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)

 

[Mr. X]

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)

Yes that's a Sheet- bend.

My new book points out that it looks something like the very popular bowline. True, it does look similar - I had never noticed that before ( as they are used so differently).

 

[GMurphy]

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 ,)

Clove hitches will definitely slip on speargun rubbers. Not straight away, can even last several sessions and multiple shots: But randomly at some point they go. Constrictor knots never slip.

 

[Mr. X]

Yes, I always use a Constrictor knot to tie my Dyneema wishbone beads into my rubbers .

But my new knot book offers several interesting alternatives:
1. Double Constrictor - can be more reliable.
2. Frustrator knot - looks promising.
3. Boa knot - " belt and braces"
4. Strangle* knot
5. Double figure-of-8 Binding - "somewhere between the Constrictor, strangle knot and boa knot"

*Apparently Swedish knotting expert Om Knutar (1916) preferred the Strangle knot to the Constrictor " because its turns bedded down more snuggly."

 

[Mr. X]

Yes that's a Sheet- bend.

My new book points out that it looks something like the very popular bowline. True, it does look similar - I had never noticed that before ( as they are used so differently).

BTW I believe Sheet Bends are often used to:
1. Tie Dyneema wishbone bones to beads with loops, held in rubbers.
2. To tie some bungees without clips ( such as the Omer-style "rubber bones" that I often use) to monofilament spear line.

FYI perhaps irrational, but I don't usually trust the Sheet Bend, even when the end of the cord is well mushroomed, making it less likely to untie accidentally. So I usually use the more secure Double Sheet Bend instead.

That said, I noticed at least one of my spearguns uses regular single Sheet Bends for this purpose - presumably by the manufacturer (Apnea). And, so far, so good.

For #2, I usually use the double version or a quick release knot, such as one suggested by the great Rob Allen on YouTube.

My new knot book describes several possible alternatives:
1.Simple Simon (1)
2. Simple Simon (2)
3. Heaving-line Bend
4. Seizing Bend
5. Lapp knot
6. One-way Sheet Bend - interesting option: similar to Sheet-bend and the double sheet-bend but more streamline (and probably more secure than the regular, single Sheet- bend(?)).

Also, the "3-way Sheet Bend" might be useful when tying both a Dyneema wishbone and, at the same time, a helpful loading- loop into your wishbone bead-loops, which is common for a roller-gun.

 

[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 ,)

Yep, I think YouTuber Dan Man was/is the 2024 British spearfishing champion!! Well done Dan!

Not only that but he was/is the British spearfishing team captain for 2024! And, from his excellent YouTube videos, he has captained the British Team for at least 2 foreign competitions (Spain & Turkey). "Good on you mate!"

 

[Mr. X]

BTW I believe Sheet Bends are often used to:
1. Tie Dyneema wishbone bones to beads with loops, held in rubbers.
2. To tie some bungees without clips ( such as the Omer-style "rubber bones" that I often use) to monofilament spear line.

FYI perhaps irrational, but I don't usually trust the Sheet Bend, even when the end of the cord is well mushroomed, making it less likely to untie accidentally. So I usually use the more secure Double Sheet Bend instead.

That said, I noticed at least one of my spearguns uses regular single Sheet Bends for this purpose - presumably by the manufacturer (Apnea). And, so far, so good.

For #2, I usually use the double version or a quick release knot, such as one suggested by the great Rob Allen on YouTube.

My new knot book describes several possible alternatives:
1.Simple Simon (1)
2. Simple Simon (2)
3. Heaving-line Bend
4. Seizing Bend
5. Lapp knot
6. One-way Sheet Bend - interesting option: similar to Sheet-bend and the double sheet-bend but more streamline (and probably more secure than the regular, single Sheet- bend(?)).

Also, the "3-way Sheet Bend" might be useful when tying both a Dyneema wishbone and, at the same time, a helpful loading- loop into your wishbone bead-loops, which is common for a roller-gun.

Correction, apparently I have used single Sheet Bends extensively on my spearguns in recent years. I just checked my spearguns, 3 of them use single Sheet Bends, most but not all tied by me.

1. Apnea ST60 2x14mm bands. 4 sheet-bends: 2 on each wishbone.

2. Apnea Amorok 95 single roller. 6 sheet bends: 2 on the wish bone, 2 on the loading handle and another 2 on the rear "wishbone"/yoke of the rubber.

3. Omer XXV 75cm single 16mm rubber. 2 sheet bends on the wishbone.

But I guess I still don't fully trust them, as I loosened and retied 3 of them and re -mushroomed* the offending ends with a lighter!! Better!

* Judging by the state of my sheet bends, I would think the mushroomed ends provide essential locking/security for the knot, in this context, as it's end is so short.