Is Spearfishing hard? Beginner Vs. Veteran | Managing Expectations

Spearfishing is very difficult if you've never done it before. Even Regulars struggle from time to time! this video is about keeping expectations realistic when it comes to trying spearfishing for the first time!
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[@stanleycates1972]

Different areas, different techniques. I started scuba in the Texas rigs in 61. We had SS cable and rope riding rigs for jewfish. Just cable to gun for everything else. Moved to St Croix in 75 and discovered free diving and Anegada. We used line attached to gun. The long reef was patroled by reef sharks. You needed to get your fish out of the cave and in the boat asap. A friend tried a float line. When he pulled the fish out of the ledge or cave it was devoured by reefies. A reel would have been the same. I had a wavy SS shaft because the dog snapper or grouper would spin and bend it. I bought 2 new spring steel shafts. Both were snapped the first time I used them in a cave. Returning to Texas in 90 (after Hugo) I was still using shooting line attached to gun. Diving with an experienced diver I learned I needed a better gun with a reel. That's where I am today. I have shot dozens and dozens of red & gray snapper and cobia this way. At 85 I may be retired. Went out today and I can't tolerate chilly water. I got hypothermia so bad I thought I would die (a winter trip out of Freeport TX for wahoo) afew years ago. Seems the elderly must maintain the correct body temp. at all times. I quit swimming UW laps at the pool because I was too chilly. You have a great venue here and I shoot vicariously with you, although I am a one handed point and shoot guy and I don't bleed or stab my fish - just grab em in the gills and tkrow em em in the boat. Wedding soon :)

[@KeyWestWaterman]

that is awesome! thanks for taking the time to share! times have changed, really happy you enjoy the vids!

[@borikennautical6649]

Great video captain! Nice grouper for Will!!! Saw the hog and he survived the fish slaughter 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Keep up the good work!😊😊😊🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤿🤿🤿🤿🤿🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Haha lives to see another day! Thanks for watching!!

[@roblastra6080]

Awesome having someone with your experience taking the time to explain in detail, that helps a lot to many of us out here. Congratulations to Will, that's a nice grouper. Thanks for sharing.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

happy to share what I can! it really was im stoked for him!

[@islamhamdan1]

The most thing i like in you aron is how you keep the dives realistic, some days you are lucky some don't, some fish are difficult when stuck in there hols, some easy and clean catch, really impressive 💙

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Trying to keep it real! Thanks so much!

[@aeew]

I love that 4:30 coral reef sound

[@KeyWestWaterman]

me too!

[@patricio-pat-canahuate2608]

Hahaha I just realized this is a video from 2021! There's a timeless quality to your videos. Thank you. Godspeed.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha get too far back and they lose their touch a little bit!

[@rulenumerouno]

Having to pee so much is from your mammalian dive reflex. It's called immersion diuresis. Great stuff as usual buddy! 🤙

[@KeyWestWaterman]

well good to know! thank you!

[@CaptainSloose]

You have NO idea why i always have to pee the MOMENT i get in the pool even after having just gone before getting in. Omg this explains so much.

[@phillipdelatour7729]

@@KeyWestWaterman Great vid. I can add some detail. Basically your body reprioritises blood flow from your limbs to your core organs, think heart, lungs and most importantly kidneys. It does this for two reasons, firstly to conserve oxygen and prevent wasting it in the muscles. Secondly to keep warm as you lose more heat through hands and feet, you may not get it in Florida but in colder climates (like here in New Zealand) you notice how quickly your hands and feet get cold when you slow down to focus on diving, you learn very quickly the importance of good gear. More blood to the kidneys means more urine is made.

[@franklinclark3044]

You certainly do make it look easy, but I can attest to your patience when it comes to those of us who don't have as much experience. Watching you walk Will through that grouper reminded me of how you walked me through the 18.5lb black I got on my charter with you. I learned SO much that day, so much so that I bagged a 22" Mangrove Snapper this past weekend in the Gulf where I live. I can't wait to come back to Key West and book another charter. Love watching the videos, so please keep making them. Way to go Will!!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

make me happy to hear that! im OBSESSED with learning so I think my patience comes from that love turned into teaching. because ive been there! and that's a stud mangrove! I look forward to having you back out Franklin!

[@petrhermanadventures9509]

Hitting the target, I think is where experience is key. Took me two months of diving and shooting small reef fish every day before I started to get head shots most of the time. Shooting a spear gun is more like throwing a rock than shooting a gun, most of the aim is instinctive and it takes a long time to get good at it. I really enjoyed this video.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I couldn't agree more! most people ask me how to aim and you can't really explain it like shooting a rifle for example! lots and lots of practice!

[@stevenh.riddle1601]

Great video, I’m 61 and shot a few mango snappers off Marathon last year. I love it but only get out a few times a year.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Nice! Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@slaw8609]

Glad to see the channel growing.. your hard work shows🤙

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Slowly getting there!

[@curlymaple42]

This is great!! Totally shows what we will be expecting. Thank you!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thanks for watching!

[@rusticmade]

Watching you walk him through that was awesome! Great job 👏

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielladue7409]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I think all your videos are fire 🔥

[@KeyWestWaterman]

really do appreciate that!

[@rodolfopanganjr.9955]

Thank you Aaron!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thank you!!!

[@Chinesepoksu]

Absolutely love adventure and the explanation on dives!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

really do appreciate it! glad you enjoy the channel!

[@Capt-Mike-FLC]

Another great video! As always keep on keeping on.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I appreciate that!!!

[@LearningToHuman]

Great video mate, a lot to learn from this for newcomers and even those with experience!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Happy to hear that!

[@rogerr7856]

Will shooting that grouper looked like me trying to get the #8 spark plug out of my engine 😛 Nice fish👍

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lmao

[@guder8857]

I have a suggestion. I think you should not stab the brain first. If you want the blood out, first cut the gills to bleed. When the brain gets low blood/low oxygen, it will signal the heart to pump harder. This way you will get much more blood out. After a minute or two, you can still hiy the brain.

[@josephstewart1313]

Hi, I’m 58yrs old from south Mississippi and like watching your videos. Stay safe and God Bless you and yours. I would love to do it. But I’m so claustrophobic that I don’t think I could. I’m a subscriber and really like watching you!!!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you enjoy the videos and thanks so much for sharing!

[@sandaysunday7997]

Really good watch. Enjoyed it!😊

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thanks for watching!

[@sergiootero8096]

what a nice day and place for spearfishing

[@clemski72]

Love your channel. Have been spearing mostly shallows for a year now and appreciate your professionalism.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

really happy to hear it! thanks so much for watching!

[@digitaldaydream420]

Another great vid amd topic. Spearfishing is definitely a game of tactics, patience, amd just slipping into zen mode. Great narration/visualization on fish getting rocked up and the different challenges of multi dive recovery.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

It really is! thats why I enjoy it so much! thanks for watching!

[@richardvila1173]

Like your channel captain. Will watch it more often. Waiting to start again spearfishing because of 4 car accident that I was involved while waiting for the traffic light to changed. Herniated a couple disc on neck and on lumbar area. Here in Florida, Bradenton area. Have a Mako 19 1/2 with 150 hp Johnson. Nothing like a Contender, I envy you in a good way. Used to free dive back in the day in Puerto Rico. Not anymore, I am 64 now. Thanks for your dedication and your channel content. Definitely a family channel.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Yikes! what a bummer im so sorry to hear that! but thanks so much I really am glad you do enjoy the channel!

[@MattAdcock]

Nice video! I was doing some thinking and heard you mention one of my reoccuring thoughts, that some folks have commented about dive / bottom time. Do you have a dive watch? Mine when set to free dive mode counts the dives, surface intervals, depth, time of dive, etc... So perhaps if you can remember to do it, start your dives w/ that watch in front of the camera for a sec, then during the dive you can flash the depth by showing your wrist, and upon acent, you can flash it again.. I know that is a LOT to remember to do when fishing is what you are here to make happen. Anyway, the more info you give, the more educational and context we get. I think it will be a win idea to give detail tickers, like dive times, depths, etc when you can. Cheers, let's hope youtube awakens this video to be suggested for those interested in beginning the trade or perhaps looking for a great guide in FL looking for some action!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I do wear at watch, and I have started to talk about it a little more in my more recent vids. but yea its hard to show the watch like that constantly on dives. more to remember and more distraction from what im doing. always appreciate feedback!

[@Bigrigjeff]

Nice! Keep these video’s coming!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Will do!!

[@jerrycraft7738]

Awesome video, great content and very informative and I have been spearfishing about a year and a half know and about 10 days a month or more I spearfish, your channel has helped and taught me tricks and helped me shoot more fish thanks for making great content 😁!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

love to hear that! thanks so much for tuning in!

[@chadjenkins4846]

Congrats Will! Nice black! And that's why I watch this channel to see somebody far better than I keeping it real. You're an excellent teacher. Once we move our boat down that way the wife and I are gonna have to do a charter with ya! And paddling with Madeline as well! Great work as always sir.

[@CookingWithClams]

Thanks man! I would never have seen it if Aaron hadn’t pointed it out

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I appreciate that! and let me know im easy to find!

[@Nikonik66]

Not a doctor, I just learned about your question about peeing while diving. Our bodies are full of gasses in the stomach, intestines, lungs, colon, ears and blood. Going up and down compresses and expands them and presses against organs like the bladder, prostate, kidneys and gets things flowing more than at rest on shore.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

awesome I appreciate the info!

[@j.michaelwilhelm7349]

"IF" Will's clearing issue is with sinus blocking, and it doesn't take much, even if topside you don't really notice it that much, but going down even 10 ft can bother some people to the point of great pain and can't clear at all. I found this problem with myself as I got into my middle 30s. I went to a specialist and he used a pressure treatment of what was then called "Afrin" and he also gave me a prescription for afrin tablets. I used them in the Caymans for a week of scuba diving tropicals. Now, you can buy Afrin spray over the counter and it really does open you up immediately and generally will last all day. So hope this may be something Will can try if you by chance don't know about it already. Will did well on that black G.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

it hasn't been that simple for will, he's had 2 surgeries attempting to fix this issue with still no luck.

[@diegoelcienfueguero7865]

Great vid Aaron, good luck in the Bahamas 🇧🇸, can wait to see the Vids Thanks bud🙏👍🇨🇺

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you sir!

[@shawnharriman1916]

Great video Great message !!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you enjoyed them!

[@greg123168]

very nice...great video!!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@RichLeighton]

Fantastic video, once again!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@Rainersherwood]

so cool watching you teach will. would love more videos like this as someone getting back into spearfishing.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

More to come!

[@Rainersherwood]

@@KeyWestWaterman absolutely love you channel for spearfishing tips. Can you elaborate on how you use grunting too? When should you avoid it? What makes you decide to use it to attract fish?

[@byoung3586]

in anything we'll do things for the first time the good thing your teaching him great video

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@SavageDragon999]

Great video, love the explanation and I hope you get more beginners to sign up with you. Even though these are shallow water dives there are still tons of decent fish in what looks to be 10 - 15 ft of water. And yes spearfishing is hard! Pros tend to make it look easy, but many people don't understand the skill needed to actually be a commercial spearfisher and do it for a living.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha yea trying to share that message that its a lot harder than it looks! and plenty of good fish to be had yes!

[@Kld_Spinning]

19:56 Шикарный красный окунь! 👍

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@vincentmangeaux9419]

Managing expectations and trigger discipline used to cause me so much grief . . . Thanks for sharing your wisdom brotha. Congrats Will on a stud black. Enjoy the Bahamas !

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha! I do appreciate it! thanks for watching!

[@edwinroberts4653]

Great stuff Erin, in addition to the novice folks you got the 70 year old guys like my wife and myself that still love to go but because of old man time need to stay shallow. Would like to see a ladder on your boat for easier return. Variables also important for the new folks, I saw you guys fighting current. you mentioned viz. Holding the anchor robe also great tip. Keep it coming Doc E

[@KeyWestWaterman]

its Aaron! but I do have a ladder, its detachable. and yes often we deal with current! its a wild ocean out there!

[@w00dducksadventures48]

Nice of you to work with him. Nice fish !! Well Done !

[@KeyWestWaterman]

happy to do it!

[@stevecoffey4884]

Thank you

[@KeyWestWaterman]

You're welcome

[@kevinyoung2609]

ThanksAaron, That Grouper was very good!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha! glad you enjoyed it!!!

[@jedsellers]

As usual keeping it real!! Great video!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@AntiVaganza]

Aaron, once again, big cudos for your wholesome approach, letting the groupers be and the emphasis on managing expections. Also, I love the no nonsense production, no need for fancy eye candy when you have something real to say. Not that one thing rule out the other;). Just that it's nice to see that you don't need all the visual jazz to actually get meaningful videos out. I have 100s of hours of footage and rarely get anything cut and uploaded since I can't be bothered with the more elaborate editing. Perhaps, I will take a page out of your book, keep it simple and people will actually still appreciate it. Now, the only point where I might potentially disagree is on the timer... I mean, since you are so good with various backstories and disclaimers it might work on your channel, but I have seen channels from e.g. the Med where they dive very deep and long. And though it looks really cool my fear is that newcomers will forget about how much experience it takes to do that safely and just push for the numbers... I am based on an island in the Philippines these days and, sadly, we are losing spearos way too often. Especially, since Covid ruined the tourism industry and a lot of the local guys who used to work in e.g. dive shops have taken up spearing for subsistince fishing and the odd sale. Basically, just to feed their families and get by. Very few of them have access to proper freedive training and I fear not too many of them know of the inherent dangers of long dives and short surface intervals. Often times, the first thing new spearos ask me - after "which gun do you use?" - is how long I can hold my breath. And I tend to always say that I dive fairly short and very conservatively which is actually the truth. I rarely speardive +2mins even though I can do a lot more when line training. Same with depth, I tend to do half of what my PB is on the line. And then I talk about all the times, I have caught fish on very short dives and how being relaxed in the water means fish will approach you faster and closer. Anyway, enough talking, thanks as always Aaron - just wanted to mention that if you do put timers on the dives, remember the short, succesful ones and don't forget the well-meant warnings on the longer ones (not that you would anyways). Ps. Will has some wicked ink!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

never thought of it that was! really do appreciate you taking the time to share and the feedback!

[@AntiVaganza]

@@KeyWestWaterman you're most welcome. And on a very practical note, I "stole" your stick flasher idea and pimped it with a buzz bomb;) Visible in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5mynIyZfamMh5Y I think it works!

[@mikebojtor]

Very enjoyable video dude I can tell you definitely have a lot of experience thanks for the share bro

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you enjoyed it! thanks for watching!

[@bbarnes1583]

Great video, as a south Florida farmer you can't trust our weathermen either. Keep up the great work

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@redemptionmusic619]

I appreciate your content. Wish you and your wife the best. God Speed

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you!!!

[@steveurban3021]

Nice, my son is just starting out spearfishing in Sarasota. We plan on heading down soon so this video will definitely educate him. I've left other comments for you before and if we make it to KW hope to run in to you.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

that's awesome happy to hear it! glad you guys enjoy the vids! and im not hard to find!

[@Captainpaulbtyhtr]

Caddy , how does this ledge break ? 🤣 very cool letting Will make the shot !

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha thanks for watching!

[@FrankieV772]

Thanks for the reality check. For those with little or no experience when you go buy the best most expensive gear for thousands doesn't mean you will get more fish. It's all about experience you don't need the best to start with. As you gain experience in the water you will also gain experience on what type of gear works best for you. Then you can upgrade if you choose to stick with it. Just a friendly suggestion to those with budgets who may be holding back from trying due to cost.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup and I have preached that for years. I considered doing a video with the lowest quality gear to show that. start slow and figure it out on the way

[@randyruney5704]

Great. Videos.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Glad you enjoy them!

[@lewisspeed3041]

Great video,and awesome catch

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you!

[@lewisspeed3041]

@@KeyWestWaterman you’re welcome

[@melindamontgomery3513]

They’re amazing video!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you!!!!

[@americanrebel413]

Awesome!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thank you!

[@robert_starling]

Nice video and great insight for a beginner like me. I've only been spearfishing twice but it was with Capt Tony Young who taught me what he could in two days and I got fish both days. Thanks for sharing

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Tony is an amazing guy! thanks so much for watching and glad you enjoyed it!

[@adamblum3096]

Maybe you have this in another episode and really enjoying watching and learning. Do you ever go into detail on breathing techniques, how to properly clear your ears, just any kind of best practice based on your experience. I have never been spearfishing and your channel makes me want to try it. It would be informative to provide approximate depth just for a beginner to get an understanding of how deep you are going and how long your you are down. It would also be helpful to understand how current, tide, and other variables play into expectations. You look like you are in pretty good shape so just wondering how that impacts a diver and how to prepare physically.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I don't talk about it a ton as I am self taught and never taken a class, although there are a lot of videos online from Freedive instructors who go into detail about that kind of stuff! I really do appreciate that feedback and will do my best to incorporate into future videos!

[@WarehouseFilmz]

WILL!!! Way to go dude. Love the episode, hate to hear the ear is still giving you fits. Aaron Thank you as always for the commentary… your channel is like a graduate level course in spearfishing! I’m no dive pee doctor but it’s your MDR that causes you to pee like crazy in the water… immersion enuresis is the fancy name. We gonna see anything clips from the Bahamas trip!??

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha glad you liked it! try to be education when I can. and yes I have a few although I did a terrible job at filming. no story line but have some decent dives!

[@GregK1247]

I think it’s awesome to watch! The deepest I’ve been is the bottom of a swimming pool 😂

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Lol! Too funny glad you enjoy them!

[@geoffrey121148]

Hi ! I have been watching your videos love them .. on your Commercial fishing you work hard for your money I thought you would get more for your fish you work hard getting them.. I love watching you Spearfish very interesting wish I was younger any of your friends have back problems? When I was younger I did plenty of Underwater lifeguarding … East Texas hi 👋 👍🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you like the videos! and not that I know of! thanks so much for watching!

[@markomarjanovic3091]

Amazing 👏👏👏

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for watching!

[@shawnvera4924]

My new favorite channel! I need to come down & do a charter one day! I'm only 3 hours out

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha yes! would be happy to have you out!

[@wrap-itsolutions2387]

We're so coming for a trip with you one beautiful day man!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

would be happy to have ya!

[@Katz01973]

Nice First Black, congrats!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

he was pumped!

[@jinsvi]

Nice flatfish on that second spot.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

What’s a flat fish

[@jinsvi]

@Key West Waterman the black fish with yellow tipped fins. They were in the cave with the grouper. We call thembflatfish here, but I'm sure they have a different name there. Good eating. Thanks for all the videos.

[@TheGoat-sv6sw]

whatever that grouper at 11:00 going through, i feel him 💯

[@KeyWestWaterman]

yup!

[@bradycorum2468]

Even though you still didn’t get the amount of views you wanted, it was still one of my favorite videos and helped a lot

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I was just messing around! glad some people enjoyed it!

[@edwinroberts4653]

Found pole guns really work well when hunting in those holes

[@KeyWestWaterman]

it can be yes!

[@Mazzey0006]

I'm a day late... KWWM Mondays on a Tuesday!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha! love it!

[@ThatOneFiesta]

i thought that doggy got away and i was so sad! glad you found it!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I never leave an injured fish behind if I can help it!

[@VernBigDaddy]

Don’t know how I missed this episode. Glad it found me! You got a Thursday vid coming today - or do I have to wait til Monday?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Haha glad you enjoyed it. And yea but it’s a short one

[@PsychoUncensored]

Awesome video!! Any home remedies on clearing ears?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

honestly ive never had an issue so never had to trouble shoot it!

[@divelife_23]

Awesome video 👌🏼

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Thanks for watching!

[@ninjalightning2631]

Mercury Man best motor in the world love them

[@KeyWestWaterman]

love em!

[@ninjalightning2631]

@@KeyWestWaterman love watching your Videos I am jazz saxophonist and currently live in a tropical island in Thailand I’m 64 years old I try to do some spearing as much as I can help my lungs and blowing my horn ,I liked I subbed I shared your videos sorry I can not support the channel financially out of a job but I hope I can soon❤️

[@ronn68]

As far as having to pee when diving I would say it's because of the change in atmospheric pressure compressing your bladder...but I'm not a "pee doctor".

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lol thanks for the info!

[@slotsmatter4382]

Love the channel

[@KeyWestWaterman]

happy to hear it!

[@shonbrown5401]

I love the channel I had to get a new name was stonecoldshon thank you an can’t wait to book a trip to do some deep water fishing

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I do remember that name! welcome back and thanks for watching!

[@peterthermocline]

Hi KWW, your man from Asia. Shot some Gags on the weekend👊

[@KeyWestWaterman]

love it! hope to make it to your part of the world some day! thanks for watching!

[@kurtmeister8308]

Great Video. I spearfish Sea of Cortez a lot. More rocks than coral. Do you ever use a pole spear in shallows? Got a favorite?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

to be honest very rarely use a pole spear!

[@matthewturbin969]

7:50 when you ask why you have to pee so bad, I’m pretty sure one of the main factors is that you’re triggering your mammalian diving reflex which pulls extra red blood cells out of your pancreas and affects the pressure being exerted against your bladder

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thanks for the info!

[@matthewturbin969]

@@KeyWestWaterman of course! I freedive when I spearfish but I’m also a Padi open water scuba instructor. When I was doing my course to become an instructor, I had to spend hours and hours day after day in a pool that was cold for the climate. Had to pee every 45 minutes! Finally i learned that the cool pool water was triggering a heightened mammalian diving reflex from me.

[@MrGaroli70]

Hey Aaron, awesome last fish. I know you mentioned this before but people im Mauritius caution catching large reef fish because of some bacteria which can make you ill. What's your take on this?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

millions upon millions are eaten without issue every day, its like winning the lottery in a bad way. chances aren't good.

[@mattgreen4773]

Will was secretly struggling getting that rash guard on 😂

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha!

[@askarielad]

Hey brotha - First of all - ive been watching some of your videos and i just wanted to say that what i like about them and that makes them different from other spearfishing videos that i watch is the way that you give us the viewers a “walkthrough” of sorts, narrating and explaining every part of the dive, so thumbs up for that . Also - I’ve noticed that in some of your videos - you make this low pitched noise with your larynx (I suppose), like 3 rhythmic knocks, sort of.. ive noticed that also Dimos Adamis from Spearfishing Life does them and i asked him about that and he said that it is meant to attract fish or get their attention, but he didn’t explain to me how this works. In your video however - I’ve noticed that the fish are already close to you whenever you’re making this sound (for example around 9:20), so that made me wonder if you’re doing that for a different reason, or what is actually going on there.. can you please shed some light on that subject ? By the way - if you’re ever in Israel - count me as your local dive bud.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

happy to hear you enjoy the vids brother! and yes we do it to attract fish. a lot of times its more of a habit than out of necessity. groupers here make the same noise when they are in self defense mode which normally means something is or is trying to feed. (my opinion not fact) which means scraps for the other fish. for whatever reason a lot of other fish get curious from it.

[@askarielad]

@@KeyWestWaterman awesome brother, thank you very much 🙌🏼🙇🏼‍♂️ Keep up the awesome vids 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@jamesthompson8133]

Diving with you would be like playing a pick game with Mike Jordan. Great job man!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha idk about that! really appreciate that!

[@davegriggs3863]

Is it possible to put a lure or attraction on the end of the wooden base of a speargun....like a rubber twister tail...so that fish would focus on the end of the spear?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

I don't think it would help much to be honest.

[@robertmalis4493]

Hey Aaron I notice you don’t use a goody bag is that because of sharks or just one more thing to look after when you’re diving

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Just one more thing to carry

[@jamesrahn8339]

One of my favorites... Right up my alley, shallow and for a guy that doesn't dive a lot. Appreciate everything about this video. Also, what the hell is up with having to pee Everytime!?? Love them Dog Snapper...I told you once before was my very first fish that I shot...barely legal and delicious! Was about a year ago and I want more! Mine was super Orange though.... anyways, thanks again.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha right! they really are amazing and often overlooked. glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@jamesrahn8339]

@@BOSS_DOG holy shit!!! Amazing!!! Had no idea they got that big!

[@dinos8557]

Kudos to you for putting Will on his first Black when it would have been a gimme for you. Aside from your technique/skills learned over years, how much would you say your ability to identify fish at a glance contributes to your overall success compared to someone like me who can mostly only identify them above water where colour is not lost. I watch your videos and always try to name the fish you are seeing or shooting but only get about 50% correct. By the time I made a positive ID on the fish I fear it would be gone, LOL. Shoot and release is not an option.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

it plays a huge role in my success, funny you mention that im actually working on a fish identification video for my beginners to practice!

[@bryanknight7854]

Diggin the new intro!!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

glad you like it!

[@barthuntfish]

Do you worry about ciguatera with the dog snappers? I caught a nice one in Islamorada a few months back. I can't bring myself to throw it out yet, but I worry about eating it

[@KeyWestWaterman]

i've eaten hundreds of them, up to 19 lbs. cig is a lottery. most people will never win and its random species. you only hear about the one fish that had it, not the millions eaten that didn't.

[@floridaflyfishing3457]

I’m not a doctor but I did get a masters degree in AquaUrinautical sciences which is why I know the direct correlation between holding a spear gun getting excited like a small puppy and peeing multiple times

[@KeyWestWaterman]

lmao!

[@kitesurfinggaberodd]

Great video as always what flash light are you using? TIA!! 🤙🏽

[@KeyWestWaterman]

neptonics.com/product/spearfishing-dive-light-freedive-flash-light/ use Dibs10 May still work for a small discount.

[@rassiesmithiii2836]

Why would someone give a thumbs down on this video? Jackass. Good job guys.

[@KeyWestWaterman]

Some people like to be miserable, we just let them be

[@Icomeheretolearn]

Hey Aaron! I see that you often line up your flashlight with your tip of your speargun. Any advantages to mounting a flashlight on your gun?

[@jangkarfisher]

Nice catch brother 👍 shout out from BALI indonesia

[@KeyWestWaterman]

thank you! hope to visit Bali someday! cool place!

[@jangkarfisher]

@@KeyWestWaterman for sure brother 👍

[@scottrowell5827]

Nice recovery on the dog! I bet Will can out cook you though….😜😜😜😜just sayin……….. Hope you have a great trip to the Bahamas!

[@KeyWestWaterman]

haha he sure can! no argument there!

[@Rwhite8278]

I like how you narrate the dives. It works better to tell the story. Why do I see a lot of boats in the Keys with oversized FL numbers? Is that a requirement for commercial, or for hire boats?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

happy to hear it! and yes commercial we are required to have large numbers

[@francus7227]

People watching baseball think they could hit the baseball. Professionals are so much better than amateurs. My friend is a ESPN tournament winning professional. I have fished with him for 20 years. Same boat, spots, lures, etc. I asked him..."If we left the same ramp in identical boats 20x, how many times do you think you beat me? His answer was the exact same that I thought before asking....17 out of 20. Pros are another level. Aaron just shot triple the weight of TWO guys, both with experience.

[@SeaSquatchFishing]

Another solid tutorial 👍 Can you do a video on where to aim when you shoot a fish?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

aim at the head! lol

[@SeaSquatchFishing]

@@KeyWestWaterman Fair enough, I guess I should have been more specific. Is there a spot on the fish's head you aim for to "stone" it?

[@KeyWestWaterman]

On most fish it’s behind the eye and a smidge up. Maybe an inch back. But also depends on the angle. Hard to say a blanket statement on that lol. Every fish is just a little bit different and as they get bigger it changes a little more.