Equipment Accessories
As an underwater hunter or collector, there are a number of accessories that are desirable to enhance the dive. Gloves can be helpful, especially when handling certain fish, lobsters and crabs. Dive lights are useful for looking into holes and crevasses for game. For collecting, a tickle stick is often employed. Commercially produced sizing gauges for crab, lobster and other game are also commonly used. It’s always a good idea to have spare shafts, bands, shock lines, and tips for your weapon. Some divers use commercially available shark deterrents as well.
Spear Point Selection
Selection of the proper spear point is as important as the selection of the proper gun for game sought and environment to be dived. Nothing is more frustrating to the fisherman than the use of a wrong point in the wrong place. The sharpness and edging of a spear point are important factors. Sharp, thin edges are not best while hunting in rocky areas, whereas a rock-point, which is blunt, will do the job. It is recommended to use sharp, thin-edged points for fish with larger scales or tough skin where penetration is difficult. The length of spear point wings must be determined by the game you are seeking. Generally, the faster, stronger or bigger the fish, the greater the wing length needed.
The use of spinner points is highly advantageous for small- to medium-sized fish, as they prevent the spear point from spinning off the end of the shaft. A fixed point can be spun off and lost. For larger and stronger fish, the breakaway point or slip-tip would be the proper choice. Selection of the proper breakaway point for a specific gun is important. A large point on a small gun can adversely affect the shaft speed and direction. The three-prong trident point is most often used with a small gun for flat fish and small freshwater fish. The paralyzer tip is designed primarily for use on a pole spear and is highly effective in rocky areas for close-range shots. There is little doubt that the spearfisher using the proper equipment can have spectacular results.
The use of spinner points is highly advantageous for small- to medium-sized fish, as they prevent the spear point from spinning off the end of the shaft. A fixed point can be spun off and lost. For larger and stronger fish, the breakaway point or slip-tip would be the proper choice. Selection of the proper breakaway point for a specific gun is important. A large point on a small gun can adversely affect the shaft speed and direction. The three-prong trident point is most often used with a small gun for flat fish and small freshwater fish. The paralyzer tip is designed primarily for use on a pole spear and is highly effective in rocky areas for close-range shots. There is little doubt that the spearfisher using the proper equipment can have spectacular results.
Speargun Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, a speargun is just like any other piece of diving equipment. It should be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water after each dive. With proper maintenance, a speargun will last a lifetime and be ready to perform as it was intended year after year. Beyond rinsing, non-aerosol silicone spray should be applied to the rubber slings to prevent cracking and prolong use. It doesn’t hurt to apply a small amount of non-aerosol silicone spray to the shock line rubber as well. Before each use, check the shock line for fraying or knotting at the muzzle or slide ring.
Inspect the spear point and look at the wings to see if they move freely. The point itself should be sharp and can be filed to bring it back to its original sharpness; be sure it is securely attached to the shaft. Use either thread tape on the shaft or a few small drops of a thread locking compound on the threads of the spear point to secure it to the shaft. Avoid over torquing the spear point when threading it onto the shaft, as this might cause the end of the shaft to break. Pneumatic spearguns should be pressurized periodically to ensure maximum power when needed. It is also recommended to have a pneumatic speargun serviced by the factory every two years or as the manufacturer recommends. They will generally replace the seals, make any adjustments necessary, and send back the speargun ready for its next use.
Inspect the spear point and look at the wings to see if they move freely. The point itself should be sharp and can be filed to bring it back to its original sharpness; be sure it is securely attached to the shaft. Use either thread tape on the shaft or a few small drops of a thread locking compound on the threads of the spear point to secure it to the shaft. Avoid over torquing the spear point when threading it onto the shaft, as this might cause the end of the shaft to break. Pneumatic spearguns should be pressurized periodically to ensure maximum power when needed. It is also recommended to have a pneumatic speargun serviced by the factory every two years or as the manufacturer recommends. They will generally replace the seals, make any adjustments necessary, and send back the speargun ready for its next use.