Noob Spear gun Question?

[MntbikerBamBam]

ok im in the process of getting my cert but i have always had this nagging question.

What happens if you miss with your spear gun? do you just swim down and get it? or is it on a tether? and if not, wha if the water is to deep to swim down to get?

Also what is the advantage of using the "spear" type deal where there is no gun?

 

[pescador775]

For the most part, arrows are attached to the gun with a "shooting line". This is distinct from any reel line or trailing line/float. Pole spears and slings are used in various applications, scuba and free diving. The diver attempts to impale the fish and retrieve same. Short range weapon but very handy for some situations.

In Florida, some divers use guns without a shooting line. This is called "free shafting". It is up to the diver to retrieve the arrow and fish, usually on bottom. This is most often done in shallow water and sandy bottom although Scuba divers may use this technique around reefs and in deep water.

 

[Richesb]

Being a little more difinitive.
When spearfishing with a "line gun" (pre measured amount of line determined by range of gun) shaft is directly connected to the speargun. A "reelgun" uses a reel with a bit of line and possibly a drag. This is used on big fish especially when freediving. Alot of us use a "freeshaft". There is no line attached. Advantage being greater range with the same gun, more accurate because no trailing line, more shaft speed. This is not only a shallow water gun. We shoot at depths to 117ft. on a regular basis.

 

[MntbikerBamBam]

thanks, thats helpful. it makes alot more sence now, one of the main reasons i wanna get my cert, i wanna fish.

 

[Johnoly]

Pole spears and slings are used in various applications, scuba and free diving. The diver attempts to impale the fish and retrieve same. Short range weapon but very handy for some situations.

Also what is the advantage of using the "spear" type deal where there is no gun?.

Pescador775 provides a great explanation of the pole spear. I'll add to the explanation and answer your question of what the advantage of a polespear is. IMHO the two main advantages of the pole spear is cost and teaching you to stalk.

For the cost part, you can find polespears for $30 or even make one yourself for less. On the other hand at DEMA I saw a carbon fiber polespear for over $400. I've seen guns for $160 to well over $1700 but that's another thread.

I think the main advantage for a begining spearo is that a polespear teaches you better stalking techniques. A gun usually shoots farther than a polespear, but if you don't have accuracy then the fish is gone or worse wounded. With a polespear, you'll need to work doubly hard to stalk a fish in order to hit it. Stalking (which leads to shot placement) is an art form all it's own and usually determines a good hunter vs a great hunter. Ebay usually has several polespears that will get you started.

 

[WarrenZ]

A pole spear is useful in lakes and places that have limited visibility that way although you don’t have as great of range you also will be better able to make your shot without the added danger of an over shot either hitting something it shouldn’t or getting lost. Besides what’s the point of a 20-30' range when the vis is only 10'-15'.

 

[Chad Carney]

BamBam,

If we knew where you are, we could give advice closer to home.

Good advice all around so far.

There are also Hawaiian slings, and they can be very effective, but they make guns and pole spears seem easy!

Chad

 

[sandersondiver]

Just a suggestion, I have seen numerous new divers try to start spearfishing right after their certification dives. In my opinion, you should have at least 20 dives before you ever think about picking up a gun or a spearpole. At least be comfortable with your diving skills before you atempt to spearfish.

 

[perkedel]

Just a suggestion, I have seen numerous new divers try to start spearfishing right after their certification dives. In my opinion, you should have at least 20 dives before you ever think about picking up a gun or a spearpole. At least be comfortable with your diving skills before you atempt to spearfish.

I agree w/ sandersondiver. You should be comfortable with your bouyancy control first before you start carrying stuffs on your hand (camera, spears, etc).

 

[tom wicker]

BamBam,

If we knew where you are, we could give advice closer to home.

Good advice all around so far.

There are also Hawaiian slings, and they can be very effective, but they make guns and pole spears seem easy!

Chad

Chad do they still make them slings with the triggers? If so do you know where to look?
I heard an guy talking about his older type having a trigger built in. I would guess though they would be illegal in the Bahamas with the trigger. That three day cruise over to there is starting to look good with this cold wind here in the upper Gulf