what gun?

Hey,

I use a Mares Explorer 75. It has a 75cm shaft which is quite strong and its original rubber band is very powerful.

It has a sleek and robust design, with 3 modes for firing.

1: Saftey Trigger
2: Normal Shot
3: Short Action Trigger (Same as 2 but more sensitive)

I really like the guy altought the rubber is a bit hard, but that is what makes it powerful. I had to change the original fork with a bullet because when shot near caves and rock it got squashed but never the less it is a very good gun. It is also quite light to cary and swim with.

Not sure where you can find one. I bought it from a professional shop here in Malta. It is not reviewed on Mares Website however.

Make and model depends on your personal preferences, shop around a bit and actually hold a few guns as the handle shape and placing will affect how comfortable your new gun is to operate. Also Ive been advised by quite a few people before I bought my first gun that a 1m or 1.1m gun is a good starting option, I went with a 1.1m rabiteck apex, nice handle shape and it has a loading pad to the back of the handle, which I think makes the loading much easier. I must say Ive never been sorry about the decision, its a good allround gun that can be used in open water and in closer quarters, allthough I have felt the need for a 75 while hunting in kelp and small gullies, the 1.1 gets a bit long in those areas but otherwise Im happy. Also a good idea to do once you have decided on your first gun, try to keep your other guns, which will inefitably follow, on the same handle design as this will make the transition between guns easier.
SAFE DIVING

Choosing a speargun depends on terrain, visibility, kind of fish you're hunting and related techniques, your anatomy (big or small hands, tall or short, etc.).
For bass and stripers, which are curious but quick and nervous fish, I would recommend an euro bandgun to be lightweight (for faster aiming), size between 75cm and 90cm (75 is better for short visibility and rocky reef environment, a 90 will give a bit more of shooting range).
Here are some models I recommend and which I've used personally for bass hunting and which are commonly found in stores:
Omer XXV
Omer Excalibur
Cressi Comanche or Cressi Apache
Sporasub Aspic (or Mares Explorer, which is similar).
...and many more.
Send my regards to Broadway!