Spearfishing Gear Wanted

I would like to get started in ab diving and spearfishing, and I need gear.  To give you an idea, I have nothing related to ad diving and spearfishing.  btw, I am 5'10" and 172 pounds. Also, my yak's (T140) is not rigged for diving (no anchor).

Wetsuit:
I do have a 3mm FJ for yak fishing, but that's it.  I have seen past posts about adding a 3mm jacket as an additional layer to the FJ.  Any feedback appreciated.

Speargun:
I tried to do a search on past posts, but didn't come up with anything definitive.  I'm trying to find the best value (want quality, just not full price).  I'd like to spend b/t $100-150 used, or $200-300 new.  I just pulled those numbers out of my *ss- if it's a good deal and value, am willing to consider.  Recommendations or offers to sell?

All other gear needed for ab diving and spearfishing:
I saw prior posts on the basics needed, and I need it  Pls recommend good deals new or used.

If I need to be more specific, please let me know.  thx.

Don't try to dive in a 3mm suit. Watch Craigslist and find a 7mm suit that fits properly. If you want an outstanding gun for a great price then checkout Mako spearguns. The Predator Pro should cost you around 180 new and it's one of the best railguns out there. I have two makos and my dive buddy has one also. I would also recommend a rubber dive belt with the solid weights. The rubber belt will stretch and not slip. I use the Mako belt and so does my son.

You can fish with anything. Dive gear needs to be right. It doesn't have to be expensive but it has to be right. 

Good luck Hamachijohn, I know nothing about spearfishing but I want to learn someday.  Can't wait to see your first picture of a fish you speared.  Good luck finding your equipment too.  Andy

I haven't been onto the site in a while but there are sometimes some pretty descent deals on spearboard.

John I have a "Sea-Suit" 7mm custom dive suit, FJ.  It has a matching jacket with attached hood.  FJ h :smt006as a spine pad and knife pouch built in.  I am also 5'10" and weighed about 190 lbs when this suit was made.  (Wish I could say that now!) I used it for two seasons of bug and ab diving when I lived in Orange County.  Previous post is absolutely right about dive gear that it must be "Right".  I would sell this for $100.00, but you would need to try it on.  My location is Morgan Hill so this might be an issue.  PM me if you think this might be something you would be interested in.----Jeff

Everyone:
Thanks for your advice, recommendation, encouragement and offers.  Keep them coming!  Unless I've got other recommendations for a speargun, I think I'll go with what Amphibian recommended, and work on getting the other gear new/used. 
Just got into yak fishing, and looks like another addiction to add to my list.  Wife is starting to comment that I'm spending too much time in the garage (trying to figure out how to pimp my yak) and on the NCKA forum site.  Whoever said "welcome to the madness" is so right....   

great post.... im looking to do the same thing and searching for the same info!!! I want to do some spear fishing next season! Or even this winter.

bp

John,
 A $150.00 suit that fits is a better deal then a $500.00 dollar suit that doesn't.
The FIT is vitally important and cannot so easily be judged without trying the suit on.
The other 100 things to read about a suit on the internet don't mean much if the fit isn't right..

Most people bad experiences come from gear that doesn't work for them.
Badly calibrated weight...mask foggy and flooded...etc.

 Go try on suits at a dive shop and make the reality fit and not just the notion.
Steve

A $150.00 suit that fits is a better deal then a $500.00 dollar suit that doesn't.

I think you meant a $500.00 suit that fits is a better deal then a $150.00 dollar suit that doesn't, right?   

John,
I've gone thru the same phases as you have, only ten months earlier. First got interested at yakfishing, then all the spearfishing/abbing reports got me tremendously hooked. Anyway, I want to recommend getting an open-cell 7mm or 5mm suit from one of top brands (Picasso, Yazbeck, SporaSub, Cressi, etc...) because they fit better and are better made. You should also be aware that all of them fit differently. Some of them seem to be designed for Arnold Swarchenegger. I'm 5'10" and 170, kinda skinny all over, except for the belly I found the cut on Picasso suits fit me the best. I have a Medium. With the right suit, gloves, booties, my 5mm Picasso kept me totally dry and warm during my first and only ab dive trip.

I ended up buying my suit at www.scubastore.com in Spain. The shipping was stiff, but even after paying $75 for shipping, I got my Picasso Black 5mm for $245. You can't find a Picasso anywhere near that price in the US.

If you're unsure about which ones fit you best, you should probably go to a local place that has these suits in stock. www.freediveshop.com in Sacramento is a great place. They have a crap load of Picasso and Yazbeck and others in stock. They'll help you find something that fits. If you buy there in person, they can give you some discount. I spent about $350 there in gears, the nice lady that helped me pick out the gears gave me a 10% discount without me asking. Go there in a weekday to avoid the crowd and get extra attention. I'll buy from these folks any day.

Good luck,
ernest

If you are going to buy a gun for NorCal specific use get something in the 60-75 cm range. The bigger guns work when vis is good but how often is that? I have a 90 and a 60. The 60 reaches out plenty and is much easier to move around.

OK minor thread jack. But still on topic. I am looking to get a used weight belt (and weights) can someone ball park the amount of weight I may need? I know I need to actually get in the water but I'd like to buy used weight to get me close to what I need. And if I need a few pounds more I can pick them up new. BTW I have a 5mm suit and I am 200lbs.

Ernest, thanks for the advice.  I read one of your previous post while researching, and you confirming it again helps.

Amph, the speargun will be norcal specific, so I'll keep in mind the 60-75cm range.  thx.

Honestly, the 411 from this forum has been more helpful than research by Googling.  Any more info/advice? 

Eric you will probably need around 18 pounds but it varies by body composition and wetsuit.

I love being in the ocean, and from the posts I think that all the other responders do too.

But it sounds to me like you may have never done any NorCal ocean snorkeling.  If that's the case I'd recommend renting your gear the first time or 2, no matter how inviting it looks you might not like it.

I've taken numerous excited newbies into the water and found a fair percentage of them didn't care for it.

If you're in Oakland, stop by Steele's on Telegraph, http://www.abalonediving.com/node/42 they have a great rental package.

Then hookup with an experienced buddy for your first time.

You'll probably end up loving it like the rest of us.