Interview with James Beckman @southernspearfishing
Hunting Southern Bluefin Tuna
The episode covers the equipment, techniques, mindset, buddy system and personal lessons learned by an avid Southern Bluefin Tuna chaser. James Beckman @southernspearfishing is one of Melbourne’s local legends and as such, I organized an interview with him live in the Adreno Melbourne Store (thanks to legend Patrons for funding the trip!). Along with the SBT chat I discover stories and insights from James’s life spearfishing.
Big thanks to James for taking me out for a day spearfishing and harvesting scallops in Port Phillip Bay:) Jetski spearfishing is pretty fun!
Important Moments
5:00 James Beckman introduction and spearfishing background. Chasing small fish in the shallows, calamari and discovering the stoke.
10:00 Early struggles spearfishing.
- Overcoming loading challenges.
- Selecting a correct length speargun.
- Meeting mentors, dive buddies and finding a community.
- How to get out on boats. Rules, etiquette basics and paying
19:00 Most memorable catch. WA Dhufish (20+kg)
21:45 Scariest moments in the ocean. Surge hunting on the back beaches of Melbourne
33:20 Veterans Vault: Spearfishing Southern Bluefin Tuna Guide
- Southern Bluefin Tuna (Australian Fisheries Guide)
- Background targeting these fish in Victoria
- Finding where they are located (bait, workups, behaviour)
- Equipment (an added section with more info at end of interview 80:00)
- The hunting system (roles, preparation, communication)
- Caring for your catch
- Preparation
- Etiquette with Line Fishing Boats
- Connect with James on Insta @southernspearfishing
72:45 Funniest Moments out on the Water
75:00 James Beckman Equipment Bag
“Spearfishing is the most expensive way to catch free fish”
80:00 Parting comments and advice on hunting Southern Bluefin Tuna
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