Anyone rents spearguns?

[greg454]

Since I'm a member of the NRA, my instructor suggested I take his spearfishing course. So I was wondering if dive shops ever let you try the guns before buying them?

I wanna see if I'll enjoy the sport before making a purchase. Also, a few dumb questions.

Can spearguns be shot like guns? Each time you pull the trigger, a spear comes out? Or do you have to load them individually?

What about small spearguns? The ones that look like handguns? What you can kill with those?

 

[Johnoly]

A really great place that is very close to you is Florida Freedivers
http://www.flfreedivers.com/

They also cater to scuba, but these folks are very knowledgeable and you will probably spend a couple of hours in the store talking to Mike, he's that good.

 

[james croft]

Since I'm a member of the NRA, my instructor suggested I take his spearfishing course. So I was wondering if dive shops ever let you try the guns before buying them?

I wanna see if I'll enjoy the sport before making a purchase. Also, a few dumb questions.

Can spearguns be shot like guns? Each time you pull the trigger, a spear comes out? Or do you have to load them individually?

What about small spearguns? The ones that look like handguns? What you can kill with those?

They will only get my speargun when they pry my cold, dead fingers from it.

 

[TwoBitTxn]

I wanna see if I'll enjoy the sport before making a purchase. Also, a few dumb questions.

Not a bad idea. Another good way to get into the sport in a very inexpensive manner is to buy a pole spear. Many spearo's will tell you it will make you a better hunter.

Can spearguns be shot like guns? Each time you pull the trigger, a spear comes out? Or do you have to load them individually?

Each spear is individually loaded. Some load faster than others. Shooting a speargun is different than shooting a firearm.

What about small spearguns? The ones that look like handguns? What you can kill with those?

Generally small guns are used for low vis and smaller fish. Small being a relative term.

There are a few spearos on this board, but a better source for information is www.spearboard.com

TwoBit

 

[Ironhed]

you have 2 kinds of guns out there rubber band guns and pneaumatic guns most people like the band guns for reliable and powerful shots typically longer guns are what we use on floridas east coast. before you buy a gun you need to determine where and what your going to hunt. scuba or freediving? tight reefs or more open water. there are alot of things to consider when buying a spear gun. I myself have 2 guns right now and plan on eventually adding a 3rd to my collection of weapons. I have a 57" gun that shoots a 60" spear and it is great for killing huge fish as well as small fish but I now have a 50" pipe gun which is like a toothpick in the water compared to my larger wood gun and I find the pipe gun to be my choice for shooting mango snapper as they are quick fish that dart from side to side alot. also you have to figure out if you want a line attached or do you want to be able to freeshaft with no line. I prefer to shoot with no line but sometimes it isn't the best as some fish will not let you get the right kind of shot on them and you lose the chance to shoot the fish. a polespear is the cheapest way to shoot fish but much harder to be successful. spearfishing specialties has some really versitile guns for the money you might check those out I would not reccomend anything shorter than 42" and would reccomend a 48 or 50" if you are able to pull the bands back. dont worry if it is really hard at first as it takes time to learn a good technique for loading the band guns.

 

[TropicalDiver]

The only way to try out a different gun is to borrow your buddies............so limited selection! LOL

I borrowed a 36" SeaHornet Recruit - was an easy STARTER gun. Lasted about 4-5 dives, then, using advice from friends, went out and bought a Spearfishing Specialties 48". It was GREAT advice, as I now have three guns and all are in the 48-50" range - talk about redundancy. Now looking at a 42" for UNDER ledges, as I can't get this thumb-shooting (head/eyes halfway down length of gun barrel, trigger finger behind me - fish in front of me) as guns I have are too long for this application. Most general purpose length would be 48" - the SS guns are easy to learn on and easy to load line (speed-load). Billers are also easy, but line system is more of hassle.

 

[Chad Carney]

Greg,

I use a variety of Daryl Wong spearguns in my spearfishing classes. (I still have my old Seahornet as well.)

In FL, especially SE FL, you will find little use for short guns. With clear water, guns with long range will work best. 48" and longer can be used for freeshafting, which is popular on scuba.

A class in spearfishing can put you on the fast track in this sport.

Chad

BTW, shooting a long speargun underwater is much like shooting a pistol on land.

 

[greg454]

Thanks people, your comments cleared up lots of my questions. I appreciate it.