I need some spear gun advice please, and I’ll spend a little extra to deal with a local dive shop, instead of a making a web purchase.
We are heading down to the Keys in a few weeks and I need a new spear gun. The one I have is an OLD Scubapro with a 30" shaft, that I bought in 1970. Needless to say it’s time has passed and it wasn’t much to start with. Besides that old gun, I’ve also been using the same tired pole spear for 40 years. I’ve always liked the pole spear. It has stacked some fish, but range is poor.
The gun will be used for free diving, mostly on shallow patch reefs for relatively small fish. Snapper, grouper, hogfish and such, and the occasional dolphin or triple tail. My days of shooting amberjack are over, unless I have a few rum drinks and decide to do something really stupid. Ya never know, cobia aren’t out of the question. I was wanting something light and compact as possible, that will still pack a punch and stick a 20 pound fish from 10-15’ away. Not really wanting one of those long 72" guns, and not wanting to spend a ton of money either because it won’t get a lot of use.
I’ve looked at many on the web, but I know almost nothing about the brands or technology today. The selection is almost overwhelming. 20", 24", 30", 32" 40" 42"…72", 1 band, 2 band, 3 band, pneumatic, aluminum, wood, lines and reels and shock cords…$49.95 to 999.95. JBL seems popular and they have several in my price range and some way out of it. Given the above, and say a budget of $200, what advice can you give me? Are those little 24" guns worth considering, such as JBL Carbine. What do I need to look for and stay away from?
All help appreciated, thanks. Sell me on something and I’ll come get it 
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats