Beginner spearfishing - Altona?

[Rovio]

Posted this in the wrong topic I think, this seems like the right place:

Had some success recently floundering at night, wanting to take the logical next and likely expensive step in this hobby, and go freedive spearfishing. From reading looks like Altona off Millers road isnt too deep and seems relatively safe for a beginners. I'd be comfortable in probably 2 - 5m I'd say. I have my 30m scuba license but haven't done much in the way of freediving.

Completely new to actually swimming and spearing in fact, only ever gone at night with the underwater light. So looking for some tips. Heres what I've got so far.

Get a float and flag, knife, gloves, basic freediving stuff (fins, snorkel). Going to try without wetsuit on a hot day but appreciate in Melbourne a wetsuit is likely going to be very necessary.

Any guidance on the details? Where exactly to go, how far out should I be swimming, what can I catch there? Will have a buddy with me as well so not going solo.

Thanks in advance for any help, also love to hear any success stories

[Andrews]

Hey mate,

Sounds like you've got everything you need for success to get a nice feed of whatever is schooling up!
Are you thinking of using a spear gun or handspear?

I can't say I have any experience fishing Altona, however I do have experience spearfishing along the Bellarine and I'm certain that my lived experience can support answering any questions you may have!

The best all-round spearfishing advise I can provide is not to overlook fishing shallow, 0.2 - 1M depths!
You'd be blown away the around of species that come in shallow over the warmer months.

We're talking king george whiting schooling up in 0.5m of water over sand flats, pinkies up against the shoreline munching rocks covered in mussels, etc! Squid, you'd get them shallow over the weed beds! Salmon over the sand flats, etc!

The rest comes from experience, you'll find what works, where the fish hold, and what a flathead outline looks like!

Best of luck mate!