Spearfishing is one of the adventurous ways of catching fish. While diving into the waters and hunting with a speargun can be challenging, it’s still one of the most rewarding activities today. Apart from this, spearfishing bumps up any seascape activity, making the most of a person’s vacation, time, and expenses.
Suppose you’re trying to spearfish for the first time. In that case, you must have your personal speargun. But before that, you should know the things that make a top-rated speargun. This will make your first spearfishing experience manageable and enjoyable. For that purpose, here’s an article to guide you.
1. Length
Before you consider your first speargun’s length, think about where you’d dive and hunt. If you’d spearfished in the open waters, you could have the 2m-3m speargun. You may find this at Neptonics and other speargun stores. In many cases, these types may have a one-meter extension because of the length of the barrel and spear.
Choose the shorter spearguns if you dive in a space with many rocky walls such as reefs. This gives you enough arm and leg space to maneuver your way in and out of your hunting area. In this case, you can have the 90cm-110cm speargun.
If you’d dive in open waters with reefs, you may consider using the spearguns with an average length of around two meters. You may also think about the type of fish caught in the area. If you’re planning to catch big fish, use the more extended types as they can provide more power and travel better long distances. On the other hand, choose shorter spearguns for small fishes.
2. Type
If you’re a beginner, you may be wondering which among the different types of spearguns you should use. For more ideas, delve into the following:
Pneumatic
This type is air-powered and was popularized in the 60s because of its accuracy, even in long-distance shots. It’s also ideal for deep dives in the sea caves and corals as no band will be cut or damaged. However, this type may need proper maintenance and constant practice so the diver can maximize its power. In addition, pneumatic spearguns longer than 90cm can be too challenging to load.
Band-Powered
A band-powered speargun functions similarly to a slingshot and crossbow. The spear is loaded by stretching the rubber band and is released when the trigger is pulled. The strength of this type typically depends on the speargun’s rubber band and power.
Many divers prefer band-powered types because they’re easier to load and can maintain their power even in the deeper portions of the water. On the downside, band-powered spearguns need regular maintenance, especially to their bands. In many cases, the rubber bands wear out 6-12 months after the first use, especially when exposed to too much moisture and sunlight.
3. Essential Parts
The various parts of a speargun contribute to how powerful the gun can be. Considering these features, think about what they can provide not just to the speargun but to the diver. Check the following for more ideas:
Handles And Trigger Mechanism
The speargun handle helps divers control the gun as they swim past the rocks and through the waters. Many spearfishers prefer handles with a proper grip for better traction. Some divers prefer plain handles as they’re better to hold for longer than those with serrated grip.
On the other hand, trigger mechanisms keep the spear in place and release it when the trigger is pressed. In considering a trigger mechanism, look for the type that’s easy to remove for cleaning and replacement. This way, you’d maintain it more manageably.
In considering the trigger mechanism’s material, you may choose plastics if you still need to gain experience in spearfishing. In many cases, plastic mechanisms are easier to handle for first-timers. You can use durable metal types if you already know the basics.
Muzzle
Muzzles keep the spear in line for the shooting. Typically, spearguns have three muzzle types: closed, semi-closed, and open. Closed muzzles can fully clasp the spear with the monofilament line and a closed portion keeps it locked until it’s triggered. These are suitable for beginners who find it hard to avoid the rattling of the spear while they swim and are still looking for a spot. In addition, this type increases the chance of the rubber wearing out more quickly.
On the other hand, semi-closed muzzles partially keep the spears in place with a plastic or metal attachment aside from the line. However, they still have an open space, so the spear can still rattle when not properly positioned. Lastly, open muzzles only contain a monofilament line that holds the spear and keeps it from rattling. Yet, too much movement can keep the spear out of line.
Line
The speargun’s line primarily holds the spear and keeps it attached to the gun after shooting so it won’t get lost. You may choose between monofilament, spectra, and cable for your first use. The monofilament line is the cheapest option and can be replaced easily. The typical issue with a monofilament line is the weight it may provide to the spear because of its line memory. The heavier it is, the less accurate the shooting may be.
Spectra, in contrast, is a durable option and easy to apply. However, it’s more expensive than the other types. Many divers prefer spectra lines because they can maximize space better than spools of monofilament lines necessary for flawless outdoor adventure. Apart from this, they’re known to contribute to more accurate shots.
Like monofilament types, the cable also has line memory that requires a crimping tool. In addition, it can be more challenging to rig and cut than the other types. Because of this, it takes more time to be prepared. On the good side, cables have tensile strength that makes them appropriate for big-game spearfishing.
Spear
Spears are typically classified according to their thickness, material, point style, and loading style. You may take an in-depth look at the following features for more understanding:
Thickness:
- This refers to the girth of the spear. The bigger the fish you plan to hunt, the thicker your spear must be. As a rule of thumb, use 7mm+ spears if you’re into big fish, although these spears travel more slowly than the other types. Narrower types, in contrast, are more appropriate for smaller fishes.
Material:
- Considering the spear’s material, you can choose between galvanized steel, stainless steel, and carbon. Galvanized steel is a zinc-coated type. It’s a durable option and has rust protection. However, rust may still develop because of internal corrosion.Stainless steel, on the other hand, has the best corrosion resistance. Yet, it can bend more quickly with a small force. Carbon spears are generally lighter and stronger than other materials. Their downside is their high costs.
Point Style:
- The point style is classified into tri-cut and bullet points. Tri-cut types look like a pyramid and can penetrate thick fish better. In addition, they can keep the fish locked because of the unique tip. On the other hand, bullet point tips travel faster and are ideal for thinner and smaller fish types. However, they may bend when penetrating thicker fish, especially the ones with hard backbones.For more complicated yet helpful options, you may consider the more advanced shaft tips such as flopper and slip tips. The flopper contains a barb that locks the fish after the shaft passes through it. Slip tip, on the other hand, detaches after the spear passes through the fish, yet it remains connected to the spear usually by a wire.
Rubber
If you’d be using band-powered spearguns, consider the type of rubber you’d apply. In selecting one, look for something durable but can still stretch enough, paving the way for a more powerful shot. For this purpose, you may consider measuring your speargun’s barrel length first before applying or replacing a rubber.
For a more long-lasting option, consider choosing the rubber that can stand heat and light exposure better for an extended time. Also, consider the types that don’t go brittle after the short-term shooting. Lastly, think about the rubber returning to its original form and stretchability after using it repeatedly.
If you’re looking to hunt big fish, consider using around 45cm-long rubber as it provides more force. On the other hand, a 50cm by 16cm rubber can be better for spearfishing smaller species. In buying rubber, research how to keep them functional for an extended period by doing appropriate maintenance rounds.
Wrapping Up
Spearfishing is one of the increasingly popular outdoor adventures today. If you’re planning to try it, consider rereading this article and take note of its insights on what to look for in a speargun. Aside from helping you maximize your expenses, these tips and tricks can help you find the best speargun for your underwater adventure.
These points may include the speargun’s length, type, and components that make its capacity to create a powerful and accurate shot for a better catch. For more ideas, ask seasoned spearfishers about the best features to look for in a speargun.