We keep coming back to this one. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavour — no faff, just the good stuff. A handful of ingredients, a hot pan, and a whole sea bass is all you need for something seriously impressive.
If spearfishing your own sea bass doesn’t impress your favourite person, this dish definitely will. Trust us.
Ingredients
Serves: 2 Time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Easy
– Whole seabass, scaled and gutted – Thai red curry paste – A bunch of spring onions – A small bunch of coriander – 1 lime – Olive oil – Sea salt & black pepper
Prep the greens: Trim and halve your spring onions, then finely slice them lengthways. Chuck them in a bowl of ice-cold water — they’ll crisp right up. Pick off the coriander leaves and keep the stalks for stuffing.
Score & season the bass: Grab a sharp knife and make cuts across the skin of the seabass about 2cm apart. Rub curry paste all over the fish — inside and out — making sure it gets into every nook and cranny.
Stuff it up: Pack those coriander stalks into the belly of the fish. Season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Sear it golden: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the seabass and cook for 3–4 minutes each side, or until the skin is dark golden and the fish is cooked through.
Plate it like a pro: Drain the spring onions and coriander leaves, then pile them up on a plate. Sit the seabass on top and drizzle over any spicy oil from the pan. Finish with a grating of lime zest and serve with lime halves for squeezing.
🔥 Pro tip: This dish loves a side of jasmine rice or a cold beer on a sunny day.
At Start Point Spearfishing, we believe in more than just catching fish—we believe in forging deep connections with the ocean. And no one embodies this ethos more than our founder, Barcley. From his first spark of inspiration on a Devon beach to the meditative dives that now define his life, Barcley’s story is one of passion, adventure, and respect for the sea.
The Moment That Started It All
Over a decade ago, Barcley and his friend Joe PK were sitting on the beach below Start Point Lighthouse, soaking in the last light of the day. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, a figure emerged from the water, silhouetted against the golden sky—speargun in one hand, a seabass in the other. That moment ignited something deep inside them. The seed was planted, and before long, spearfishing became an obsession, a lifestyle, and eventually, the foundation of Start Point Spearfishing.
Why Spearfishing?
For Barcley, spearfishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about presence, peace, and escape.
“The moment my face touches the water, my mind is instantly at peace. Whether I’m hunting to feed my family or simply diving to decompress from the stresses of life, the ocean demands my full attention. The noise of the world disappears, and I’m left with nothing but the rhythm of my breath and the movement of the sea.”
It’s not just a sport—it’s a form of meditation, a way to reset, and a reminder that life above the surface should be lived with the same presence and intention as time spent below it.
A Dive to Remember
When asked about his favorite spearfishing spot, Barcley’s eyes light up as he recalls a small reef just off Strete in Devon. Getting there is an adventure in itself, but the effort is always worth it.
“One late afternoon, as the sun cast a fiery orange glow over the water, I found myself lying on the seabed among the kelp. I rolled onto my back to watch the light dance through the waves when suddenly, it started to rain. Each drop sent ripples across the surface, refracting the sunlight and filling the underwater world with shimmering golden beams. Time stood still. I have no idea how long I stayed there, mesmerized.”
It was a moment so profound that years later, working a stressful desk job in Oxford, he would start each day by watching this video to transport himself back to that dive.
The Thrill of the Hunt
When it comes to the ultimate underwater treasure hunt, lobsters take the crown.
“No matter how many I find, spotting one hiding under a ledge or backed into a cave never gets old. It’s a rush, a challenge, and even more rewarding when I decide to leave one behind. For me, it’s about the discovery, not just the catch.”
As for his favorite meal from the ocean? The elusive John Dory remains an unmatched delicacy, but his go-to catch-and-cook favorites are mullet and scallops—quick, easy, and best enjoyed fresh off the fire, right by the sea.
Every spearfisher has that one piece of gear that changes everything. For Barcley, that game-changer was a stretchy weight belt. “It might sound small, but switching to a stretchy weight belt completely transformed my diving experience. It moves with me, keeping everything secure without restricting my breath-hold or movement. Once I tried it, I could never go back.”. A summer staple for me is the Start Point tee.
Words of Wisdom
Spearfishing isn’t about records or trophies. It’s about the experience, the connection, and the lessons the ocean teaches us.
“No time spent underwater is wasted. It’s not about catching the biggest or the most—it’s about disconnecting from the stresses of land life and reconnecting with Mother Ocean.”
At Start Point Spearfishing, we’re not just about the hunt; we’re about the journey. And with Barcley leading the way, we can’t wait to share the adventure with you
