need info on a gun?

[mako1]

hey guys
i have never used a speargun before, but looking to start. I have been diving for 3 years around 110 dives, feel that i can dive easy now and want to start to fish. I have a trip to northcarolina to start and then a trip to the dry tortugas. I was wondering what yall would recomend to someone just starting out, that would work in both locations, and would not cost an arm and a leg say 400.00 or less. as well as do i need a reel or float? thanks mike

 

[JHO007]

For scuba you don't really need a reel/float on scuba. Got plenty of bottom time to deal with the fish. What size fish are you planning on hunting?

I would guess a Spearfishing Specialties/AB Biller 48 would work fine for what your looking to do. And it will be a while before you grow out of it.

I might be having a great deal on a Spearfishing Specialties 52. Haven't decided yet, but it will take fish bigger than you probly are.

 

[mudhole]

hey guys
i have never used a speargun before, but looking to start. I have been diving for 3 years around 110 dives, feel that i can dive easy now and want to start to fish. I have a trip to northcarolina to start and then a trip to the dry tortugas. I was wondering what yall would recomend to someone just starting out, that would work in both locations, and would not cost an arm and a leg say 400.00 or less. as well as do i need a reel or float? thanks mike

There are lots of brands of spearguns to choose from, each has it's supporters, my favorite is Riffe. There are even a lot of custom makers making specialty guns. Before you choose brands, you need to narrow down the requirements you will have. Clear water. . . longer guns, Slow target. . . handle at the back of the gun, Fast target. . . mid handle gun to twist and turn with the fish. Tougher fish require more power, smaller more delicate fish weaker power. Local conditions may require a reel to be sucessful, other conditions some hunters use a free shaft. . . the answer will come from divers local to where you're going. Also, local divers can let you know about local laws. . . the Dry Tortugas, I believe is free diving only, and some species are protected.

My choice is Riffe because their variety of guns fit my style of hunting. I've been spearfishing for over 35 years with more than 10 different brands of guns. The early guns were pneumatics, the companies went out of business and left hundreds of guns in my area without air seals. Switching to rubber band guns I've use 4 brands, each OK but with limitations. I now use a Riffe mid handle gun, with more power than the others I've tried. Go online to info @speargun.com or call Julie or Jill Riffe at 1-800-773-2748

Good Hunting, you've made a good decision to gain diving experience before jumping into the hunt.

 

[bigfrog23]

my favorite gun is the black panther it rain supreme in my opinion. when you shoot a fish the spear dose not rattle and spook the fish. also after you shoot the fish the gun is slightly positive and which keeps the string out of the way as you get the fish off. you can find them on ebay some time.

 

[Richesb]

Spend the money, buy a Riffe!
You will not be sorry. Good gun with a resale value. This is important since if you spearfish this will not be your last gun.

 

[Chad Carney]

Some good advice from the guys above.

I'll ad to also match the size of the gun to you, meaning your reach and strength.

For example a 48 Biller will shoot pretty well in the locations you mention, but a 54 wil be even better if you can handle it.

The Tortugas has many protected areas, but scuba is allowed while spearfishing.

I like Daryl Wong guns, but they are out of the $400 range. www.wongspearguns.com

With that in mind, I'd go with a Biller 54 Floridian and add some freeshafts.

Chad

 

[mako1]

thanks every one i'm still looking and reading, my 1st trip to north caroline i think i have a local guy going out with my and willing to teach and loan my a gun! i just have to pay for his dives seems fair.
mike