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While this isn't recommended at all, I've been in the same situation. What pound mono are you trying to crimp? Also what style of gun do you have it on and what kind of fish are you planning on shooting?
- Slide one side of the crimp onto the mono then slide the tag end of the mono through whatever you're trying to make a loop around.
- Now slide the tag end of the mono through the other side of the crimp, pull it through about 3-4 inches.
- Get a lighter and heat up just the very tip of the mono. This should make the end of the mono swell into a ball.
- Once the tag end cools down, snug it up against the crimp. It shouldn't slip through the crimp. This is an added measure since you won't be able to gauge your crimping pressure very well.
- When you use the pliers to crimp, the goal is to make the crimp snug on the mono, but if you crimp too hard it will cut the mono and the connection will be extremely weak. Only crimp in the middle of the crimp, not toward the edges. On your crimp there are two "barrels" when you squeeze with the pliers the barrels should be on top of each other not side by side.
Tip: don't make the loop tiny. You should be able to fit you pinky through the loop after you are done crimping.
Also, a set of crimpers can be found for ~$25 on Amazon or online tackle shop. Don't lose the fish of a lifetime because you skimped out on $25.
I usually like to bake them. Usually fry up some red/golden in a pan until brown and then throw in some white wine. Don't cook them through though. Then take your scaled, gutted fish and score it on both sides. I drizzle some olive oil and thyme on both sides and put the potatoes around the sides of the fish. Bake it at 375F for until done (i think about 45 minutes). Turns out pretty good. The bones are kind of a pain, you could probably cut it down the middle and behind the head so when its done, you could just pull out the spine and bones. Still need to tweak it.
Agree with the RA. If you can’t afford it, this Cressi Comanche is very good for what it is… single band, accurate, short to medium range (up to 3m). It’s $100 less than a Rob Allen, and 60% as good. You might surprise a YT at the edge of the kelp or on a paddy.
I don't know where you are at, but in FL they are expensive to discourage future reoccurrences.
One of the best things that I bought for my gun was this:
It is a sticker ruler that runs the length of your gun, I have one on every gun I own. I shoot the fish, measure it with my gun and if it comes up even a quarter of an inch short, I drop it. A fish in the boat is a harvested fish according to the law in FL.
Check Amazon for "inflatable motor mount". However, you will be limited by the strength of your plastic and your mount points (though you can glue more on where needed). Looks like the company that makes your boat also makes a motor mount. https://www.amazon.com/Solstice-Swimline-Motor-Mount-Voyager/dp/B0052OHS9U/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=inflatable+motor+mount&qid=1622532803&sr=8-5
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I use these. But keep in mind there's only so much headphones can do underwater. And the deeper you go the worse the sound is.
I love my AB Biller 36. Old school wooden, very reliable. Not super expensive. Very accurate.
It's short and easy to maneuver. Great for snapper and small grouper.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000DYNGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_CSV40KM2WZCVC5ER75KT
I have the garmin and it's "chart plotter" function is worthless because the buttons and screen size are way too small. Its only gps use is to mark a spot if I see a cool coral head.
This is what I use as a portable chart plotter when I go on someone else's boat: https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-GPSMAP-Navigator-Chartplotter-010-00864-01/dp/B003I86PJ6/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=portable+gpsmap&qid=1613004872&sr=8-4
This will mark spots, and get you to your spots, but I would recommend a waterproof case to keep it from getting too wet. It is water resistant but would 100% leak if you left it in the water in rough conditions.
These work really well. If you can't find the wine in these bags or if you don't want the wine then you can get mylar bags on amazon for a lot cheaper (split it with some friends). In addition to that a float like this is a must in my opinion. I've tried using flashers a few different ways and this is by far the best way to keep them organized and untangled.
If you are doing beach dives. I recommend sticking to plastics. It’s a heart breaker when a carbon snaps or gets swept away by a wave.
Also invest in some fin keepers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CPS0I84/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_F82BFbK47168F
I loved my C4 Mustangs and then have the Omer carbon stingrays as a runner up. Make sure you get the right stiffness for your weight.
Sharks have been conditioned in most areas to relate the sound of speargun bands popping to a sort of dinner bell (in Fl we often snap our bands to bring up big bulls to shoot Cobia off them). Sharks will also get much closer to you in low vis than high vis.
Most of the time, the sharks are going to get close, check you out, and leave. Even when you have a fish. But it just depends on the particular shark and where you are. Some sharks in some areas are more aggressive than others- Fl sharks are into stealing fish, but usually avoid divers. Bahamas sharks, on the other hand, are savages. Had a buddy get bit twice in the blink of an eye over there over a hogfish.
Dive in a group, play defense, and give the fish up if it gets too hairy for you. I’ve never been on a boat with an accident, but I keep a tourniquet and EPERB on board just incase a spear gun, shark, prop, or knife ends up where it shouldn’t be.
Heres a cheap 3 pack of CAT TQs: https://www.amazon.com/Tourniquets-SZCTKlink-Portable-Tourniquet-Emergency/dp/B06XD51983/ref=mp_s_a_1_13?dchild=1&keywords=cat+torniquete&qid=1599784898&sprefix=CAT+turn&sr=8-13
Also, for peace of mind, usually sharks are nbd. Ive been rushed, bumped and had them nibble on buddies’ spearguns. Even shot a Cobia and had a white come through. Never once have I seen a bite in person though. Worst thing to even happen to me is bent/stolen shaft. I would imagine SWB hurts more spearos than sharks.
320%, if you want, you can download my app from play store to setting speargun, for now is only in Italian language, but when I have some time I will insert English language. This is the link to app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.cedro.elasticiarbalete
Buy once cry once
Get a float or you can home DIY your own with bungee cords and anchor points (home depot hardware using bolts, spray paint, nylon nuts). I swim with a banks board that has a bug bag attached and bungee cords to secure 2 spear guns. The board also has two mesh bags for utility, fog drops. I have a 3.5 lv anchor that is secured to the board so any time i want to go hunt and not worry about my float drifting away.
Best Marine 3.5lb Folding Kayak anchor. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KE1K9XW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
All my gear has bright Orange / reflective paracord. Always tie wristloops to knives, lights, tools etc basicly anything youll need to freehand in the water. If it drops least it'll be visible.
I have yet to figure out line management. 😅 good luck!
Sorry I thought someone got to you;look up game bags basically you put live lobsters in a bag. You have absolutely no reason to kill in the water,that’s a Recipe for food poisoning.
If on scuba you want something like this.
No mesh sides down the throat to get any spine stuck on. There is compact nets that go around the belt for free divers that make you more streamlined these are specialty and if you do enough research you will find them.
This one is super affordable, and has suctioned great to my face, held the camera in place, and not been a thing I'm thinking about once I dive! I'm not diving super deep yet, so not sure how it compares to higher end low profile masks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PGX3R9J?ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details&th=1
$24-ish. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G0VX1EO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=AVMT7JPOP381H&psc=1
I've had a hard time finding anything with the specific prism effect I want.
for smaller fish they work great...try a 75cm or 90cm... as long as fish are not really big... if they are more then 6-8 pounds they might rip off the gun.......
Yo OP, /u/TwistedOrder , Did you ever try this? I'm thinking about making one once I get a gun. I was thinking of using a bodyboard and this cooler attached up top. What are you thinking?
I did my math wrong lol. The Riffe is actually 61 inches, so 154cm.
And yes I'd be looking for a gun to use as a tuna cannon only, because I already have a 100cm pathos as my multipurpose gun.
Here is the link to the Riffe https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/191650188598381/
Having tried several different tips (Trident, 3 prong barbed paralyzer, and single flopper), this double flopper has given me the best results (most fish kills).
It’s heavier than a cheaper single flopper I tried before and the extra mass really seems to help with penetration; especially with thought scaled fish like sheepshead. The spearpoint tip has also kept it’s sharpness very well compared to other tips I’ve had (despite several rock strikes). Whatever you get, make sure it matches the thread size on your polespear.
These are parallel slings: https://www.amazon.com/Cressi-FA400002-P-Competition-Elastic-Band/dp/B00KHRIR2Y These are circular slings: https://www.mares.com/en_US/s-power-slings-speed-circular-o-14-mm-6
I have had a pair of these cressis for 15 years and they are comfortable and take a beating. https://www.amazon.com/Cressi-Gara-3000-LD/dp/B07YT7D9MW
If your budget is higher, I mainly use mares carbon fins and they are one of my favorite pieces of gear
That’s a fair point. I guess that’s where my mind goes, because that’s the type of spearfishing that both myself and pretty much everyone I know does (i.e. the Helldivers out of New Orleans.. there’s even a book that’s worth the read for entertainment value alone)… I have a few guns, but for the bug stuff like that I use a 3-band JBL Woody Magnum with aircraft cable and custom 3/8” shafts from Temento’s (also out of New Orleans).
Out of west palm, we usually don’t see fish until 60-80 feet. Up in Jup you can get away with 40, and down south you can get away with shallower than that.
All lights are pretty much the same imo. But I used this one until it flooded on me. That light has one of the better beams ive seen in that price range
I've done quite alot of night spearing. I've tried mounted on gun, on head and mostly end up with wrist mounted - I actually use this damn cheap but effective and rechargeable battery. you could probably get something a bit brighter / better now.
If you have mounted on gun it becomes a pain to constantly swing the gun around to illuminate things, head mounted doesn't really work that well at the surface.
Thus wrist mounted seems like the default, at least it has been for me.
Love going out at night, just a different world. Spent two months in mexico last year and went out 3 or 4 nights a week, more for the experience than hard core spearing - lobsters running about, fishing sleeping, turtles sleeping, morays out and about...
Good luck...
a Bungee is a small rubberline typically with dyneema inside and some sort of clip on the other end, that helps keep the shooting line tight as it provides some pull on the line while the spear is loaded in the gun. When the spear is then shot, on bigger guns targeting bigger fish, it helps somewhat to prevent big fish from tearing as it provides a little extra elastic pull on the line where it connects to the gun.
So it doesnt replace the standard shooting line at all, but is a added QOL for keeping the shooting line tight, and somewhat a help when shooting bigger fish. Bungee on Amazon for reference
This is the light I use, it’s incredibly bright and is rechargeable. Switch style on light has its pros and cons.
If going with Cressi Garas I would get the interchangeable blade version for later upgrades.
Cressi Gara Modular Impulse Fins for Freediving with Interchangeable Blades , Designed and made in Italy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089NC15PY/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_6X2K2RK49Y1WYK3AVWNN
yeah those are not freediving fins. Get these! https://www.amazon.com/Cressi-Gara-3000-LD/dp/B07YT7D9MW
I have really nice carbon fins, but I still will take my cressi's when I travel as they fit in my suitcase better. They do just fine and are indestructible.
You can mess your ears up. They will get a bone growth that will eventually need to be shaved down if you don’t protect your ear. Get some Doc earplugs and save your ears!
What about the cheaper aluminum spears? Something like:
Scuba Choice Aluminum Travel Hand Spear with Carrying Bag (3 Piece), 6.5' https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015M8WR3C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BTDA55T8VFRQ9H52KE19?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the best fish ID site for Hawaii.
This cookbook, The Shoreline Chef, is pretty rad.
Get two of these or similar and run a piece of rope through them to bind them together flat to flat. Put a loop in the rope on each end and tie your float line to one. Done.
I used this $8 knife for about a year as a dive knife. Drill 4 holes in the sheath and fasten zip ties as belt loops. Rinse it with fresh water and take it out if the sheath to dry or it will rust. Don’t brain big fish it it will break, and buy a cheap knife sharpener cause it will loose the edge.
Wetsuit cement like aquaseal +neo... it’s like $6 and has worked well for me for years after repair
GEAR AID Aquaseal NEO Contact Cement for Neoprene and Wetsuit Repair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079YNC13G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_sgurFbBEAAQV5
I hate supporting Amazon but I got a good dive knife for $13cdn and free shipping: https://www.amazon.ca/Szco-Supplies-Couteau-de-plongeur/dp/B00285XV42/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dive%2Bknife&qid=1598842195&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Get some gel heat packs and put them under your wetsuit. Activate them throughout your dive. They are reusable and can go to depth with you.
Here is an example I just quickly found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Go-Reusable-Heat-Packs/dp/B016OA5YK0/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=gel+heat+pack&qid=1582228657&sr=8-8
I've never used them as I had cargo storage so everything went below. West Marine sells a bunch of kayak stuff, you may be able to find something there.
https://www.westmarine.com/kayak-accessories/yakgear
Maybe something like this (as long as the clip is strong)?
https://www.amazon.com/YYST-drilling-Paddle-Holder-Storage/dp/B06XCP2HS6
While I've never used the Shaka, I've owned the JBL anodized aluminum spear and its actually the only spear that I use. I've dropped that thing countless times, lost it in 6" vis in a kelp forest a few times, only had to replace the band once, and the thing still shoots like the day I bought it. Probably wouldn't be the best choice if you wanted to add a resting hook or other add-ons given the smooth anodized shaft, though.
I use this handheld light. Works great to blind the bugs while you grab it from behind. I don't find it an issue to only having one hand to grab with, Princeton Dive light.
Something like a ballistic mesh backpack? http://www.leisurepro.com/p-armb84/armor-rubber-coated-mesh-backpack-84
Mine didn't. Get a JBL shock cord. They come integrated with dyneema line or as stand alone.
Here's the integrated, works beautifully:
https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Replacment-Shock-Line-Spearguns/dp/B001O7EG2G
Yeah, what laugh it up fuzzball said. I have a spyderco H1 and I love it, but even if it was a fixed blade I wouldn't bring with with me on dives. It's too easy to lose stuff down there. Not to mention, I use my knives for more than just cutting and braining. I pry scallops and cut up urchins and shit with them; wouldn't want to do that with other knives.
However, what I would like is a small, easy access knife for my forearm that I would only use for braining and emergency cutting. Like the predathor. I would pay about 60-70 for a knife that size and made of H1-like steel for sure. Especially if the knife was sure to not pull out of the sheath on accident.
Noooo, don't ever tie yourself to your gun. Remember how your fins got snagged? Think about your wrist being all tied up. A gun is just a gun, man. Buy something cheap til you get better - try this gun. Great starter, reasonably priced. Stick to shallower water next time. Dive floats are your friend - even a kayak is a great way to spear where you are.
I got this as my starter gun. If you search around, you can definitely find a better price than what is listed here. I like the gun; it's very controllable in the water, quiet enough to not scare all the fish away, and (with practice) the shots are very reproducible.
Where I live, smart criminals will just sit next to popular beach spots and wait and watch for where people hide their keys (whether it's on their car, under a rock, etc.). True that a visible lock is a target, but if you're in a crowded area, a visible lock (like the one on the door handle) being smashed, picked, or tampered with also will draw attention. One of the smarter ones I have seen are the hitch locks that are less conspicuous. Like this one: http://www.amazon.com/HitchSafe-HS7000T-HS7000-Key-Vault/dp/B000I66JEM
Have you looked into a waterproof housing for your electric key? The safest thing to do is bring it with you. However there is still risk in losing it while diving (or surfing) and it can be a pain to carry on your person in both instances.
You can get a small shock cord on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Cressi-Bungee-with-Pigtail-Swivel/dp/B00BB4AXP6.
As far as the spear line goes, I would just buy Mono leader line and crimps at your local fishing shop. You can get a crimper at walmart or home depot.
I just got a Mares Instinct 7mm top and 5.5 mm bottom for diving in Central/Northern CA (water is 50-55 deg) and love it. Open cell suit and keeps me very warm, and almost totally dry since it fits so well. From amazon, it came to like $220.
Top: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00L8JBZME/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new