I'm Brand New To Spear Fishing And Need Help

[SeaTrout2001]

I tried spear fishing for the first time while on vacation and I absolutely fell in love with it. I am thinking about getting myself a spear gun to use off the jersey shore here shooting striped bass and bluefish, but I don't know anything about spear guns or what type would be good for me. Also I dont know much about spear fishing as I only did it once which was in Belize. Any ideas what the water visibility is? Also when I shoot a fish in 20ft of water does it just pull me around while i float on top of the water? Maybe if I give you some information about the fish I'm targeting, you can suggest the right gun for me??
Striped Bass ranging between 10-40lb

bluefish ranging between 2-15lb

flounder

I'd be diving in water no deeper then 20ft deep.

Hopefully this gives you a general idea and maybe you can point me in the right direction.

Thanks,
Zach

P.S. If you have aim and would like to im me please feel free to do so as I have all kinds of questions before I actually start doing this type of hunting. My screen name is: StripedBass54

[harpune1]

hi i would advise you to start off with an euro-model speargun in 90 or 100cm depending on visibility and size of fish.
Unfortunatetly i dont know bout spearfishing in the US but there are lots of members from there..

good brands are for ex. :rabitech , rob allen, omer , beuchat, etc.
good luck!!

[tuffstuff]

Where in nj? I used to live in ocean city...and i can tell you that water is murky as hell so you wont need a big gun.any fish above 15lbs will give you a good or decent fight, a 40lb fish you better be ready to fight that beast b/c it WILL pull you under if its not a good shot.I would suggest a 100cm Rabitech stealth w/reel.The reel models come with open muzzles so you should practice loading that so you can doit blindfolded in 6ft waves lol.Oh and you will also need to practice the 20mm band loading technique but once you get the 20 down its real sweet
good luck!

[mishu1984]

you also have to consider your budget. how much are you willing to spend? are you going to stick to it, or do you think that you might kick it later?

i suggest you get a cressi-sub. cheap and very good quality for its price. ive had my first cressi gun for around 5 years using the same spear that it came with, and other than the occasional sharpening of the tip, i havent had to do anything else other than rinsing it after use.

[Erik]

Welcome, hopefully someone from your area chimes in- there is some good spearing out there from what I've heard.
90cm gun from Beauchat/OMER/Rabitech etc. I don't like reels, but some do- maybe wait a bit on that as it can be messy for a newbie. Get a good float from the same companies, that goes on a 60' floatline to your gun. Buy a fish stringer and hang it on your float. Buy a spare shaft for your gun. get a decent, small knife, better mounted on your arm. Train a bit with a buddy to find out what your limitations are (depth and time), then use much less than your limitations. 20' turns into 60'+ easily when you get the bloodlust. Don't stay down to get a fish when you are past your "safe" time. If you can, have a buddy and use the system. Learn how to rescue an unconscious diver.
Hook up with local spearos to make it even more fun! Ask anglers where their good spots are. Experiment, be prepared to go home empty, enjoy the hunt, take good shots so that fish don't tear off and die elsewhere.
Have fun!!

[octpora]

Yeah, for this coast, 100 or 110 cm is plenty. But, I recommend a 7mm spear too.