Cornwall or Pembrokeshire?

[winky]

Hi Guys,

I'm fairly new to the world of spearo and have recently moved to somerset for work. I've had fun splashing around on the north devon coast (with limited success - probably due to my inexperience tho!!!)

I have a few days off at the end of July and I am keen to head off for a spot of spearfishing with a bit of camping thrown in for good measure. I can't decide, or don't know if it would be best for a novice to head to Wales and the Pembrokeshire coast or south to Cornwall??? Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers
Nick

[fearthespear]

Ooroight there Winky? (Best somerset accent!)

We've had good diving in Cornwall on our hols but have found (through experience) that you have to pick your spot carefully! Might be worth you speaking to Surfnspear or Dave (Thomasson) for some pointers as they would be in a better position than me to advise!

Not been to South Wales to spear but would like to - it's beautiful.

Hope the weather improves in time for the trip...

[winky]

Fearthespear,

Fortunately only moved here in April and so not picked up the accent yet....

Yeah I love the pembroke coast....many a happy holiday as a kid there! Looking on google earth there seems to be some cracking spots there for a bit of spearfishing, plus my brother lives in cardiff and so it'll be a convenient stopping place on my way thro.

Will get hold of those guys as you suggest regarding cornwall, thanks.

The weather was rubbish today but i jumped in near ilfracombe anyway and the vis was actually pretty good....still didn't see any fish tho!

[sunfish]

Hi Winky, welcome to deeperblue. I haven't dived either place but judging from threads I've rea I'd say you've a better chance of finding good visibility on the day if you choose Cornwall. Good luck with it.

[Spiderman]

Hi Nick - welcome to deeperblue and welcome to Taunton

I went to Pembrokeshire a couple of years ago and found some very good spots near St. David's. Very exposed to Southwesterlies which meant I could only dive for about half the time I was there but when the swell dropped the vis was excellent and the fish plentiful.

Can't comment on Cornwall as the only time I have been there with a speargun the swell was huge and I surfed instead.

[scottie3030]

weclome winky
havent dived cornwall yet but i have been to wales a few times , by the end of july the triggers might be in if so they will keep you busy if the bass dont

[winky]

Cheers guys,

Still undecided as to where to head....just hoping the weather gets better for a start!

Nick

[Robbo66]

Cornwall,

the vis is dire in Pembrokeshire.

[brando]

Winky

I think both locations can offer great spearing on the right day. If i was in your position i would let one simple factor decide. Visibility. Cornwall consistently offers better vis. On a summer like this one Pembroke is often murky and is more prone to getting stirred up by swell, large tides and water run off. Either way your looking at a long drive so not being let down by the vis is critical. I was in the water last Friday in Pembroke 2 -3 mtrs at best and in patches the end of the gun was lost in the gloom.

Good luck

Brando

[ben]

+1

West Wales = rubbish

[Mr. X]

I usually head to the calmer south coast of Cornwall for spearing, north for surf. That's not to say you don't get surf on the south or fish & viz. on the north coast. The prevailing wind is from the SW, so coast facing east often offers the most shelter for spearing & west facing more exposure for surfing. Sometimes small bays have their own conditions though.

Haven't speared at Pembroke but I've climbed there. I like it. Much left to explore. 2-3m sounds like okay vis. for spearing to me - less than that is not good though. I'm not too optimistic about having good spearing conditions this month, after last year & the weather so far this year. The forecast for this Sunday just deteriated.

[podge]

Thought I just replied to this thread, ah well must be loosing it,

I’ve been here there and everywhere but Cornwall has to be one of my favorite places in the WORLD.
Out on The Lizard or right down by Lands End does it for me every time.

[Adrian]

No Podge, you are not going crazy, there were two identical threads in different forums and you replied to both. I've merged them now.

[Spiderman]

I have a soft spot for Pembrokeshire as it was the place I first tried snorkelling many years ago (long before I managed to get my hands on a speargun). I still remember an early dive in St bride's Bay where I found myself in a the middle of a shoal of about 50 bass in clear blue water and knew that I had discovered a world that would always captivate me.

[winky]

Cheers,

Sorry for late reply....just been on three day pre-stag do, stag do...jes it was hard at work today!!!!!

I love pembroke as a place...spent many a holiday there but judging from the posts it seems like cornwall is the place to go. Like i said i'm a newbie to this spearo world so i appreciate all the advice you guys are porviding!!!

Cheers again,
Nick