WHY not join the countless numbers of ‘Spearos’ who spearfish here in Nelson Bay, giving you the opportunity to hand pick the fish you want to bring home for dinner.

Kyle Johnston, a local spearfisherman, has always been a hunter gatherer.

When he was a young boy, he used to go mushroom gathering with his Pop and looks back fondly on those times.

These days Kyles hunt looks a little different and he takes to the water whenever he has the opportunity.

Kyle and Jillian Johnston have a new edition to the family in the way of their 3 month old son Wyatt.

“I don’t have as much time as I used to but am pretty lucky that I have a flexible job which allows me time to have the occasional dive here and there,” Kyle Johnston told News Of The Area.

Kyle has a degree in Marine Science and has been working for the Department of Industry for the past 8 years, currently working in the area of Molusc research.

He started spearfishing sporadically as a young boy but became serious as an adult.

Mr Johnston is a member of Newcastle Neptunes Spearfishing Club, the oldest and largest spearfishing club in Australia.

Joining Neptunes is a great way to meet others who spearfish, to share knowledge and gain skills, to explore new spots in the Bay area and to join in on trips away.

“The Neptunes club holds a Neptune Challenge Cup which is a great competition where the largest speared of the ten species of fish listed is awarded,” said Mr Johnston.

According to Kyle there are some great spots to dive here in the Port Stephens area.

His favourite spots for spearing are Boatharbour for Brim and Lobster in Winter as well as Broughton Island in Winter for Snapper.

“You will find lots of Kingfish off Broughton Island in the Summer,” Kyle said.

Contact Newcastle Newcastle Neptunes President Steve Elias for more details on 0410 559 350.

 

By Jewell DRURY