RI Gun choice validation

Looks like tautog is a type of Wrasse. We spear wrasse here occasionally "for the pot" but don't generally go out after them - they are not considered good sport (rather docile and tend to stay in one area for years) and some consider them inedible although the larger ones (5lb+) can provide good, solid white meat.

Striped bass can be very big and heavy duty robustness might be necessary/useful.

Visibility sounds fairly poor, like the UK. For the conditions you describe, I would be tempted to get a short SA-style railgun - they are heavy duty - and, as you are in the USA, I would likely go for a Mako, with a barrel length somewhere in the range ~70-100cm.

If you are set on buying from your ski shop. Not familair with the model you mention but I quite like the look of Riffes although forum member Bill doesn't recommend them (preferring the lovely but more expensive hand built Darryl Wong spearguns). Make sure the length is not too long for the visibility that you are dealing with. A B Biller's seem a bit old fashioned to me and, perhaps, not developed & improved over time as much as they could & should have been - but I expect they do the job. Do they have a loose ring around the spear to attach the spear-line? That is considered old fashioned and undesirable by many spearo. Mares offer some modern, cutting edge even, spearguns -- one that I was interested in was withdrawn from sale for some reason (Google it) - perhaps due to barrel flex?

That's a solid recommendation.

I don't like wasting money, so I can understand the appeal of employee discount. It will also give you first-hand knowledge of a product that you sell, which should help you help other customers (i.e. become a better, more successful employee). That said, get the speargun that "floats you boat" - otherwise you will likely regret it and end up hankering after it until you get one (and then find that it has its own problems ). I agree with most of what Broseidon said except that I would not discount wooden guns from consideration - they are far more popular in the USA than Europe - but nor would I assume that they are more robust, like a chain they are only as strong as their weakest link. Regardless of materials/brand/model though, Barrel length is critical: if it is greater than the visibility available, it will be useless.

You might also consider re-sale value, just in case your first speargun choice turns out to be...sub-optimal. Or, if you decide spearfishing is not for you. Or your needs (e.g. location) change. And - esp. as the Donald just got elected - you might want to consider where it is made.