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Keep Diving,

-Connor

Hey there, spearos. This is The Stone Shot, your weekly dose of spear content (and maybe some fishing, but we try to keep it below the water line)

Here’s what we have for you today:

• The Thermocline: Use it to your advantage

• Spear-cation Destination: Southern Mozambique

• Weird Fish Of The Week: Goblin Shark

• Video: Bull mahi has to eat too

The Question

How To Use The Thermocline To Your Advantage

Most divers have experienced that abrupt shift from warm to cold waters when descending. This is called the thermocline.

When present, it will effect where fish hang out. And spearfishers can use this to their advantage.

But before we go into that, we should know why the thermocline happens. We’re going to get into a little bit of ocean physics…but we’ll try to keep the science talk to a minimum.

Water Density and Temperature

Here's the short version: when you warm up water, it expands, becoming less dense. In other words, warm water takes up more space than cold water of the same mass. This crucial concept is the key to understanding the thermocline.

In most seas and oceans, the warmest water rests on the surface, gradually cooling as you descend.

The Wind's Role in the Thermocline

When the wind blows steadily from the coast towards the open ocean, it creates a ripple effect.

As the wind sweeps over the ocean's surface, it drags the warm surface layers away from the shore, making room for colder, deeper waters to rise and replace them. This process is called "upwelling," and it's the primary driver of the thermocline.

Now, let's connect this science to spearfishing.

How Fish React To The Thermocline

Fish often prefer to stay in the warmer surface layers, just like we prefer the beach on a sunny day. But when the thermocline strikes, everything changes.

The sudden temperature shift can create a boundary that some fish are reluctant to cross. On the other hand, bottom-dwelling fish tend to stay below it but become more active.

So, how can you make the most of this sudden shift in water temperature?

Spearfishing Strategy

Timing is Everything: Plan your dives to coincide with the thermocline. When that cold water layer moves in and stirs things up, the fish become more active.

Find the Transition: Find where the change in temperature is strongest. Fish are more likely to congregate in the transition zone, making them easier targets.

Vary Your Depth: Experiment with different depths and find where the thermocline's effects are most pronounced. Sometimes, it's just a few meters below the surface; other times, it's a bit deeper. Your willingness to test will pay off.

Weird Fish Of The Week

Goblin Shark

Measuring up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length, the Goblin Shark's body is flabby and soft, with a pinkish-white complexion that can appear translucent in the dimly lit waters it calls home.

They are rarely seen by humans due to its preference for the inky depths, often reaching depths of over 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

Spear-cation Destination

Southern Mozambique

Southern Mozambique is one of Africa's most biodiverse marine environments. The warm, crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean teem with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for spearos.

Many travel to Mozambique for big fish like the giant Black Marlin. Some are looking for record reef fish. In fact, 14 IUSA records are recorded in Mozambique.

Target Species: Black Marlin, Spanish Mackerel, Dorado ,Wahoo, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Yellowfin Tuna

Videos Of Southern Mozambique Spearfishing

• The Full Mozambique Adventure

• Spearing Green Jobfish

Video

Bull mahi mahi feeding. Check out that head shake!

That’s it for us! We’ll see you back here next week.

PS - We’re in the search for great spearfishing stories. This could be crazy experiences in the water, unique spearing methods or exotic spearfishing trips.

Any stories of your own that you'd be willing to tell? Respond to this email and we’ll send over a short questionnaire!

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