Equipment Standard Equipment
Divers will need their standard scuba equipment: mask, fins, snorkel (optional), BC, weight system, regulator, submersible pressure gauge, compass, depth gauge, and exposure protection (as required). This equipment is fundamental to diving and underwater hunting and collecting. Other equipment may be needed, depending on local conditions and needs. Don’t neglect fundamental equipment when performing your hunting or collecting dives.
Selecting the proper weapon for your specific underwater hunting needs takes much consideration and research. A weapon that works well in one area may be useless in another. Many hunters, both on land and below the surface, find it necessary to have a collection of weapons for various conditions, areas, terrain, and types of fish or other prey sought. There are two basic categories of spearfishing weapons available with a few sub-categories. The two basic categories are the pole spear and the speargun.
Selecting the proper weapon for your specific underwater hunting needs takes much consideration and research. A weapon that works well in one area may be useless in another. Many hunters, both on land and below the surface, find it necessary to have a collection of weapons for various conditions, areas, terrain, and types of fish or other prey sought. There are two basic categories of spearfishing weapons available with a few sub-categories. The two basic categories are the pole spear and the speargun.
Pole Spear
Many people incorrectly call this the "Hawaiian Sling," but a true Hawaiian Sling is a slightly different device that utilizes a loop of tubing that is attached to a block of material — usually wood — with a hole drilled in it that is slightly larger in diameter than the shaft. The shaft is placed in the hole, notched in the loop and pulled back, tensioning the tubing. When the shaft is released, the tubing propels it forward, faster and farther than a diver could by hand. Whenever the Hawaiian Sling is being used, the band(s) should not be notched or pulled back until it is ready to be used. Further, the tip should be covered until the diver is in the water or uncapped as a boat crewmember is handing the gun to the diver.
Today's pole spear is much easier to use and can be less expensive than any of the other types of underwater hunting equipment. The pole spear can be one solid piece of either flexible fiberglass or rigid aluminum tubing, varying in length from about 65 centimeters to 2 meters (2 to 7 feet). Shorter spears have the advantage of quick reload for rapid gathering of several fish. Longer spears have the advantage of greater range, so the diver does not need to be as close to the target as they would with a shorter spear.
The travel pole spear is popular because it can be "broken down" for each transportation. The travel pole spear can also be customized for length by adding or removing sections. This enhances the use of the weapon.
A pole spear is recommended for taking small fish up to 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds), schooling fish, fish found above the reefs close to the surface, or free swimming. The same safety rules apply to the pole spear: the bands should not have tension on them until the diver is ready to shoot, and the tip should be covered until the diver is in the water.
Today's pole spear is much easier to use and can be less expensive than any of the other types of underwater hunting equipment. The pole spear can be one solid piece of either flexible fiberglass or rigid aluminum tubing, varying in length from about 65 centimeters to 2 meters (2 to 7 feet). Shorter spears have the advantage of quick reload for rapid gathering of several fish. Longer spears have the advantage of greater range, so the diver does not need to be as close to the target as they would with a shorter spear.
The travel pole spear is popular because it can be "broken down" for each transportation. The travel pole spear can also be customized for length by adding or removing sections. This enhances the use of the weapon.
A pole spear is recommended for taking small fish up to 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms (6 to 8 pounds), schooling fish, fish found above the reefs close to the surface, or free swimming. The same safety rules apply to the pole spear: the bands should not have tension on them until the diver is ready to shoot, and the tip should be covered until the diver is in the water.
Spearguns
This category has a wider selection than the previous two. We can eliminate many of the speargun types that were prevalent in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. In the past, spearguns used springs, carbon dioxide cartridges, pistol ammunition and even air from the diver's cylinder to propel the shaft from the gun. If any of these spearguns are found at second-hand stores or handed down from a relative who used to dive, they are best hung on an office wall as relics. It is far better to concentrate on today's newer weapons.
The most popular spearguns used today are the "band gun" and the "pneumatic gun." The band gun is the simpler of the two types and has been regarded as the standard for many years. In years past, the popularity of pneumatic guns was limited; however, with today's technology, newer pneumatic weapons boast faster shaft speeds, greater accuracy and easier loading.
In determining which speargun is right for you, you must consider a few simple factors: cost, maintenance and types of fish to be taken. Pneumatic spearguns usually cost more than their band-powered counterparts. If you are spending a lot of time in the field where you have little or limited access to a repair facility, consider those factors closely in regard to a pneumatic gun before you choose it. Most band guns can be easily repaired while in the field with only a screwdriver and a pair of pliers, whereas a pneumatic gun may be far more challenging to maintain.
The pneumatic gun produces more muzzle velocity. That is, the spear shaft exits the gun at speeds approaching 100 meters per second (325 feet per second). This means it will reach its target faster than most band guns. As far as accuracy is concerned, both types of spearguns compare favorably; it is only on rare occasions that you can say one type of speargun is far more accurate than the other.
If you choose to hunt large migratory or free-swimming fish, a band gun is recommended. Most pneumatic guns are smaller in length, which diminishes their accuracy over long distances. For hunting larger fish that will not come in close to you, longer guns (usually band guns) are recommended.
Power and range can generally be determined by the length of the speargun and the shaft as well as by the diameter of the shaft. You will find two shaft diameters in use today: the 8-milllimeter (5/16-inch) and 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) shaft. The 8-millimeter (5/16-inch) or thinner diameter shaft is usually faster because of less resistance in the water and lighter weight. It could be compared to a 22-caliber bullet versus the 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) diameter shaft being a 357 magnum. The larger shaft, like the larger bullet, can be slower-traveling, but if it is powered properly, it will pack a lot more punch because of its mass.
The length of the shaft (within reason) will help determine the accuracy over a greater distance. A larger gun does not necessarily mean larger fish. A long gun may be used to reach out to those fish that are too wary to allow a close approach. Examples include the larger pelagic fish like jacks or members of the tuna family and larger reef and bottom fish like bass, lingcod, halibut, grouper and snapper. A speargun with an overall length of 100 to 120 centimeters (42 to 48 inches) with a 90-centimeter (36-inch) long, 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) diameter shaft would be suitable for the job and assist in landing larger prey. Also, a longer gun will be more accurate over distance than a smaller weapon.
A small gun is excellent in tight areas such as around reefs, wrecks, holes or rocky areas. A gun with a total length of 90 centimeters (36 inches) or less with a 60- to 70-centimeter (24- to 28-inch) shaft would be an excellent choice for the underwater hunter in this type of situation. A speargun of this size should be reasonably accurate at a range of approximately 2 meters (7 feet) from the end of the gun.
With all the information about accuracy, the spear shaft will only travel as far as the shock line. If the shock line is only 1.8 meters (6 feet) long, the speargun is limited to that distance. The spear can travel no farther.
Power settings are standard on many of the pneumatic guns. When shooting at a greater distance, the diver has the option of setting the power to high. If shooting in close quarters around rocks or if less power is required, the hunter can simply reset the power to low with the flick of the switch.
On a band-powered speargun, the diver can change the power by changing band lengths or diameters. Most banded weapons have anywhere from one to three bands that can be used individually or in concert. Bands are made of surgical tubing and, according to studies by manufacturers, the black tubing has the same elasticity as the amber-colored tubing. This material is found in three diameters that are recommended for band speargun use: 13, 14.5 and 16 millimeters (1/2, 9/16 and 5/8 inches). Manufacturers will usually put 13- or 14.5-millimeter (1/2- or 9/16-inch) bands on the gun. If a speargun is equipped with a smaller, 8-millimeter (5/16-inch) diameter shaft, do not use the heavier bands. They will cause the shaft to whip when it is released and will greatly affect accuracy. Apply the 16-millimeter (5/8-inch) bands only to the longer shafts with the larger 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) diameter.
The length of the bands is also important. When purchasing extra or replacement bands for your speargun, use what the manufacturer of the speargun has recommended. If extra power is needed, go to the next larger diameter band, but make sure the length is the same as the one that was removed. If you want to use the same size diameter band, you can generally use a band that is 5 centimeters (~2 inches) shorter than the one that you removed.
If at any time questions regarding replacement parts, modifications of an existing speargun, or the purchase of a new speargun or additional guidance is needed, consult your local Dive professional or retail dive center.
The most popular spearguns used today are the "band gun" and the "pneumatic gun." The band gun is the simpler of the two types and has been regarded as the standard for many years. In years past, the popularity of pneumatic guns was limited; however, with today's technology, newer pneumatic weapons boast faster shaft speeds, greater accuracy and easier loading.
In determining which speargun is right for you, you must consider a few simple factors: cost, maintenance and types of fish to be taken. Pneumatic spearguns usually cost more than their band-powered counterparts. If you are spending a lot of time in the field where you have little or limited access to a repair facility, consider those factors closely in regard to a pneumatic gun before you choose it. Most band guns can be easily repaired while in the field with only a screwdriver and a pair of pliers, whereas a pneumatic gun may be far more challenging to maintain.
The pneumatic gun produces more muzzle velocity. That is, the spear shaft exits the gun at speeds approaching 100 meters per second (325 feet per second). This means it will reach its target faster than most band guns. As far as accuracy is concerned, both types of spearguns compare favorably; it is only on rare occasions that you can say one type of speargun is far more accurate than the other.
If you choose to hunt large migratory or free-swimming fish, a band gun is recommended. Most pneumatic guns are smaller in length, which diminishes their accuracy over long distances. For hunting larger fish that will not come in close to you, longer guns (usually band guns) are recommended.
Power and range can generally be determined by the length of the speargun and the shaft as well as by the diameter of the shaft. You will find two shaft diameters in use today: the 8-milllimeter (5/16-inch) and 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) shaft. The 8-millimeter (5/16-inch) or thinner diameter shaft is usually faster because of less resistance in the water and lighter weight. It could be compared to a 22-caliber bullet versus the 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) diameter shaft being a 357 magnum. The larger shaft, like the larger bullet, can be slower-traveling, but if it is powered properly, it will pack a lot more punch because of its mass.
The length of the shaft (within reason) will help determine the accuracy over a greater distance. A larger gun does not necessarily mean larger fish. A long gun may be used to reach out to those fish that are too wary to allow a close approach. Examples include the larger pelagic fish like jacks or members of the tuna family and larger reef and bottom fish like bass, lingcod, halibut, grouper and snapper. A speargun with an overall length of 100 to 120 centimeters (42 to 48 inches) with a 90-centimeter (36-inch) long, 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) diameter shaft would be suitable for the job and assist in landing larger prey. Also, a longer gun will be more accurate over distance than a smaller weapon.
A small gun is excellent in tight areas such as around reefs, wrecks, holes or rocky areas. A gun with a total length of 90 centimeters (36 inches) or less with a 60- to 70-centimeter (24- to 28-inch) shaft would be an excellent choice for the underwater hunter in this type of situation. A speargun of this size should be reasonably accurate at a range of approximately 2 meters (7 feet) from the end of the gun.
With all the information about accuracy, the spear shaft will only travel as far as the shock line. If the shock line is only 1.8 meters (6 feet) long, the speargun is limited to that distance. The spear can travel no farther.
Power settings are standard on many of the pneumatic guns. When shooting at a greater distance, the diver has the option of setting the power to high. If shooting in close quarters around rocks or if less power is required, the hunter can simply reset the power to low with the flick of the switch.
On a band-powered speargun, the diver can change the power by changing band lengths or diameters. Most banded weapons have anywhere from one to three bands that can be used individually or in concert. Bands are made of surgical tubing and, according to studies by manufacturers, the black tubing has the same elasticity as the amber-colored tubing. This material is found in three diameters that are recommended for band speargun use: 13, 14.5 and 16 millimeters (1/2, 9/16 and 5/8 inches). Manufacturers will usually put 13- or 14.5-millimeter (1/2- or 9/16-inch) bands on the gun. If a speargun is equipped with a smaller, 8-millimeter (5/16-inch) diameter shaft, do not use the heavier bands. They will cause the shaft to whip when it is released and will greatly affect accuracy. Apply the 16-millimeter (5/8-inch) bands only to the longer shafts with the larger 9.5-millimeter (3/8-inch) diameter.
The length of the bands is also important. When purchasing extra or replacement bands for your speargun, use what the manufacturer of the speargun has recommended. If extra power is needed, go to the next larger diameter band, but make sure the length is the same as the one that was removed. If you want to use the same size diameter band, you can generally use a band that is 5 centimeters (~2 inches) shorter than the one that you removed.
If at any time questions regarding replacement parts, modifications of an existing speargun, or the purchase of a new speargun or additional guidance is needed, consult your local Dive professional or retail dive center.