David Fernández Montero, a Spanish athlete whom we interviewed just before his trip to Sagres to compete in the Club World Cup, where he will represent Spain alongside his teammates César Bustelo and Esteve Genís. In late June, Montero won his third Spanish individual title in Cádiz, once again demonstrating his versatility and exceptional skill as a spearfisher.
The other World
Valentina Prokic: When and how did your passion for spearfishing begin?
David Fernández Montero: Phew! What a great, classic question! I started when I was 14, with a pair of goggles and a “Safarisub” speargun that a friend lent me, along with a pair of small fins (no snorkel, wetsuit, gloves, etc.). I was only able to go out very rarely because the water in Cádiz is usually very murky. I remember spending many hours on the beach waiting for someone to come pick me up after dropping me off there, hoping to find decent water—which rarely happened. It didn’t take me long to get hooked on this incredible sport, and I devoted all my time to trying to fish. I was talking about this very thing the other day, since back then I’d walk, ride my bike, take the bus, or hitchhike, trying to convince everyone to take me fishing ( mainly my dad and my older brother). Except for a few of my cousins, no one in my family has ever gone spearfishing, so they still don’t understand where my passion comes from. Today, I think it stems from my curiosity to learn more about that “other world.”
VP: What are your favorite spearfishing techniques, and what species do you like to catch?
David Fernández Montero: I really like all of them, although perhaps stalking is the one I practice the most due to the unique characteristics of my area. It has also helped me develop excellent water skills, as well as a stealthiness that allows me to approach the fish in a way that’s almost unbelievable. As for species, I don’t have a preference for any one in particular. I always say that I’m a fisherman and that I love my passion, so I don’t have a favorite species. I enjoy fishing in particular and nature in general.
Beyond the Standings
VP: When did you start competing and why do you like to compete?
David Fernández Montero: My first official championship was a provincial singles tournament in which I placed third. I imagine that result helped a lot (I was 27 at the time). From that point on, I started getting good results, and the rest just fell into place. Competition means a lot to me, since I use it as a personal barometer. Over the years, as I’ve gained more life experience, I’ve realized something that has changed everything… “The final result isn’t up to me.” I’ve always demanded a lot from myself, and if that’s not managed properly, it can lead to a lot of frustration. Now I see things differently. I focus on giving my best and trying to surpass myself, setting aside the rankings, because by giving 100%, I’ve ended up in both first and 20th place. No result can measure an athlete’s true quality or ability.
The Third Title
VP: You won the most recent Spanish Championship, claiming your second individual title. Tell us a little about how it all went in Cádiz. Did you expect this result? Did you follow a long, specific training regimen?
David Fernández Montero: This was my third individual title (something only five other athletes have achieved to date). I knew going in that it would be very difficult, since the waters hadn’t recoveredafter the worst winter I can remember. I checked out the area on a few sporadic days, but not many, since given those conditions and the work we’d already put in for the regional competition, I figured that would be enough. The plan was the same as always: to give it our all (I say “we” because I’m including my teammate andfriend Lolo—without him, this wouldn’t be possible) and see what results we could achieve. Obviously, given my experience in the area, I knew we were doing really well on the first day; the second day was a different story, though, because the swell and poor visibility really evened the playing field. For me, the most important thing is that I enjoyed competing, and that’s something I rarely managed to do before.
A New Challenge in Portugal
VP: Your next competitive goal is the Club World Cup in Sagres, where you’ll be representing Spain-FEDAS as part of the national team. What are your expectations? Are you familiar with the area?
David Fernández Montero: I’ve never fished in Portugal, and to be honest, I’m looking forward to seeing what the seabed is like there. Expectations? At this point , I’m just looking to have fun, learn, and help out however I can. I don’t make any calculations at all —or rather, the only calculations I make are the ones I can handle, and there are very fewof those …hahaha!
Custom-made material
VP: You’re a Picasso athlete. Which Picasso products do you especially like? I know you’re very active in trying out and testing different pieces of equipment.
David Fernández Montero: I’m truly in love with the brand and the gear. I’m not usually overly particular about anything, but with Picasso, everything seems tailor-made for me. I could name many items, but the ones that have made the biggest impression on me are the Magnum Carbon Railspeargun and the BOOM rubber bands. Just check out my social media to see what I mean. The Amara gloves, the rechargeable Venus Pro flashlight (comfortable, lightweight, powerful, and with great battery life), the Supreme fins, the neoprene wetsuits, etc. In short, it’ s a brand for spearfishers created by spearfishers. I also have to say that from the very beginning, the service I’ve received has been top-notch. They’ve made me feel right at home and given me a place here, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Carlos Osorio once again for putting his trust in me.
A memory to last a lifetime
VP: What has been your most special and moving catch? Can you tell us a little bit about it?
David Fernández Montero: All of my catches hold a special meaning for me. I feel incredibly grateful for my life, for having discovered spearfishing—although, to be honest, it wasn’t really a choice. Life has a path laid out for us, and no matter how much you resist, it will eventually lead you there… When we let go of the illusion of control, life shows us the steps we need to take. Although there’s one catch that will always be very special to me… It was a sole I caught while my daughter was standing on the boat. I remember coming up to the surface and seeing her, leaning against the float, searching for me with her eyes until she spotted me. Shouting, she pointed out my position: “There you are, Daddy!” she said. When she saw the sole, her face showed utter surprise. She was so happy, and I’ll cherish that moment in my memory forever.
Freedom Above All Else
VP: Could you tell us a little about your work? Are you a professional fisherman?
David Fernández Montero: I’m a professional mid-depth diver, but I’ve worked in many different trades, always searching for the one thing that matters to me… “freedom.” I strive to simplify my life as much as possible. The only thing we truly possess is time, and we don’t know how much of it we have left from this point on. I anchor myself to the present moment, for it is in that instant that the miracle of existence takes place.
