Commercial Spearfishing Apprenticeship - Powerheading Red Snapper & a Harassing Shark

I've been recreationally spearfishing for 7 years now in the waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico near Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Navarre, Florida. I've carried a powerhead for most of those years for personal protection from overly aggressive sharks. Learning to commercially spearfish using a powerhead has been a whole new experience! When spearfishing recreationally, the hunt, the stalk, and even the fight of a fish is part of the sport. But, when spearfishing commercially, greater efficiency and productivity can be achieved using a powerhead. Especially when targeting larger fish such as Red Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack, and at depths of 110-130 feet when bottom time is so limited. So, these 2 days of spearfishing with a very experienced and productive commercial spearfishing friend of mine has been a true educational and adventurous experience!
The powerhead I am using is made by Bill's Bangsticks
UltraLite - www.billsbangsticks.com/38-Sp...
Heavy Duty - www.billsbangsticks.com/38-Sp...
Shark deterrent by Freedom7 Shark Shield by Ocean-Guardian
ocean-guardian.com/products/f...

[@DHHSF]

Well done ..on the slow motion footage !!

[@karendegeyter2937]

Nice fish Mr. Wes

[@diverrite]

WTG, where can I sign up. Keep em coming.

[@phil8212]

Hey Wes it’s Phillip from couple years back when you built me a lion fish condo. I’m not sure how long your gun is, but definitely seems short to me and as far as missing PATIENCE is a must just like shaft shooting because a winged shot either misses or destroys filets especially if you’re selling them. I prefer 44 magnum preferably. My gun is a 54 koah three band for distance shots and power and my line is three wraps to nine feet

[@WesRatliffADV]

I recently got a 55" Koah Battleaxe. Liking it a lot! On a couple of those shots, I didn't re-wrap the line and it hung up some on the next shot. Patience is definitely helpful! Thanks!

[@rob_9876]

Seems like it might put a number of substances in the water that are not great for the ecosystem.

[@WesRatliffADV]

I understand that concern. Only very small pieces of brass and metal. Certainly nothing on the level of all the wrecks and artificial reefs that get deployed.

[@rob_9876]

@@WesRatliffADV Thanks for the reply. I was not as concerned about the brass as I would be about the lead (assuming lead bullet?), gunpowder, primer material, and paint/polish mentioned. I realize it's not huge amounts (and certainly understandable for defensive purposes), I was just wondering how multiple shots per dive would impact the area and fish nearby? I do have to say that the slow motion shots were pretty cool to watch!