I see lot's of guys at Vetch's Pier (Durban) going

[Blacktail Jnr]

I see lot's of guys at Vetch's Pier (Durban) going in with guns. Some have speared Blacktails (I don't personally agree with this practice of shooting the resident fish) etc. What are the rules surrounding shooting fish in this area?

I am older but very new at the sport and want a practice run.

 

[DieterW]

Used to enjoy snorkeling the reef in my student days.
I was always was under the impression that it held some protected status. But have never seen it in writing.

 

[mad mike]

Working very close to Vetch's, I have snorkelled and speared on the reef many times. It is a brilliant place to start out a spearfishing career.
On the reef I generally go for the BIG mullet that come and cruise over the shallow areas. This is for target practice (try shooting a 3kilo mullet) and they make good bait for the bigger Nunus off the beach.
On the outside edge of the reef I have seen big shad, stumpies, pickhandle barracuda and all sorts of shootable fish. Personally I just enjoy being in the water and Vetch's can be amazing in the right conditions. Besides the spering, I have seen spotted eagle rays, honeycombs, brown skates, cuttlefish, squid, crayfish, a K1 canoe, dolphins...

AND... You have Limestone (not actually made of limestone) reef just off Vetch's. Here you can shoot almost anything, even couta and snoek...

So get out there and enjoy the sea, even if you don't get fish, the more you dive the better you get and the more confidence you gain.

 

[Blacktail Jnr]

Thanks for the input. I tried "Googling" regulations around Vetch's but have found nothing.

I am comfortable to a point on then reef at Vetch's
I really want to enter open water but have reservations. ON how to read the water etc.