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A-Hunting We Will Go: Lionfish Hunting Equipment and Technique Guide

A-Hunting We Will Go: Lionfish Hunting Equipment and Technique Guide

Written by Leisure Pro Staff
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Published on October 21, 2011

The lionfish is on the lips of many divers these days, and not just in casual conversation. It has become a real problem for the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic, with sightings of the menace as far up as the state of New York in the US. The damage they are causing to reef ecosystems has created the need for as much help from the public as possible to assist in their eradication. Fortunately for us, the lionfish can be rather sluggish when being pursued by a human predator, making them great practice for the budding spearfisher, or a great sport for the experienced. Lionfish recipes abound, and for those who fear the venomous spines, there are many video tutorials on how to capture and handle the fish unharmed. You’ll want to be prepared with the right tools for the job, so check out our suggestions for a lionfish kit. Happy hunting!

Gloves

There are some that brave the world of lionfish hunting without gloves, but if you’re in any doubt at all, wear them. Depending on your own personal preference, there are plenty of thicknesses and styles to choose from, but a pair that have a sturdy outer coating, like these 3mm RynoHyde gloves from XS, will keep you relatively safe from those nasty spines while allowing full flexibility.

Lionfish Mini Spear With 3-Prong Tip

This mini spear is a great tool for a lionfish hunt. Its lightweight fiberglass construction makes it easy to tote along without getting in your way, and with the detachable tip, it only measures 27 inches. Each of the three prongs on the stainless steel tip has a barb, ensuring that your catch will stay on the spear until you’re ready to take it off. The simple tension release action of this mini spear is easy for anyone to use, and would be a good introduction to spearfishing for those who may be a little intimidated by a speargun.

Armor Lionfish Catch Bag

Once you’ve caught your lionfish, you’ll need a place to store it until you surface, but those spines remain venomous even after the fish is dead. This catch bag from Armor is made specifically for avoiding any kind of accidental pokes with those spines. It features a sleeve chute that allows you to insert the spear and the fish without having to struggle with opening your bag while keeping the spines away from you. Made of tough, tight-knit mesh, the drag is minimal and will not snag on coral or other stationary objects. With zippered openings on the top and bottom of the bag, quick release of your catch topside is easy and pain-free!

This video demonstrates how simple it can be to spear and de-spine the lionfish while still underwater!

Scuba.com has a great variety of spearfishing gear at low prices — many with free shipping — so stop by the website before your next trip!

Leisure Pro Staff

Leisure Pro Staff

Marketing Director for LeisurePro