After all, when it’s winter and most of Russia’s water bodies are covered with ice, diving into the warm sea with an underwater gun is much more pleasant. But is it worth going far from your native land in search of exotic trophies? After all, you can get pleasure and the desired trophy without any problems in your native reservoirs. For example, in the Moscow region there are many places where you can successfully engage in spearfishing, and many enthusiasts of such extreme recreation would never exchange their native reservoirs for any southern seas. Basically, spearfishing in the Moscow region
is carried out in large and small rivers and, as a rule, the most popular places are the upper and middle reaches.
Excellent places for underwater hunting are located on the Lama River and its tributary, the Chernaya River, in the vicinity of the village of Osheikino, as well as on the Protva River near the village of Protvino. On the Tsna and Vorya rivers at the source of the Sverka River, which are well suited for spearfishing in all their currents. But on the Ustan River, which is a tributary of the Tsna River, it is recommended to hunt no lower than mill dam No. 2. In the Domodedovo region, the Rozhaika River, which is located not far from the capital and is famous for its clean springs and abundance of fish, is very popular among underwater hunters. The Bykovka River is popular in the Zhukovsky district. And of course, underwater hunters do not bypass the Oka. Indeed, in the Moscow region, this river in some places has a width of about 250 m, and there are also good depths here, which in some places reach 10-12 meters.
Many spearfishing enthusiasts claim that spearfishing in the Moscow region
no less effective than in the southern seas. And all thanks to the fact that the depths there cannot be compared with the depths of the sea. And even novice hunters can find themselves in any place on a body of water, including where real trophy specimens may be hiding.
For example, let’s take such a popular predator as pike. In most cases, hunters kill it in shallow, abundantly overgrown areas close to the shore. In such places, pike especially like to stand waiting for prey. If you manage to detect it, you should not make sudden movements and get as close as possible at any cost. It is best to shoot at the predator from the maximum distance that your underwater gun is capable of, otherwise the toothy one will simply slip away before you even have time to blink an eye.
Pike is a fairly large predator and to hunt this predator you must have the appropriate weapon. As for the harpoon, it is better if it has a single tip with a folding tooth. The reasons here are quite understandable; such a tip, compared to a trident, has less resistance in the water, and it is sometimes possible to hold a large predator rushing from side to side only with the help of a harpoon with a hinged tooth.
As for another popular spearfishing object in the rivers of the Moscow region - chub - it prefers running water. The chub is often found where there is a fast current, it is very good if bushes and trees grow in such places, because the chub often feeds on insects falling from the branches into the water. Usually, when hunting for chub, underwater hunters carefully swim downstream, with their arms extended and without making sudden movements with their fins.
Ide is the desired prey of any underwater hunter in the Moscow region. This is a powerful and strong fish. The weight of some individuals sometimes reaches 5 kg, or even more. Spearfishing for ide
always leaves a lasting impression. Even the appearance of this fish is striking. It is covered with golden scales, the lower fins are bright red, and the dorsal and caudal fins are dark in color. Ide lives in most rivers where there is clean water and the current is not too strong and fast. Ide is caught in the same way as chub, that is, they go downstream without creating unnecessary noise. Often the ide stays in small schools near the very surface of the water, and because of this, it is necessary to shoot this fish during a sharp rise upward. At the same time, it is important that there are no people swimming in the right place, and in this case you always need a partner.
In those reservoirs where there is ide, a fish beloved by many fishermen, such as bream, is often found. Typically, this large fish lives where there is a gentle current with a muddy or clayey bottom. Bream often gathers in large schools, and prefers those places where there are fallen trees, flooded bushes and a lot of various bottom debris on the bottom. It is better to shoot at bream slightly from the side, since bream is a fairly flat fish; just like at any moving target, you should shoot with a slight lead.
Excellent spearfishing for bream
and ide occurs on the Oka River in the vicinity of the village of Skniga.
In many reservoirs, roach is also hunted. She prefers places with rocky or clayey soil, where a strong current turns into a weak or medium one. The largest individuals are found in deep places or in snags. Smaller individuals try to stay closer to the shore, in aquatic vegetation, near trees and bushes.
Hunters consider roaches to be the easiest prey. This fish is not particularly afraid of a person who is in the water. Even during the moment of persecution, the roach hides in snags or grass not very successfully. The fish's body and tail are almost always located outside, and this allows for a targeted shot at the roach.
Just like roach, perch is a typical inhabitant of the vast majority of Russian water bodies and also likes to hide in bushes or aquatic vegetation. This is also facilitated by its protective coloring, which also consists of vertical black stripes on the body. But the striped fish behaves completely differently from the roach, and they hunt perch differently.
You need to waylay the humpback whale when it is hunting for small things. At this time, he is greedy and impatient and completely loses caution. It is at such moments that several large individuals can be caught.
Have a good hunting!
In 1999, for the first time in Russia, I created spearfishing training courses.
Underwater hunting training in the swimming pool of the Central Sports Club of the Navy has always been, is and will be in demand by people who think about their own safety. I share my experience gained from participating in international and Russian competitions, organizing and conducting spearfishing competitions, and numerous trips around the world.
Spearfishing training includes practical and theoretical classes.
Training takes place in one of the best swimming pools in Moscow - the Central Sports Club of the Navy. The size of the pool is 50 x 25 meters. In the deep part 5 meters. During training, almost the entire pool bowl is used. You can dive both lengthwise and crosswise. Underwater shooting training is conducted in the same pool. Water transparency is more than 40 meters. Unique treatment plants. There is a sauna on board. For students there is a wide selection of wetsuits, weight belts, fins, masks and snorkels. At the initial stage of training this is very important. The student does not spend money on equipment, but having gained experience and knowledge during training, he himself will choose everything he needs in accordance with his needs.
The training includes training in shooting from underwater guns.
This is 2 full hours of training, four shooting stands and the entire pool at our disposal. Taking into account the fact that no more than 3 hunters train at one stand, everyone who comes for training has the opportunity to gain shooting skills from almost all types of underwater guns. Both underwater crossbows and air guns. All of these underwater weapons, more than 6 crossbows and 7 pneumatic underwater guns, are provided for practicing handling skills and are included in the cost of training. And of course, you can practice your handling skills with your underwater gun.
On the day of shooting training, the student has the opportunity to practice in the pool as well as in full-fledged underwater hunting.
From 21.00 to 02.00 - five hours in the water! A unique opportunity to evaluate your preparation!
In my courses, I teach students how to breathe, dive, eat and use underwater equipment correctly as an underwater hunter. Separately, we master the skills of shooting from underwater guns. Handling the trigger, shooting from various positions and much more.
I do not offer a ready-made, fixed, as many call “basic”, course in spearfishing. I think this is cheating! A lot depends on the person who comes to study. From his physical form. From what he already knows and knows about spearfishing. From the time he can spend on training. After all, adults come to spearfishing training with their own work schedules, and each time I build a training course individually for each person coming for training. Each person is individual and it is impossible to program spearfishing training to a strict schedule. This is why I do not offer private lessons.
All classes are individual!
There are times, Monday, Wednesday, Friday evenings, when training sessions are scheduled, and both beginners and hunters who want to keep in shape come to them.
It is advisable, but not mandatory, to come to training at a strictly agreed time. If you are late (traffic jams, work), you will be met and taken to the pool. The training time is 3 hours, so you can make up for being late!
Also, if you wish, you can agree on a personal training schedule. In this case, you can plan your training time from the opening of the pool (7.00) to the closing (23.30) on any convenient day!
During training, I am in the water myself (I don’t stand on the side, as many people do) and pass on practical skills by example.
Underwater hunters, both “from scratch” and those already with experience in underwater hunting, come to the training.
For training, various underwater simulators that I have developed are used. If those who come to the training have the required level of training, we play underwater hockey. This gives the maximum load and reveals all the shortcomings in the hunter’s preparation.
The theoretical part is based both on personal experience and on educational material kindly provided to me in 1999 by the instructor of the Italian Academy of Apnea, Mr. Flavio Migali.
You can also test purchased underwater equipment in the pool. The hunter makes his conscious choice, based not on advertising, but on his personal experience.
The cost of a 2-hour training is 1200 rubles.
Schedule: every Monday and Wednesday from 21.30 to 23.20. And every Friday there is an underwater shooting range where we practice underwater target shooting. From 21.30 to 23.30 - warm-up, training, and from 23.30 to 02.00 - underwater target shooting.
The cost of a 4-hour training session with underwater shooting is 1200 rubles.
Sign up by phone. +7-916-344-71-05.
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A little bit about yourself.
In 1996 I won the First World Naval Games (Rimini, Italy), discipline “Underwater shooting”
In 1997, at the European Spearfishing Championship (Marseille, France), our team of two athletes (Victor Doroganich and Vladimir Sinegubov) took ninth place (Marseille, France). I was the only one who had fish. This was a ticket for the Russian national team to the 1998 World Spearfishing Championship in Zagreb; only nine teams from Europe were allowed.
These are my best achievements at the global level, and, probably, the countries too!
And, of course, I participated in internal competitions of the USSR and the Russian Federation in underwater hunting and underwater sports shooting, starting in 1985.
I have extensive experience training and participating in shooting competitions. I consider myself very lucky - my coach was multiple Olympic Champion in bullet shooting Nina Aleksandrovna Romanenko (Rasskazova).
For a resident of a metropolis who wants to stay in shape in the winter, not to “lose their breath,” playing underwater hockey with friends is the best offer that an underwater hunter can afford.
Working side by side with outstanding submarine athletes, such as Honored Master of Sports of the International Class Ekaterina Senichkina (World Champion, underwater sports), Maxim Zhilyakov (World Champion, underwater sports), Elena Zhilyakova (World Cup Winner, underwater sports) I use everything the best that these great athletes know and can do! I'm not afraid to say it!
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