Speargun advice

[Smallfrye]

For the past year or so I have used a standard pole spear with some success. Haven seen all the great photo's and reports of speargun fishing I'm ready to take the next step.
Can you all recommend a decent gun for rig diving, fish up to about 15#'s. I don't want to spend a lot since this is my first gun and I have a lot to learn.
Thanks, Jim

[CaptBill]

Hey Jim,
Bill used to spear fish alot when he gets home I will have him post up alittle help.
I have only watched .. Spear fishing is so cool to watch . Bill has lots of stories..
Loves to tell'em too
Lynn

[HAWAIIANREDNECK]

Jim I have a small reef gun you could try out if you would like. I was born and raised in Hawaii and grew up free diving with a three prong Hawaiian Sling. It is a double band gun with a range of about 15'. Use it every once in a while when I go home on vacations. If you just want to buy it I will sell it for $50 you pay shipping. I paid over $100 when I got it new and I just put new bands on it.

[speckle-catcher]

what's your budget?

I've got 3, one about $100, one about $175, the last (and my favorite) over $500

for rig diving, (going cheap) - you can't go wrong with a JBL - Sawed-Off Magnum or Competition Magnum - either one will do fine.

Get the XHD version to get stronger bands, better muzzle and tip.

If you want to spend a little more, get an AB Biller 48 (mahogany, teak is a few more $$)

All the above are perfect for snapper, (smaller) AJ's and ling.

If you want to break the bank, get a Riffe - you'll never need another gun

I can ask some spearo buddies to see if they got some guns they want to sell if you like.

[Santiago]

Where do you buy a speargun at?

[tburns67]

Still not sure about the quality of my gun, but I picked one up on ebay, new for about $35...it is a french made gun, metal tubing, seems about like one of the jbl's mentioned above....You are welcome to check mine out first if you like?

[speckle-catcher]

Santiago - spearguns are sold in most dive shops. Sometimes you can find them in a pawn shop, and of course on Ebay.

Tburns your ebay gun is likely a Cavallero Arbalette - that style of gun is very popular in Europe.

[fuzzyJR]

i dont think you could go wrong with a bandito, make some of the best guns around for the money, mine costs about 200.00 and it will shoot just about anything you wish except a 10' shark or something, lol mike

[Hang Time]

Smallfrye, Do a google search on JBL, AB Biller, Speargun Specialties, Riffe and Wong to name a few. This will give you an idea of what's available in the price range of $200 to $1,000. You'll want a band gun about 48", anything less will lack power and if you go a longer gun, it will be difficult to swing as you're trying to line up on the fish, especially if there's much current. Also don't buy a pnuematic gun as they lack sufficient power at deep depths. Go to leisurepro.com to get pricing on the Biller and JBl. They have good prices, but their website is confusing if you're not sure of what you need in regards to the components. Another suggestion would be to do a google search for TB Divers in San Marcos. Terry Browning will sell you exactly what you need to spearfish the rigs. He enjoys helping people get started, offers great advice and will take the time to meet with you and show you the basics.

Randal

[tburns67]

I know that Sport-Divers in Clear Lake and Sea Sport Scuba & Swim in Spring both sell spearfishing equipment...

I was looking into a taking a spearfishing course at Sport-Divers, but it seems that the course isn't taught very often and I could not get enough people together...

[speckle-catcher]

Hang Time - it's snice to see that someone else knows his gun makers (Wong) - If I didn't already have the Riffe, I would probably get a Wong hybrid.

Have you ever seen a gun made by Scott Merlo? looks like fine cabinetry. I wouldn't have been able to put it in the water.

Rob Allen (from South Africa) makes nice (and inexpensive) guns as well, but the exchange rate right now makes them cost a bit more. A store in Florida sells them (I think it's Florida Freedivers, but could be wrong)

oh, and BTW, it's not PC to call it spearfishing. It's "selective catch & release" :D

[TeamCrossfire]

I bought my Riffe at Hydro-Sports Scuba in Lake Jackson and I am happy with it although they are expensive. Hydro-Sports has a good in-stock selection and they use what they sell. They have won several tournaments and they will also upgrade the guns to match what they use and have learned from their experience. They also have classes as often as they can get enough interest.

[THROBINROD]

How much are the Riffe's? How much more power do they have than a JBL magnum 450 XHD?(my $300 gun of choice)

[speckle-catcher]

A Riffe comparable to the 450 XHD would be the NoKaOi, I think it runs about $450 - and is an excellent choice for this area.

You could look at the Riffe Metal Tech. Same specs as their mid-handle teak guns, but made of anodized aluminum and much cheaper. I've got a #4 and used it for years. I've been very happy with the purchase.

[CoastalOutfitters]

I have the jbl woodie magnum/cable rigged and jd preece wood 42" special with heavy bands and cable rigs also the 36" bandito. all have cable/breakaway tips and heavier than stock bands.

definately go with a wood gun for quietness, cable for strength around the rigs and a cable release snap in case you get in trouble and dont want to lose your gun too......

we also put an extra snap thru the handle of the gun to attach it to whatever needed.

[Dunc]

Riffe No Ka Oi for sale in classifieds.

[speckle-catcher]

that's a good deal on that gun with all the extras. Someone should jump on it.

[Santiago]

oh, and BTW, it's not PC to call it spearfishing. It's "selective catch & release" :D With me it's more like catch and fillethttp://2coolfishing.net/ttmbforum/images/smilies/wink.gif

[Sow Trout]

I you are diving the rigs be sure to get a triple rubber gun.