lionfish spearing

[Superlyte27]

We're not hand feeding, just leaving a dead fish to be eaten. But I'd have no issue with hand feeding a grouper. I shoot them too.

Grouper do eat lion fish on their own. I'm unsure of why the are unaffected by the toxin, but they are not harmed by it.

 

[Nick A]

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

No, I've stabbed them with a knife. 33" would be just fine

 

[opie712]

OK thanks for your help BTW one thing I don't understand as popular as the lion fish is in the aquarium trade why are they not solely collected in the carribean instead of their native waters I have three and bought them from a fl collector to make sure I did a little help

 

[Nick A]

OK thanks for your help BTW one thing I don't understand as popular as the lion fish is in the aquarium trade why are they not solely collected in the carribean instead of their native waters I have three and bought them from a fl collector to make sure I did a little help

That's a good idea. Its only one species sold in the trade, but it would help. May be a cost thing though.

 

[Randy g]

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

Thanks...............Not at all.

I used a 4" to 3" rubber plumbing collar. Strung a peice of 7 mil neo across the top, used a ss adjustable clamp to secure it and cut a slit in it. The reducer allows me to drag the spear across it and remove the fish from the spear. The Neo stretchs apart to push the fish into the keeper but stiff enough to keep from swimming out.

This is all theoretically of course. I will try my lionfish set up in a couple of weeks in Hatteras and see if it works like it should. I have swam with it in the pool a few times along with my al40. Draining was a problem with 6-1/2" holes on the bottom, until I spent some quality time on the end of it with a small drill. Drains great now!

 

[Nick A]

Thanks...............Not at all.

I used a 4" to 3" rubber plumbing collar. Strung a peice of 7 mil neo across the top, used a ss adjustable clamp to secure it and cut a slit in it. The reducer allows me to drag the spear across it and remove the fish from the spear. The Neo stretchs apart to push the fish into the keeper but stiff enough to keep from swimming out.

This is all theoretically of course. I will try my lionfish set up in a couple of weeks in Hatteras and see if it works like it should. I have swam with it in the pool a few times along with my al40. Draining was a problem with 6-1/2" holes on the bottom, until I spent some quality time on the end of it with a small drill. Drains great now!

Nice man, sounds legit. Thanks for sharing. The reducer seems like it should do the trick. Let me know how it works out.

 

[uncfnp]

How did you make the part where you put the fish in?

Sorry to butt in and its second hand info but I have seen funnels that have been slit used at the opening. Lets you push the fish in then holds it when you withdraw the spear. I have been told that the ones from NAPA worked best.

 

[Nick A]

Sorry to butt in and its second hand info but I have seen funnels that have been slit used at the opening. Lets you push the fish in then holds it when you withdraw the spear. I have been told that the ones from NAPA worked best.

Ill check that out. I've been inspired by Randy g. I'm building one.

 

[Chugwhump]

Here is my rig.
I use a JBL model D6 arbalete style gun with a 6 prong Lion Fish Paralyser tip.
It gets them from the 1" to 16.25" range (my personal record to this point).
I like the destructive power of the gun and the great reach.
I have hit them 4' back in the caves/rocks/holes that are common where I dive.

Google Image Result for http://scubagearplus.com/prodimages/Mini%2520D6%2520-%2520lg.png

I have filed off the inner 3 barbs as 6 is too many and I was fighting to get the fish off.
I trim the venomous fins off while the little bastage is attached to the tip.
I eat them.
I have been hit three times.
No big deal to me, as apparently I have "The Gift".
If you are subject to Anaphylactic Shock you need to be EXCEEDINGLY CAREFUL in handling these little Indo-Pacific grenades.

I trim the venomous fins and place them in a bag or stringer.
A Zoo Keeper type apparatus is faster, but has some drag.

Chug
Got here late.

 

[Nick A]

That tip looks nasty! I like it!