reel or float line? One band or two?

[pikappetapi022]

I'm about to be a new RA 110 and am trying to figure out if I should buy a reel to use with it or just attach a float line. I'll mostly be spearing on the reef in the Keys but I might take it into the bluewater once in a while. In the past I've always used a float line for safety reasons as well as to retreive fish that have holed-up. Now I'm thinking that I'd like to try a reel on the gun, can I use both, what do you guys think? I'd also like to know how you guys feel about 1 band or two. I'm still undecided about the number of bands to use. Thanks for all your input.

PJ

 

[miles]

Hiya

Many of the questions you ask are dependant on your area that you dive in and your diving style. If you're diving off a boat, then a reel gun is ok. Less tangles than a float line, but you're also less obvious to other boats on the water and its very easy to lose your gun.

If you're shore diving, than a float line is essential. It'll help make you visible to others, by means of your float, it'll give you a place to put your fish that you've shot. Also makes losing a gun quite difficult!!!

Double 16mm bands vs. Single 20mm band. I assume this is what you're refering too. Single 20mm has great power and good penetration. 2x16mm has a little more power. Single 20mm is quicker to load and causes less tangles, BUT is a PAIN to load, especially if you're new to railguns!!! 2x16mm's are easier to load. The single 20mm should be more accurate, but there is such a small difference in accuracy that it really doesn't matter. My personal PREFERENCE is a single 20mm with a 7mm spear. Quick to reload and sufficient power to take almost any fish that you'll come across on the reefs.
For Blue Water i'd opt for the 2x16mm set-up.

For blue water hunting, forget about a reel, unless you're hunting fish under 15kg's and even then, only if you're experienced enough. Rather stick with a float line system, as its easier to handle and less likelyhood of losing your gun.

Regards
miles

 

[pikappetapi022]

Thanks for your input. I'd mostly be hunting from a boat on a reef line about 25-50ft deep. I was going to get a single 20mm band but than was thinking about all those grouper hiding in the holes in the reef and was thinking the 2x16mm would be better so I don't smash up my shaft. I've still got a lot of thinking to do which is why I posted this out there, to see what others have to say. Once again thanks for your input.

PJ