SpearFactor Spearfishing Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Paul Rodriguez from Hot Rod Spearguns. While Paul is a sponsor for the show, he truly is one hell of a spearfisherman and speargun builder. During the show, we spend a lot of time talking about the right speargun for the right conditions, and his new hybrid travel speargun. I am really excited to share Paul’s travel speargun with you all because I believe it will change the spearfishing community as a whole. The speargun itself breaks down smaller than a set of dive fins, making traveling easier than ever with your equipment. Currently, available in 120-130cm lengths. The shaft is a Mori shaft which breakdown as well. I have personally tested this speargun in Baja, and at home here in Southern California. I’ve even done some pool testing with it myself. The motivation of this travel gun comes from all of Paul’s travels where the ability to pack light was a necessity. Additionally, we discuss how important it is to travel in order to become a better all round diver and hunter.

Lastly, Paul and I discuss hunting big Dogtooth Tuna over 100 pounds. He shares some of his tips, and insane stories about determined fish ripping themselves in half in order to escape from his shaft. 

This episode was fun to make and I hope you guys will enjoy it as well!

Website: www.hotrodspearguns.com

Instagram: @hotrodspearguns

NOTES:

Introduction/Background

03:22:-07:55

Why use a pole spear

11:44-17:00

Spearguns Choices

17:00-24:23

Hybrid Travel Speargun Development and more..

24:23-40:00

Current situation, future travel and why traveling is so important to become better.

40:00-45:00

Favorite Fish to hunt, Dogtooth Tuna Stories

45:00-57:40

Dogtooth Tuna Tips

58:25-1:07:05

Collision with whale

1:07:05-1:15

Sponsors for this podcast included:

Kimera spearfishing Promo: SpearFactor for 5% off.

Los Bigotes Apparel

Hotrod Spearguns 

Akaso Cameras Promo: akaction10

OneDrop Spearfishing

Did you enjoy this? 

If so, please share this podcast with your friends! I hope that you guys can relate to the show and learn that we are more similar than different in so many ways. I hope we all can learn to enjoy the ocean and then, protect it.

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit.

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime!

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I speak with Carlos Suarez. He is the creator of the Freedive Hunter Spearfishing game. He is also originally from Cuba where he learned to spearfish. We discuss his early days of diving in Cuba as well as the equipment and techniques they used there. Some of these techniques he share I have never heard of before such as tying a rope to a diver then pulling them up once they reached half way from ascending on dives over 100’ in order to save oxygen. Most importantly, Carlos shares with me his main reason for creating spearfishing video games which is due to his inability to dive now due to a medical condition. His passion and love for fish, especially Trigger fish, is all reflected in the game. Every aspect of the game has special meaning behind it and you can hear it in his voice with he speaks with me. It was great to speak with Carlos and I am really excited to share his story with you!

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.FreedivingHunter.com (here there are links to buy the game on the App Store, Google Play and Xbox)

Facebook: Freediving Hunter or @SpearfishingGames

Instagram and Twitter: @Strongbox3d

YouTube: Freediving Hunter: Spearfishing the World

Background

03:35:-07:55

Equipment used in Cuba 

07:55-10:37

Targeted Species

10:37-12:51

Dreaming about Diving and his blackout

12:51-19:25

Rigging gear and techniques in Cuba

19:25-28:00

Passion and Reason Why He created the Freedive Hunter Video Game and why Trigger fish are special to Carlos.

28:00-57:40

Most Memorable Fish

57:45-59:45

Shark Stories

1:00:25-1:05:45

Closing

1:05:45-1:07:10

Sponsors for this podcast included:

Kimera spearfishing Promo: SpearFactor for 5% off.

Los Bigotes Apparel

Hotrod Spearguns 

Akaso Cameras Promo: akaction10

OneDrop Spearfishing

Did you enjoy this? 

If so, please share this podcast with your friends! I hope that you guys can relate to the show and learn that we are more similar than different in so many ways. I hope we all can learn to enjoy the ocean and then, protect it.

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit.

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime!

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfactor

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

#spearfishing #spearfishingpodcast #spearfactor #onedropspearfishing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Healey

Welcome to episode #12 of the SpearFactor podcast with special guest Mr. Mark Healey. Mark is a world class spearfisherman, and one of the top big wave surfers in the world. He is a true waterman. If you don’t believe me just google it! During the podcast, we discuss the surf and dive industries, conservation, why we spearfish, diving at Guadalupe Island with white sharks, and much more. 

Mark is originally from the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. On the North Shore is where his dad first introduced him to the ocean at a young age. His love for the ocean grew very organically as his life progressed as well as his abilities in the water. Surfing in the winter, and diving during the summer was his usually routine and it did not take long before Mark was well known for his abilities and confidence in the water. At the age of 17, he turned pro at surfing which would send him traveling, surfing, diving, and make connections with watermen throughout the world. His friends and traveling throughout the world would help his knowledge of the ocean grow, and along with that growth so would his love for the ocean and protecting it for the future. Mark is very involved in his local community where he supports the Na Kama Kai, Hawaii Jr. Lifeguards, and Sustainable Coastlines organizations to help better Hawaii as a whole. 

Nonprofit organizations that Mark supports.

https://nakamakai.org

https://oahujrlifeguards.surfsignup.com  

https://sustainablecoastlineshawaii.org

 Projects Currently Working On: Mark now has his own company https://www.healeywaterops.com where he links clients up with unique experiences centered around the ocean activities throughout the world. In addition to this company, Mark also starting a YouTube channel called Strike Missions with Mark Healey coming out very soon. The main thing that I feel is really special about Mark is that he centers his life around living a sustainably. He truly practices what he preaches, and shares those ideas with everyone.

Topics

Intro and background 3:29-5:14 

Balancing Life Between Family & Sport 5:14-6:43

Main Projects Currently 6:43-15:17 

Differences in the Diving/Surfing Industries/Cultures 15:17-22:48 

Spearfishing Gear 22:48-30:26 

Tahitian Freediving Culture 30:26-35:05 

Know Your History in order to Progress 35:05–37:16 

Roller Spearguns 37:16-45:44 

Diving at Guadalupe Island with White Sharks 45:44–1:01:49 

How Traveling, Conservation, & Education Mix 1:01:49–1:05:18 

Diving Tips (Stretching, Diet, & Yoga) 1:05:18-1:09:59 

Future Plans 1:09:59-1:11:09 

Closing Statements 1:11:09-End 

If you would like to support SpearFactor, you can our visit Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/the_spearfactor  

Sponsors for this podcast included:

Kimera spearfishing Promo: SpearFactor for 5% off.

Los Bigotes Apparel

Hotrod Spearguns

Akaso Cameras Promo: akaction10

OneDrop Spearfishing

Did you enjoy this? If so, please share this podcast with your friends! I hope that you guys can relate to the show and learn that we are more similar than different in so many ways. I hope we all can learn to enjoy the ocean and then, protect it.

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfactor

Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

TikTok: the_spearfactor

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime! LEARN MORE SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 On this episode of Spearfactor today’s guest is spearfishing guide and adventurer, Mr. Chris Coates. Chris shares with us his experiences spearfishing in South Africa and beyond. We talk extensively about spearguns, dogtooth tuna, flashers, gear, slip-tips vs. floppers, accuracy issues and how to fix them, as well as trophy hunting and conservation. This episode was tough due to connection issues from USA to South Africa, but after some creative thinking, I was able to record one of the most informative spearfishing episodes yet! 

Find Chris on: 

Youtube @Coatesman’s Spearfishing

Instagram @coatesmans

Website: http://coatesmans.com

MAJOR TOPICS

Intro and background

2:30-6:25

Diving in South Africa

6:25-10:15

The gear he uses and why

10:15-14:53

Roller Guns

14:53-21:15

Great White Shark Stories

21:15-23:20

Spearfishing Goals

23:20-26:15

Trips, Past and future

26:15–34:09

Black Sea Bass Project

34:17-38:01

Conservation Topics, Biologist & Divers

38:01–45:30

Rigging Your Gear For Success

45:30–1:04:15

Trophy Hunting & Conservation

1:04:15-1:13:29

Crazy Stories

1:13:29-1:20:14

Spearfishing Charters

1:20:14-1:21:35

Future Plans

1:21:35-1:25:00

Choose Between Surfing Or Spearfishing

1:25:00-1:26:45

Closing/Contact Information 

1:26:45-1:28:24

Did you enjoy this? If so, please share this podcast with your friends! I hope that you guys can relate to my story and learn that we are more similar than different in so many ways. I hope we all can learn to enjoy the ocean and then, protect it. 

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit. 

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime!

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

→ Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast 

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfactor

→ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Okamoto 

On this episode of Spearfactor today’s guest is Chris Okamoto. He is a marine biologist who works at Cabrillo Marine aquarium in San Pedro and he’s also one of the founders of www.spearingforum.com . The idea behind his form is to have a ethical and professional learning environment where veterans and beginners alike can share information. There’s a ton of information on Seabass, both Black and White, and crazy stories with great white sharks so I hope you enjoy!

Find Chris on Youtube and Instagram @oakpwr 

For more information on Cabrillo Marine Aquarium visit their Website at https://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org

Intro and background

1:50-5:40

Top Experiences Diving

5:40-9:30

Marine Biology and how it benefits your spearfishing

9:30-11:10

Hunting White Sea Bass gear and tips

11:10-21:35

Great White Shark Stories

21:35-35:22

Spearfishing Goals

35:25-37:19

Trips, Past and future

37:19-43:45

Black Sea Bass Project

43:45-51:31

Conservation Topics, Biologist & Divers

51:31-1:00:15

Why we don’t buy fish

1:00:15-1:02:20

Did you enjoy this? If so, please share this podcast with your friends! I hope that you guys can relate to my story and learn that we are more similar than different in so many ways. I hope we all can learn to enjoy the ocean and then, protect it. 

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit. 

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

→ Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast 

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfactor

→ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the episode of SpearFactor, I speak with ear, nose, and throat Doctor Cyrus Torchinsky. Dr. Torchinsky currently practices medicine and lives in San Diego, California. He is original from Santa Cruz, California and attended UC San Diego Medical School, then traveled to Boston, Mass. for his speciality training as an ENT doctor. Dr Torchinsky shares his knowledge about various topics including common issues that both surfers and divers deal battle over the years. This episode has a ton of excellent information that will help a lot of us. It was an absolute pressure to have him on the show.

I hope you will enjoy!

1. Coronavirus

0330-0927

2. Top issues and how to fix them

09:30-21:04

3. Infections and What happens when it rains

21:05-25:30

4. Swimmer’s Ear/Fungal Infections and treatment

25:35-29:10

5. When to seek out at Doctor for treatment

29:15-30:00

6. Do's and Don’ts

30:00-33:10

7. Craziest thing you’ve seen

33:10-37:10

8. Best conditions for beginner surfers

37:10-40:20

9. Eustachian tubes Issues and new treatment

40:20-47:12

10. Ringing in your ear. Reasons and treatment

47:12-53:05

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor

Facebook Spearfactor Group,

YouTube @SpearFactor

Reddit @SpearFactor 

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

→ Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast 

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfa...

→ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

#spearfishing #spearfishingbaja #spearfactor #onedropspearfishing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I speak with Robert John Koss and Dr. Michael Orr from Guam’s OneDrop Spearfishing team. I have had the pleasure of meeting and diving with these two amazing guys over the past couple of years while I was in Guam. I have learned a lot from these guys. We talk about keys things to consider when looking for new dive spots as well as how to approach those new spots when diving on them for the first time. Additionally, we talk about safety when diving deep, competitions, hunting big tuna, gear setups and some of their favorite products out there. We discuss techniques and rolls each diver plays in order to have a successful hunt.This episode is funny and informative at the same time. 

Enjoy!

How they got started

2:32-4:45

Variables to choosing a hunting spot

4:45-8:44

Steps to setting up

8:55-11:48

Setup for Large Tuna

13:50-15:44

Crazy Dogtooth Tuna Stories

15:44-20:16

Dream Fish

20:16-21:20

Favorite part of spearfishing

21:20-25:50

The Bluewater World Cup

25:50-28:05

Speargun Setups (HotRodSpearguns)

30:59-32:55

Dream Trip

32:55-37:35

Competitions Secrets

37:35-42:15

Safety Tips For Deep diving

42:15-53:33

How formal education Has helped you.

53:38-57:06

Favorite Products

57:10-57:24

What’s Next 

57:24-End

Sponsors for this podcast included: 

Kimera spearfishing Promo: SpearFactor for 5% off.

Los Bigotes Apparel

Hotrod Spearguns 

Akaso Cameras Promo: akaction10

OneDrop Spearfishing 

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit. 

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime!

SOCIAL MEDIA

→ Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast 

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfactor

→ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

#spearfishing #spearfishingbaja #spearfactor #onedropspearfishing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Mann

In this episode I speak with Daniel Mann who most of you know him from his YouTube channel where he post his videos of giant halibut as well as tips and techniques that are much appreciated in the Spearfishing community. 

We go over his reason for starting his YouTube channel as well as tips for people just beginning. We talk in great detail about his adventures in Northern Europe and his dealings with fish, cultures and the elements. This podcast is full of little nuggets of information that you are sure to appreciate.

YouTube and videos

02:05-15:35

Sinus and clearing issues 

15:39-20:29

Making videos for people 

20:15-30:17

Dealings with Sharks

34:30-40:40

Diving in Norway

42:08-57:02

Recent Experiences Finland

59:40-1:02:22

Improving Your Videos 

1:03-1:12

Future Trips

1:12-End

Sponsors for this podcast included: 

Kimera spearfishing Promo: SpearFactor for 5% off.

Los Bigotes Apparel

Hotrod Spearguns 

Akaso Cameras Promo: akaction10

OneDrop Spearfishing 

Did you enjoy this? If so, please share this podcast with your friends! I hope that you guys can relate to the show and learn that we are more similar than different in so many ways. I hope we all can learn to enjoy the ocean and then, protect it. 

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit. 

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime!

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing. 

SOCIAL MEDIA

→ Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast 

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfa...

→ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

#spearfishing #spearfishingpodcast #spearfactor #onedropspearfishing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Spearfactor, I meet with OC Spearos Director Brad Thompson. Brad and I discuss why we think the OC Spearos has such a huge following in the spearfishing community. Their culture of welcoming divers of all experience levels has fostered a climate perfect for learning and growing your knowledge and skill within the sport of spearfishing. He also shares his thoughts on conservation, both with hunting on land and spearfishing in the ocean. I asked him about the goals of the spearfishing club, and how they plan to achieve those goals. One of the goals including using the OC Spearos as a major lobbing group for developing effective conversation efforts in the state of California. Checkout what's going on with the club right here. http://www.ocspearos.org On top of being a major influence in spearfishing right here in Southern California, he also started the company Vizi bags, which he turned over to his 14 year old daughter to run. What a cool dad! Vizi Bags are the first and only colored food saving bags. The colored bags make it easy to separate different types of meats and fish, as well as different cuts of meat and fish. Check out Vizi bags at https://www.vizibags.com We close the podcast by talking about his favorite spearfishing trips. New flash, Baja is at the top of his list. Follow Spearfactor: check us out at www.spearfactor.com for more! Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit. Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime LEARN MORE SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing. SOCIAL MEDIA → Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast → Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfa... → Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor #spearfishing #spearfishingbaja #spearfactor #onedropspearfishing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Spearfactor, I meet with Nick Garcia, the owner of Nitro Gun Co, at his workshop in Carlsbad, California. We began just like we always do, discussing Nick’s background going from his beginning days as a young surfer, to professional MMA fighter, all the way to becoming an avid diver and speargun manufacture. Like most of us, Nick’s journey has many different turns and by taking those different turns Nick has learned a great deal about his mind and body along the way.

Nick’s first experience in the ocean was from his parents who both loved surfing. He and his brother, Gabe Garcia, spent most their time surfing, but when the waves were flat, and the water was warm they would turn to spearfishing to past the time. This routine lasted through high school until Nick decided to try his hand at MMA. Yes, Mix Martial Arts. Mr. “Nitro” himself had quite the career fighting and earning money in major organizations such as Bellitor. We discuss how learning about breathing for spearfishing actually carried over and helped him while he was fighting. Nick said that the book Breathology really changed his whole approach to looking at breathing while training both in and out of the gym.

As his career came to an end due to injuries, he quickly redirected his passion to woodworking. With woodworking and spearfishing as two of his hobbies, making spearguns for himself and friends was inevitable. The more spearguns he made, the more passionate he began to feel about building them. He eventually teamed up with his friend and Guardian Charters owner, Evan Wagley, to carry Nitro Gun Co spearguns on his charter boats in order to consistently test them out on all types of fish including large bluefin tuna. This relationship allowed Nick to fine tune his spearguns for a large variety of fish. Over the years, some on the biggest bluefin, 300 plus pounds, in California have been landed using Nitro spearguns while on a Guardian Charter trip. Nick and Evan are some of the most experienced spearos targeting bluefin tuna. The Bomber series spearguns were developed from chasing down bluefin tuna, and Nick and I talk about techniques and tactics for getting close, shooting and landing them.

In order to consistently do this, you need to have gear that’s up to the challenge. We go over recommended gear setups for landing these larger fish. First, get a tuna cannon from Nitro Gun Co. Seriously, if you are targeting large bluefin get either a bomber series or a 65” double roller from Nick. Second, get the best dyneema line and bungee on the market, Dark Waters Dive Co bungee. No bullshit! Then get a big float 3 atmosphere float or two because you never know what could swim in front of you. Nick prefers the JBL floats to others. Heavy proven equipment is a must when targeting a triple digit fish. Do not bring a knife to a gun fight!

The last topic on the show is about spearfishing trips. We discuss diving in Belize, Baja, Mainland Mexico and Hawaii. We talk about lessons learned from diving in these different places and some of the people we have met along the way. In Kauai, we meet our good friend Allen Yangco from Longfins Freediving Shop. Allen is one of the most welcoming guys out there. Be sure to check out his online dive shop online and on IG. 

Follow Spearfactor:

Instagram @the_spearfactor, Facebook Spearfactor Group, YouTube and Reddit. 

Until next time, I hope you land the fish of a lifetime!

LEARN MORE

SpearFactor is all about sharing information about spearfishing to enhance your experience in the ocean. If you are a new spearo, please checkout www.spearfactor.com for more information on targeted fish types and spearing.

SOCIAL MEDIA

→ Podcast: https://www.Spearfactor.com/podcast

→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_spearfa...

→ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SpearFactor

#spearfishing #spearfishingbaja #spearfactor #onedropspearfishing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices