Spearfishing knots

[Mr. X]

A couple of things recently got me thinking about the knots we use for spearfishing:

1) I thought I heard one of my favourite YouTubers, British-Austrailian, Dan Mann (possibly the current British spearfishing champion?) say he used a Clove-hitch (rather than the commonly used Constrictor knot) when tying spearguns rubbers!

2) I recently purchased yet another book of knots. This one from an Oxfam Used Book shop but quite modern: (c)2007 (not even 20 years old!).

Re. #1 I'd like to know if Daniel really does use a Clove-hitch, or did he mis-speak? The Clove-hitch is not super-reliable, e.g. a different knot book suggests there is always a better option!! I tend to disagree with the book, as a former climber, we regularly used Clove hitches on long, multi-pitch routes. But I would not use one on my spearguns rubbers, as the Constrictor knot is so similar but seemingly better suited to tying in wishbones.

#2 is called "What Knot" by Geoffrey Budworth & Richard Hopkins. It includes a lot of the knots that we use for spearfishing and several interesting variants of them. (more on those later ,)

 

[Mr. X]

BTW. I have a long interest in knots. Probably starting with Scouts and their lashings, Coarse fishing, then climbing, spearfishing, kayaking and sea-angling.

I recall the Guernsey forum members were particularly keen and good with knots and whipping (e.g. as an alternative to crimps)..

 

[Mr. X]

BTW The above book does mention now common super-strong fibres, like Kevlar, Spectra and Dyneema , but unfortunately does not seem to have anything specifically for them - although I'm still looking through it.

For Dyneema, etc. knots, I tend to look on-line. Particularly Rob Allen's informative YouTube videos on knots (he tends to test his connections and connectors in his lab/workshop/Dive Factory , as well as in the sea ).

 

[FlotsamBob]

Not to hate, but I’ve been burned a couple times from Youtube knowledgerers. Daniel is not the worst of them but his culinary skills need some polish . I will totally vouch for Rob Allen. Not only since he’s based in my hometown but because his products have undoubtedly the best quality testing and initiative to improve in the world of spearfishing. I can’t even get product support from Cressi after mere months of a new purchase. Rob will correspond personally and bend time to offer a solution… His quick release knot is the only one that I can work effectively with thick winter mitts!

 

[rollerGR]

Upon reflection I've only ever used two kinds of knots (besides overhand and double overhand), uni knot or slip knot (sometimes in reverse). Other spearos I know use different knots for the same job. I think it's mostly personal habit and preference if the knot works.

Daniel has a video where he demonstrates a clove hitch. Both clove hitch and constrictor are used here in Greece in spearfishing shops.

 

[rollerGR]

On second thought, strangle knots are also used (Bleutec used to have these, not sure if they still use them).

There's also the common wishbone (or double wishbone, some Mythicon polyspasts have this) knot. Does it have a proper/climber name? (pic)