Gun for Reef and Bluewater

[Billy_Bob]

I am about to buy a speargun for both reef hunting and bluewater for use in Western Australia.

I have been looking at a few models such as, Beuchat Mundial, Imersion Challenger, Omer Cayman and Cressi Comanche. All these guns come with single 18 or 16mm bands, do you think this will be suffecent for the larger species such as, Yellowtail Kingfish or Spanish Mackerel? Or would I need to fit two 16mm bands?

Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[foxfish]

Hi Billy (or Bob) Welcome to db - have a look here http://forums.deeperblue.com/spearg...16mm-rubbers-1-x-20mm-open-closed-muzzle.html

 

[hteas]

Any of the above will work if you can get really close. Not good at a distance, where most blue water hunting takes place.

The reef gun will probably get used much more, so get a good one from any of the above. Mine are Rob Allens. Visibility and scarcity of fish will determine what length (75 to 110 cm, and 6.5 mm shaft are typical)

When you do get into the blue, you will probably discover you need a longer gun with heavier shaft and 2 bands (typically 7.5 or 8 mm shaft, and at least 120 cm long)

 

[Billy_Bob]

I think I might get a Cressi Geronimo 90cm with a reel for reef fishing, and then possibly a Rob Allen Tuna for the bigger fish.

 

[hteas]

Sounds likea great combination.

What are your conditions like (visibility, temperature, and amount of spearfishing going on)?

Here in Alaska I use a 90 or an 8 ft polespear, with visibility often below 10 ft and very seldom over 20 ft. In Hawaii I use a 110 for a reef gun. The water is clear and there is a lot of pressure on the fish, so they are skittish. I have a 130 for offshore in Hawaii, but seldom have a chance to use it.

so, conditions where you are will determine a lot about the lengths you choose.

 

[Billy_Bob]

Visibility is usually about 10 meters if calm, water temperature is 26[FONT=&quot][/FONT][FONT=&quot]°[/FONT]C. The fish are easy to get close to, but most are quite small, so not really worth shooting.

There is usually very little or no spearfishing going on where I go. This is all close to the shore, in depths of up to 5 meters.

 

[hteas]

Sounds like the Cressi is the way to go.

The shaft and band that come with it should do fine.

Are you going to use a reel?
I haven't used one in years, but am installing one on my RA 90. I have been hunting around ledges and boulders up to 5 m high. My floatline tends to get caught too often, so I'm switching back. In open water I always use a floatline and float. I find it to be no problem, and it lets others diving with me to keep track of me., and the same for me. It also lets me keep speared fish on the float instead of around me

 

[chrisAUS]

You won't go wrong with a Rob Allen, or an Edge gun.

 

[sashmit]

I will second the RA recommendations. Can't go wrong with those guns. See what other spearos are using in similar conditions to yours. I am a huge Cressi fan but not for spear guns (I have a Cressi gun which I use in the Black Sea in Bulgaria when I visit). Remember Euro-style guns are made for European conditions. Some of the larger species which you mention do not form part of the catch bags of European spearos.

When you go blue water, anything less than 130 will be a challenge, and of course with size, you need to consider weight of the barrel, so if you can afford it, opt for a carbon version.

There are a few SA/AUS brands which I would consider before looking at the Euro brands, but that is just me.

Happy hunting!