Buying a Spear Gun

Moved from Beaufort to St. Thomas, V.I. in October. I am just getting into spearfishing and am looking to buy a spear gun. Should I be looking at a pneumatic gun or a band gun? Any insight as to what types or brands I should be looking at? Thanks.

You need to check with local rules/regs. Things change from Island to island down there. And you may find that you can only use a pole spear and or freedive techniques to spear. Just double check. As far as the most effective gun…definitely a band-gun. Ocean Rhino in the 52" range or AB Biller in the 54" range. Change the bands to a single 3/4 inch band with a wire wishbone rather than stiff metal type. These are. of course, for bottom fishing mostly. Can be used for pelagics if you leave your line on the gun, but we prefer freeshaft mostly. If you’re looking for a blue-water gun, Omer or Mako make good guns. Good luck and post pictures.

Stephen Goldfinch
“Sleep When You’re Dead!”

You can spear in the USVI. Just watch out for sanctuaries. I would suggest an omer or rob allen in the 110cm range. Also get a reel so you can surface after the shot with out having to drag the fish all the way up with you before you get a breath. You can use them for both scuba and freediving.

The rhinos and billers do have more punch for scuba and groupers, but they lack the range of a euro gun that you will need in the very clear waters in the VI. If you want to hunt bluewater you will need a 130-140 gun.

Tight lines,
Michael Mattson
843-224-3542
captmattson@aol.com
www.lowcountrysportfishing.com

Here’s what you need: Beuchat Marlin Revolution
http://www.psmcafe.com/uploads/images/les%20tests/Beuchat%20Marlin%20Revolution/action3_hf.jpg
Awesome. Overkill for most, but AWESOME.

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260 Glacier Bay - 2x150
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