Good to show how it really is sometimes, not always productive and turning a negative into a positive with a nice feed. I used to walk the sand flats at Tiwai Point, Invercargill probably before you were born and pick up Bluff oysters for a feed, those were the days. My missus was just asking if my eyes were ok as I was sitting up close to the screen searching for feelers and fish with you haha. Thanks Ollie.
Bro cool vid exactly as you said you can’t always catch the goods but those oysters 🦪 looked so nice can’t wait for the next episode your diving missions are awesome
Awesome mission, Bruh! I love how you've documented the abundant and diverse types of kaimoana that NZ has to offer. To have easy access to all that wonderful Kai, makes your video's a must watch. Cheers🍺
Snake Eel (Ophisurus serpens) The snake eel or serpent eel is a curious-looking fish found worldwide; intermittently seen on the end of fishing hooks or washed ashore after a storm. Those fishermen that have hauled one up from the depths are immediately struck by the power of the fight, but perhaps more so the gawky snout and gnarly protruding teeth. In days long gone by, seeing one of these would have conjured up thoughts of mythical nautical beasts, the kind that adorned early explorer’s maps and charts. Snake eels are very long, slender and scale-less, with an average-sized individual reaching 1.5m, yet only around 50mm in diameter. Larger individuals have been found up to three-metres long, making this one of the largest species of all eels. The long slender jaws that are characteristic of this fish bear a striking resemblance to Gonzo. A single row of sharp, prominent teeth are present on the jaws and roof of the mouth, which could undoubtedly inflict a decent wound if handled without care, perhaps more applicable to fishermen than divers. In saying that, these eels are shy and more benign than their moray and conger cousins. Snake eels can be found inhabiting sand and muddy areas, and are usually seen buried with only the head exposed. Only very rarely have there been reported sightings of snake eels crawling over the sand like a snake, though presumably this is more common at night. Instead of a flat tail for swimming they have a stiff, pointed tail used like an awl for burrowing into the sand. They are found on the continental shelf to 300m in depth, however, it is usually the older individuals found this far out, and juveniles are usually found in shallow harbours and estuaries. This means that the ones that most divers see, or at least their protruding heads, are at the smaller end of the spectrum. The posterior nostrils that pierce the upper lip and open into the mouth and the large dark pores on the head-region indicate acute sensory abilities. This provides the snake eel with the capacity to ‘taste’ (smelling under water) chemical cues given off by potential prey, and the ability to sense water movement of close-passing animals. Together, this makes these burrowing snake eels a formidable predator and also points to nocturnal habits. Fast Facts A very large eel, can reach up to three metres in length. One of over 300 species of snake eels. Circumglobal, but in New Zealand, generally found in the north. Possess a bony, pointed tail used for burrowing into the sand. Ambush predators, they feed on crustaceans and small fishes. Acute sensory abilities, including excellent ‘taste’. Nocturnally active.
Mr Noodles I'm curious, I want to cook maybe kokoda the fish , What would it taste like ? Is it a protected species. Snake eel (Ophisurus serpens) tuna reka.
Good diving spot that, there's usually butterfish that swim at the bottom just as you got into the water their, we hug the coastline and curve around the coast, sometimes I take the yak out. Have spotted a few bronzies around there too, we pulled in an octopus for tea.
Ollie love the vlogs. Two quick questions for a newbie spero, can you share why you use two guns and also how do you anchor your float? Cheers from down the coast
Hey mate can use a small 700g anchor or a spare dive wait to anchor float boat. I use two guns if I'm out to target kingfish, sometimes you need that Extra second shot, ends the fight faster reducing risk of a shark turning up or is its a poor shot I'm able to finish the job. Check out one of my other vids spearing a big kingi near Auckland so see why.
Haha I watched it again after uploading and was also shitting myself as I've done the same thing (not as bad as you by the sound sof it though)! Really need to get a proper oyster knife. Thanks mate
I’m one of those that has never really liked oysters, or anything in shells really. But, I would probably give it a go again. Well not quite right, abalones are good.
I have actually never in my life had a guinness..that I can remember.. Surely one of the nights out in my life where memory has disappeared I have! I'll give it a go next time
Mateeeeeee I just brought a new 5mm moray wettie from ocean hunter, been using 2nd hand surf wetties for since I can remember so I'm looking forward to seeing how this will feel down in Kaikoura
In the states we have something similar called a Banks Board. Dream to have when shore diving. The biggest advantage of one is the hull to keep fish away from the ocean. Otherwise, you can jerryrig one from a regular boogie board.
Oli ,I put my Oysters in sink boil jug tip it on - wait 7 min Drain water ..easy to shuck oysters Grate Onion finely creates juice squeeze lemon add rind. I put apple cider vinegar in the mix as well depends on taste buds. No kina i be out of the water... Open kina brings the fish around. 🦧kina eater
All good ,good to see you out there doing it. I live on the coast right on the waters edge. Holiday bach...I dont spear fish anymore..Plenty fish where i am. Water visibility the boss .
Hey @Craig Facebook have a lot of dive groups in New Zealand. Type into the search bar and add some groups. Awesome community in these groups, see you there..
Yes it happens a few times we have at least have mussels and abolone. Hell oyster just fine. Brother all the best if you come back to SA come dive with me. Know the best spots. Open invite.
Roll up the knife into the corner of a tea towel just the point exposed put the oyster into the tea towel holding under the towel no more cuts instead of your 6 o’clock approach try 2 o’clock
