First Gun

[RAR]

I've been snorkeling and free-diving for a number of years now. Mainly in the local rivers trying to find stuff that people lose at the bottom of tube shoots or on particularly deep sections where they don't care to dive for something dropped. Decent summer income for a college student if you know where to dive and what to look for.

Anyway, this summer I decided to start spearfishing, something I've always wanted to get into. Due to local ordinances I have to use a gig as a handheld spear to fish the river within city limits, which is basically where all the good fishing is as it is deep, constant temperature, and has lots of grass cover. However, I recently found out that the local parks and wildlife department seems to think that this is illegal, despite the fact that State and Local laws say otherwise. In order to avoid making a big deal about the whole situation and getting citations for "illegal" legal activities, I have to move out side of the city limits where the river becomes significantly wider, deeper, and more open making the use of a pole spear or handheld near impossible. As such I am looking into purchasing a spear gun.

What I want:

A high-powered gun that is ideal for use in a river where visibility ranges from 10-30+ft and yet can also be used oceanic if the opportunity should arise. It also needs to be pretty fast as I will be hunting Tilapia and panfish with it in the river and as most will know, they disappear in a flash.

Also, if someone could give me a run down on the advantages/disadvantages of having a reel on the gun that would be great. I would like to have one, but know nothing about them so wouldn't know if its worth it or not.

One last question, if/when I do purchase my gun, how long of a pool would I need in order to practice and what could I possibly sink for use as a target? I was thinking a foam archery target but wasn't sure if that would stop the spear before it rammed the concrete sidings. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking to spend no more than $300 on the gun however I would prefer to spend around 150-200 and buy a new diving knife with the extra.


Thanks in advance

R. A. Raby

 

[Mr. X]

The Omer Mini-Laser USA is a nice, inexpensive spearo dagger. Spear some before making an expensive knife purchase.

30ft?

 

[cmburch]

May want to post on SpearBoard in your section related to Texas to see what others are using in your area. An expensive knife will be the first thing lost. I use an OMER Maxi Laser USA. Check out Mako Spearguns.

 

[RAR]

I appreciate the suggestions guys, however I am more concerned with what type of gun to use, wood vs metal, enclosed track vs open, reel or no reel, and best all around length for river and oceanic fishing. I will be fishing for Tilapia in the river and pretty much everything that is edible and legal in the ocean, mainly some really large Sheepshead I usually see whenever I'm down there. I need something that can penetrate most fish and that has a high degree of accuracy and power. I probably won't make any shots at 15 feet as visibility is low near our part of the gulf. River visibility however can be as high as 30+ feet.

 

[RAR]

I've been looking at the Mako spearguns like you suggested cmburch and have 1 question...is the ETR gun worth the extra money? or would it be better to go with the Predator?

Was thinking about getting a 90cm too...would that be too long?



And the knife is for general diving use, not just braining so I will more than likely purchase that first. I was thinking about the Beta Titanium Tanto as it seems to be a good all around dive knife and looks like it would easily brain and gut a fish.

Any-other advice would be appreciated.

Thanks guys

 

[Mr. X]

RAR, it's really hard to get a handle on what your realistic speargun requirements are.

...
Was thinking about getting a 90cm too...would that be too long?

Well, it certainly won't get close to your 30ft range requirement. Freshwater spearing usually seems to involve shorter guns & ranges. I've never come across anybody looking for huge range in freshwater before. Is there much of a current?

If range is really the issue - a 150cm RA railgun would be as big as I'd ever want to go, and then some. But it would be hard to handle & load. I have a feeling that 60-90cm might work better for you. Check out the size guide table at sumora, official distributors of Rabitech - it's quite good - perhaps it will help you.

And the knife is for general diving use, not just braining so I will more than likely purchase that first. I was thinking about the Beta Titanium Tanto as it seems to be a good all around dive knife and looks like it would easily brain and gut a fish.
...

As has already been said above:

1. Don't get an expensive knife when starting out - you'll probably loose it.
2. Spearo daggers are best for spearing.

I will add to one more:
3. flat knives in flat sheaths cause less drag and are less of a snag hazard.

So I'd recommend a short, flat spearo dagger (or an iki jimi spike) - as you'll be less likely to stab yourself, and if you do you cause less damage. Daggers/spikes are easier and more precise for dispatching fish quickly and cleanly. But I guess you could simply use the spike on your fish-stringer for dispatching - that's generally what I do. Then it doesn't matter too much what knife you carry. [BTW don't overlook the sheath, it is as important as the knife IMO]

My knife preferences have evolved considerably over the last few years. Different designs suit different tasks.

I have a couple of general purpose dive knives which I never use now. Most spearos start out doing the same things .

 

[hteas]

At 10 to 20 ft a 90 cm open track gun, like the Rob Allen, Omer Aluminum, Picasso scorpion or basic Mako would be great. If the water is clear, you might need to work on technique to get close enough. Move slowly and clear your mind.
For small fish yu don't need the hassles that go with a reel. Reels and tag lines are for when you are hunting for larger fish and need to get to the surface and then control a fish. Reels are better for large fish when you are diving around obstacles, like kelp or dead trees that can get you tangled.