What size gun is best for reef hunting

[a3b777]

I just got a Beuchat Marlin Carbone elite and I got the 105cm(53" top to bottom). This gun seems quite a bit longer then my mako 100cm(i didn't think the 105cm would have made a difference in length). I'm mostly gonna be hunting the local on shore reefs here in southern California. Visibility is prob. around 8-15ft or 30ft at best, depth around 10- to 30 feet. I also will be fishing some off shore kelp patties, so vis would prob be a little better.

What do you experts think, should I return it for a smaller size and get the 95cm? Or do you think the 105cm will do just fine? Remember I do want range and power.

I hear so many different opinions on gun sizes for reef fishing, I'm so confused. lol....hopefully you guys can help.

 

[Mr. X]

The quoted length on euro-guns, like the Beuchat, and railguns, like the Mako is usually the length of the aluminium/carbon tube of the barrel, between the muzzle and the handle So, I'm surprised there is such a difference (sometimes a strong rip current can make a gun feel longer). Railguns & spearguns usually have the spear stick out about 40cm beyond the barrel but railguns can often take a shorter spear, as much as 10cm shorter - perhaps your Mako has a shorter spear?

Experience should suggest which size will work best. If the fish are out of range - then a longer speargun might be required. If you are unable to bring the gun round on the fish nearby then maybe a shorter one.

 

[cww180]

I will say that my Beuchat Marlin Carbone 115 is the same length as other 120cm railguns. It takes a 160cm shaft like other 120's also.

 

[tuffstuff]

Keep the gun.

 

[Mr. X]

I seem to recall Miles using 110cm guns as reef guns, out in South Africa - but they use 120-150+ for "bluewater" hunting. For the murkey waters of Britain, 110cm would be considered a clear water gun for exceptionally good conditions - I use a 75cm gun most often.

Another consideration, perhaps secondary, is the size of the fish that you are tackling. Larger fish tend to require more power - longer guns tend to be more powerful but there are other factors (e.g. number and length/ diameter/type of rubbers). Larger fish also require heavier spear-line, snap-links, spear-line, etc.

I agree with tuffstuff, from what you posted, it sounds like you should keep it - you wanted more range and power. Although, I suspect your Mako is plenty powerful enough, the longer barrel & spear should help provide a little more range.