new guy... heading to malta and i have a few questions

scooter · April 22, 2009, 18:14:03 CET

hi everyone!! My name is Mark (Scooter) and to give a bit of background, i am a 32yr old canadian guy who has lived and played pro hockey over here in Austria for the last 10 years.(feel like i am on a dating service

) I fell in love with spearfishing a few years ago and go on 3 trips a year

i wish i lived closer to the ocean. every year i have to convince my girlfriend to go on vacation after the hockey season where there is Sea, and she knows exactly why.... i lay with her on the beach for 20 min staring at my spearfishing gear waiting for her to say " you can go now"

I saw a cheap flight from here to come down check out Malta and quickly hop in the water. i am arriving on the 30 of april and staying till the 3rd of may. I am used to shore hunting bc in croatia and sardinia we shoot oratas and bass, but can handle myself in 10 up to 15 meters of water. bc of my profession i dont like to push myself too much (dont have the time or place to train)
I was hoping you guys would have some advice... for example i heard i need to go to the police station to get a liscence?? and i have to wait weeks for it?? i obviously dont have the time for that?? i have read on this forum that there are nets everywhere and very few fish?? that is too bad if it is true... are there any places to go and dive from shore.... preferably with beaches as to keep my girlfriend and her friend busy

can i rent a boat to drive to reefs or is that not possible?? I am going to rent a car and read that gozo has some nicer beaches and maybe some better spots... is it worth it to drive up there... i heard it is very nice and relaxed (just want i want for a few days). i am staying at a hotel called san antonio near st.pauls bay.
sorry for all the questions but bc i am not sure how many(if any) times i will be back to malta i thought i would get as much info as possible. Any cool restaurants or bars would be really appreciated also... i do love my beers

i understand that no spearfisher in his right mind would ever give away hots spots and i dont expect that but some beaches or points where i can dive in from shore and can see something would be cool and if anyone is free for a dive or a beer i am game. Take care and PETRIHEIL ( german for good luck fishing!!!)
Scooter

mellieha · April 22, 2009, 19:05:22 CET

welcome

Gozo seems to render some good catches and there are quite good places like Xahra il Hamra. Your girlfrind can enjoy the beach and you the sea. There are also other places you can try everywhere their is sand on our island in the vicinity their is excellent fishing places.

Regarding bars just across the hotel there are some good bars in the area. But the best for partying is Paceville/ St. Juliens. Please do not have too much beer if you intend to dive.

Regarding permits etc. First check with your airline if you can carry a speargun since in Malta it is considered a weapon. 2nd you will need to go to your local police department to apply for a permit, if the need arises. I would suggest you visit your local embassy web site and contact them. They will surely know he procedure.

Auf vieder sehen

Miene name ist Adrian.

baghira · April 22, 2009, 20:23:14 CET

You have to check as regards the license mate. I am sure you need it, maybe a temporary one, and I advice you to prepare it in advance, since you don't have to expect that you come, go to a police station, and get a permit that easy.
Check also re: travelling with your gun.

When you are done, you can come here, and do whatever, also rent a boat, (although I think that it will not be that cheap), I beleive that at Ramla bay hotel, they rent boats, and is nice and close to comino and gozo. Via the sea, you can find some more interesting spots. If you do so, always look for a place that is not reached from the land.

Regarding diving spots, do not expect miracles from nearby sandy beaches, most of them are highly populated, and as many say, the sea here is not that rich compared to other. We struggle hard to find some good spots. You have to understand that malta is densly populated, compared to its size, and there are no places that are unreachable.

From land, you can go and have a try anywhere, even down from your hotel. You will notice some nice spots also by walk. Otherwise you can go, to marfa, gharmier, ghadira (l-ahrax) etc. Normally beside every beach there is a some rocky are where you can go. Be always carefull of the boat traffic, and carry a buoy. Be also carefull of marine protected areas like cirkewwa etc, and when you are at gozo, do not dare to go to Dwejra altough it may sound and look interesting. Gozo might also be a good spot.

For beer drinking, Paceville (but be carefull when to go fishing).

SPNOTTA · April 22, 2009, 21:39:04 CET

Hi scooter...glad you took my advice in posting here...as Baghira suggested, better to start with the license.

GOOD LUCK!!!
spnotta (Green_Griffin)

Buddhagrass · April 24, 2009, 16:00:03 CET

Hi Scooter .... glad to see you over here finally .... I don't know whom advise you took to post over here .... was it mine or spnotta

(just kidding). I hope I'll heal up from my ear infection so maybe I can join you for a dive

SPNOTTA · April 24, 2009, 16:07:25 CET

Quote from: Buddhagrass on April 24, 2009, 16:00:03 CET
I don't know whom advise you took to post over here .... was it mine or spnotta (just kidding).

Then Scooter must have sent multiple pms on another forum ...lol...

hope you are taking medication for your ear infection!!!!

Buddhagrass · April 24, 2009, 17:24:08 CET

I am taking 1-0-1 Ciproxin HC Otic, 1-0-1 Zinnat 500mg and 1-0-1 Clarinase. I went spearfishing Popeye Village/Delli area and the sea was filthy. I even had a stomach infection for 1 day. It was one of the few dives I havent put on my doc pro plugs

mellieha · April 24, 2009, 17:26:31 CET

Guys that area is quite known for contamination due to a drainage leak.

What a pitty and bdw get well soon

Buddhagrass · April 24, 2009, 17:46:52 CET

thx

mellieha · April 24, 2009, 17:56:45 CET

when the drainage sitaution we better we will be able to go to cumnija and maybe have a round at the sunken ship in only 18 meters. Visibility should be good (if the suituation is improved). Visible also snorkeling but for those who wish a small dive (no penetration) is possible. It is a beaut and easily enjoyed by all swimmers. Snorkelers and apneaists.

Well hope it not only my dream. I would love to take my gf to these places but until the situation improves I am afraid not.

Buddhagrass · April 24, 2009, 18:12:22 CET

It's such a pity a beautiful place like Popeye Village / Delli Area has drainage problems in the sea. The bottom of the sea is so nice and full of life. I hope one day I'll be able to dive over there with clear and safe waters.

mellieha · April 24, 2009, 18:37:55 CET

my exact words. That area is wonderful.

The wreck I have mentioned is one of the most easy wrecks and relatively safe we have in the islands.

If the government spends an additional Lm200 (every year) on a small concrete steps for entry point at cumnija. It would be also a medium difficulty land dive. I would rate it 6 for the surface swim.

baghira · April 24, 2009, 23:05:36 CET

nice info.
Did not know about this wreck myself. What wreck is it??

mellieha · April 27, 2009, 10:44:35 CET

Some details about the vessel:

Scot Craig

Maximum Depth: 21m

Scot Craig was a ferry operating on the river Thames; she used to carry 6 cars. After that she was used as a filming vessel for the ?Popeye? movie. When the film was shut, Scot Craig was used as a breakwater, when the Jetty at Anchor Bay was being constructed.

There are still some parts of the engine room visible, the toilets are on the open deck since it carried passengers and I suppose they were of wood and deteriorated. Penetration is possible but only for highly experienced divers with the appropriate equipment.