lionfish spearing

[dumpsterDiver]

Is the trident 3 prong tip same as a paralyzer tip

Yeah.. a paralyzer tip is generally considered to be 3 tines. As they penetrate the fish, the tines are forced apart. So, when the spear has fully penetrated the fish, the 3 tines are crushing in against each other due to the elastic response of the deformed metal. This has a tendency to squeeze the fish, it helps hold it on the tip and it is why it is referred to as a paralyzer tip.

This "paralyzer" effect is moderate and will not be effective if the fish is not shot in a solid portion of the body. The three prong tips, are much easier to aim, because they are more forgiving. A lionfish is a lot of fluffy fins and you need to shoot a fish in the head/gill plate area to be most effective (and humane). With three prongs you are more likely to hit a deadly or solid area.

A multi-prong tip is definitely better, plus it does (as mentioned) prevent the fish from spinning. The lionfish is held pretty securely by the tips. This facilitates clipping of the fins, if desired.

 

[opie712]

OK thanks for the info which style is better suited the trident or jbl

 

[Randy g]

Any of you use any special protection for your hands, like Hexarmor gloves?

I purchased some over the winter to use this season. I was stuck last summer and don't want that to happen again.

I have a Mako 3ft poll spear like the one posted above and a home made zookeeper to use this season. I used a JBL 5' last year and it was just to long.

 

[Nick A]

I purchased some over the winter to use this season. I was stuck last summer and don't want that to happen again.

I have a Mako 3ft poll spear like the one posted above and a home made zookeeper to use this season. I used a JBL 5' last year and it was just to long.

View attachment 156556

Sweet setup, I dig the spear keeper on the side. How did you make the part where you put the fish in? If you don't mind me asking

 

[REEF HQ]

Keri from REEF here! If you're interested in learning more about lionfish and you live in Florida, consider attending one of the REEF Invasive Lionfish Collecting and Handling Workshops. We educate people about the biology and ecology of lionfish and teach how to *safely* remove lionfish using a variety of tools and techniques. We hold these free workshops regularly in Key Largo.

To learn more about lionfish: Lionfish Research Program | Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
To register for a workshop: Lionfish Workshops | Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)
To receive email reminders about upcoming workshops in South Florida: Lionfish Workshop Pre-Registration | Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)

Also, consider attending one of our South Florida Lionfish Derbies. Whether you compete in the tournament or just stop by the scoring and awards ceremony, you will learn a lot, you can have all of your questions answered, and we'll even cook up some lionfish for you to taste! Derby info at Lionfish Derbies | Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF)

 

[Superlyte27]

You mean you don't advocate stabbing them to death and feeding them to grouper?

 

[uncfnp]

You mean you don't advocate stabbing them to death and feeding them to grouper?

Many times I've seen the fish fed to groupers and eels with the spines still on. Does the toxin not effect them like it does us?

 

[Jai Bar]

You mean you don't advocate stabbing them to death and feeding them to grouper?

So the groupers get used to hand feeding? Looks like trading one problem with another.

And, when the lionfish are gone and people start spearfishing for groupers, they are accustomed to humans and don't swim away for their lives...

Or, the fish who got used to feeding get aggressive demanding for food. I've seen this behavior with friendly dolphins who got used to feeding by swimmers- got aggressive when meeting people who did not bring them food. Dolphins can get really unfriendly. Lionfish are better friends than dolphins, pity that you must kill them over there, but I understand the reasons. I'll try booking a trip, give a hand, and earn me a couple of lionfish burgers.

Sent from my myTouch 4G

 

[Nick A]

Many times I've seen the fish fed to groupers and eels with the spines still on. Does the toxin not effect them like it does us?

I'm sure it would affect them, I don't know if it's the same though. The spines evolved for protection from predators. I have no idea, but it could be like us drinking snake venom. The venom doesn't affect us unless it gets into our bloodstream. So it may do no harm to the fish, unless it gets stuck someway during ingestion

 

[opie712]

I was looking at the fold spear but dang the price tag think I may go with the mako listed above but it only being 33" total length is that to short