I too use a polespear - Usually with a JBL paralyzer type tip also. Sometimes I will use a double flopper rock point - But thats usually only when I'm Carp slaying or after sheepshead or some other larger non-gamefish species.
I have bagged some rather large fish with the paralyzer. To keep fish from flopping off - make sure you are close enough for GOOD penetration. Once the fish is hit try to "pin it" down on the bottom if you can and grab the three prongs exiting the fish. If you can't pin it down then kick with your fins fast and try to again reach for the the three prongs exiting the fish in order to keep the fish from writhing off of the polespear until you can spike it or get it on your stringer.
Invariably SOME fish will escape if they are big - especially if you did'nt get a "pass through" on the three prongs of the paralyzer. If I do see a carp or other non game species I will usually still TRY to get it with the three prong - But then I make sure I am close enough...and I aim for the head/gill area. Some of the bigger fish then are completely paralyzed or as we say "stoned".
Smaller fish such as bream or perch have been bagged without ever even getting "stuck" by one of the prongs...they sometimes simply get wedged in between the three prongs!
A slip tip is DEFINATELY the way to go for bigger fish. Keep it up! Practice makesperfect!
