There is nothing that sets the adrenalin going like diving into the clear blue depths of the ocean, armed with nothing but a spear gun and your quick wit to hunt down an elusive fish. Spear fishing has been around for centuries and this prehistoric activity has evolved quite considerably since, however the basics remain the same; the thrill of the primitive hunt still remains the main motive of the sport for any spear fisherman.
If you planning to embark on Spear fishing, it is essential that you understand the various spearfishing equipment options you can choose from.
(*Pictured above-JBL 4 ft. Fixed Polespear without Tip (D-48 from LeisurePro.com)
Polespear
Polespears are the most versatile, robust and inexpensive pieces of spear fishing equipment. The Polespear consists of a long shaft with a point at one end and an elastic loop at the other for propulsion. Although they lack range and power, the challenge of using one and the low cost of owning one, is the main draw to the Polespear. Using one requires a great deal of skill as you have to be able to almost touch the fish to be able to spear it properly. Shafts are made of various materials ranging from the basic wood, to aluminum or titanium, or fiberglass and carbon fiber.
(*Pictured above- AB Biller LTD Mahogany Speargun 60 Inch from LeisurePro.com)
Speargun
Spearguns are specially designed devices that fire spears and come in a wide variety: Elastic-Powered, Pneumatic, Gas-Powered or explosive cartridge fired. Many spear guns come equipped with a reel on the gun itself, attached to the harpoon/spear so that divers can reel in their catch and easily retrieve the projectile.
Hawaiian Slings
Hawaiian Slings consist of an elastic band attached to a tube, through which a spear is launched. A loop of tubing is attached to a block of material, often wood; the shaft is placed in the groove, and pulled back to propel the spear through the water on release somewhat like a bow and arrow or an underwater slingshot. Unlike spear guns, there is no trailing line, and you have to find your shaft if you miss, and chase after the fish if you hit it. However Hawaiian slings have been known to be very effective in spearfishing, with people catching rather large fish with this simple device.
LeisurePro.com is currently stocking some of the best spearguns available out there, the PoleSpear and Speargun images featured in this article are the JBL 4 ft. Fixed Polespear without Tip (D-48) and the AB Biller LTD Mahogany Speargun 60 Inch both available at LeisurePro
