In Reply to: SCUBA Huntin'? posted by Divebum Don on May 22, 2008 at 21:58:55:

From my years of observation: Yes, it affects the fish.

1. In areas with regular spear fishing, there tends to be a) fewer fish, and b) smaller fish. Occasionally, there will be one extremely large fish in the area that will not come close to a human, no matter what.

2. In protected areas, frequented by scuba divers, there are fish of all sizes, that will approach more closely.

3. In areas where fish are not hunted and are fed by scuba divers (Typically warm water tourist destinations), your chances of getting mugged by fish of all sizes that expect to be fed are high.

4. In all areas, the behavior of the scuba diver affects the distances that fish will keep between themselves and the scuba diver. Fit into the surroundings and act like you are quietly minding your own business - many fish will generally come to check you out. Let the fish feel like they are being pursued in any fashion - the fish will run.

5. There is always species variation in fish behavior. The Giant Black Sea Bass being one that comes to mind. In areas heavily frequented by photographers - it seems like they learn to run from the sight of a camera. But once again, if you MYOB they will frequently come and see what you are up to.

6. I have observed fish run when the spot a diver with a spear gun merely swimming through the area.