Wooden spear

[Kekipi Mano]

I didn't know where I should have posted this, but I was wondering where I could find some teak poles. I was planning on building a "tribal" fishing spear. I would also like to know if anybody knows where I could find some stingray barbs as well. I'm going to use them to tip the spear. Would teak be strong enough, or are there some stronger woods out there? Thanks for any imput.

[ruddyduck]

Teak is plenty strong, but what do you mean by tribal spear? Most primitive fish spears were launched from above the surface.

I used to sell stingray bycatch from bay shrimping to a neural research lab.We always removed the barb for safe handling. I don't think they would make a very good tip. They're not flat, have a bit of a curve. They're serratted, and not real sharp or strong. I'd try honey locust thorn for small fish or bone for something larger. Ben Hunt's old books show trident designs with a long central icepick flanked by 2 flexible curved tines to hold the fish .You might try fire-hardening a tip from dogwood or osage orange, either of which make good shafts.You could also make a slip tip toggled point from antler. Heat it in water then straighten it out I and shape it.

I don't know of any primitive elastics, but you can gig flatties with direct muscle power. Good Luck!

[Kekipi Mano]

I really meant more of a primitive hand spear. Thanks for the info.

[_memento]

i've always been interested in hand spearing...could you tell me how you would hunt with that? especially the small fish, and the bottom dwelling small fish.

[icarus pacific]

I have laminated and solid teak stock for sale. Gimme a PM or email and let's see what you need.


sven