Hi KB,

I used to spear a lot up in the NW of WA and fish didn't last very long on the float because of the sharks so we would just return to the boat with each fish. We were going mainly after spanish macks. When I did use one it was the Pelag style float attached to the handle of my gun with a home made float line consisting of high load spectra line threaded through some clear tubing, both items you can get from bunnings (i thinks its called drinking grade tubing - its clear and you can buy by the length). I found that this type of float line floated a lot better than any off the shelf ones which tangled me up all of the time. I never bothered with the catch bag. Have a good look on the spearo forums to get some advice as i havent speared for years although I still have got my gear. I used a couple of Rob Allens and this beautiful Riffe which is truly a joy to use:

http://www.riffe.com.au/mid-handle-speargun/40-i-island-stabilizer.html


good luck - its super fun.

cheers

Adrian

ive done a hell of a lot of diving in nsw and a 30 metre ski rope with a Beauchat float attached by a shark clip on the float, 2 metres of thick bungee on the other end of the ski rope. then from bungee to spear shaft is 2mm spectra cord about 3 metres long - speed rig (spear fully detaches from gun on firing) and fish get pushed back from shaft to float.
only lost a few to sharks and rays and 30 metres back has very rarely caused a problem with snags cause the ski rope floats.
theres ways of dropping the line if needed and jointing it half way for shallow water with a finger trap splice.
had many large jewy and king on and never had a drama fighting from the surface.
spearing with a passion for 30 years.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

@myusernam: Regarding the boards, seems like a good idea when away from land/boat. For me I've always enjoyed keeping my spearing simple, chuck the gun in the car and I'm good to go. The board seems to take it to the next level and another toy I need put in the car and wash and store in the garage.

@Salties: I didn't think of whitworths, good idea for the ropes/connections. I had a quick look, couldn't see actual spearfishing floats etc. but if it was cheaper I could tow a mooring buoy around! (not cheaper though, those foam filled ones are $90!)

Oh yeah, you might need to get some clips as well, one for your float, and one on the handle of your gun if it didn't come with one.

spearfishing.com.au/collections/rigging/products/shark-clip-2-6-x-100l-with-swivel

kitebored said..

Thanks for the feedback guys.

@myusernam: Regarding the boards, seems like a good idea when away from land/boat. For me I've always enjoyed keeping my spearing simple, chuck the gun in the car and I'm good to go. The board seems to take it to the next level and another toy I need put in the car and wash and store in the garage.

@Salties: I didn't think of whitworths, good idea for the ropes/connections. I had a quick look, couldn't see actual spearfishing floats etc. but if it was cheaper I could tow a mooring buoy around! (not cheaper though, those foam filled ones are $90!)

hey no probs. It sounds like we do very differ4ent spearing. I am out in a boat on the great barrier reef. Plenty of sharks and coral to get it snagged on. Large plentiful fish. saltiest sounds like the man to listen to.

a good 9 inch pronged head will nail a pretty big fish. what gun is it? if its a sea hornet with its big flopper head then the larger fish will not stay on it half the time as the pronger wont go through the entire thickness. i ended up only using the pronged head in the end.
the thinner shafts with the single flopper work really well though with a longer range also.