What's your choice of freediving speargun for reef and occasional pelagics under 100lb? This is a gun that you use comfortably for reef hunting ranging from 3lb up to 40lb, and you also feel that if a 99 pounder happens to pass through you have a good chance of landing it, penetration and holding wise.

Dan,
I think you need to narrow it down a bit. That is too broad of a spectrum to get a good answer. Most euro guns in the 120 range and mid handle guns in the 55 inch range would fit. However shaft size and band size will be an issue as the fish size goes up or down.
Continue the opinion process................:beer:

I'm going to defer to GR on this one as I am a bit drunk and he has much more experience shooting fish over 20lbs than I do.

GR call me tomorrow if you have time I need to talk cars.

Red Tide, why don't you just reveal what you use most often :D if you have two guns that cover that area and overlap a little then what are the two?

I'll put my .02 in. I have a Riffe C3X that I do not feel uncomfortable using with the smallest fish that I would shoot. And I don't even loath loading it so I will shoot something small if I really want it. On the other hand I know it will achieve full penetration on a 50lb fish with a 9/32 shaft and 2x5/8 bands. Past that it's uncharted waters for me but I think up to 80lb is very reasonable. As far as range I figure 2 wraps of line is what it is. I think I can hit a big fish at the end of that range. Besides for my kind, fish above 50lb are a few times in a lifetime deal. But then I'm not crazy about going after them either. I just know that if I see one I'll shoot it with whatever gun I have.

Of all the guns I have used, I would have to say my Daryl Wong 57" MG Special RHP, rigged with 4 9/16ths bands and a 5/16ths shaft. Of course, I have yet to shoot a fish over 60 lbs with it, but, I think it would do the job, given the chance;)

maybe gr use the gun that daryl named after him. the one that gr designed for daryl:D

just a guess though:D

then again last time gr came on the boat there were what......20-25guns and 50lbs of shafts

G.R. has more guns than I can count,,, then again I am drunker than 12 Indians at the moment .:D:toast:

seacrecher, 4x9/16 and a 5/16 shaft is a lot of power, do you shoot small fish at all or are you exclusively for big WSB and yellowtail?

BTW I always use a float line and float rig.

My [current] opinion is that if the gun has the power to penetrate a 100 lb. fish and your using a float line it comes down to what gun has that kind of power and is accurate.

seacrecher, 4x9/16 and a 5/16 shaft is a lot of power, do you shoot small fish at all or are you exclusively for big WSB and yellowtail?

BTW I always use a float line and float rig.

I have shot fish from 2-60lbs with this rig. In fact, the day I shot my big WSB with it, it had a 2lb Calico hanging on the shooting line:awink:

I was hunting the exact conditions you were referring to. Rockpiles in 30-50' of water near the edge of a drop off down to 90'. A big WSB came in from outside to find a place to "nap" in the kelp.

The trick is to not have anything behind the fish i.e. rocks, coral heads, other divers, etc. ...:D

SICK WSB!!!!!

[QUOTE=Speareasy;32906]Red Tide, why don't you just reveal what you use most often :D

For some strange reason I know th answer to your question. Wong 55" hybrid GR Special with a 62" 9/32" shaft. One 9/16 band in the first slot and a 5/8 in the second (sorry I don't remember the lengths). At least that is what he uses for reef fish in th gulf. For pelagics he steps up to the magnum hybrid (which is siting in my office right now). One of these days he will learn to tie his own bands

I will warn you that Red Tide will out shoot most people using a JBL w/ a single band that is 5 years old. The man is a killer.

for some reason I associate reef with rocks and the fish that hide in/around them wouldn't 50+" be a bit much:confused:, think I'll be joining you Gamble:absolut::toast:

Dammit John, that photo gives away my spot.

Not that I've ever taken a big one there. :)

BEST GUN FOR REEF AND PELAGIC FISH IS THE SEAC ASSO 115 OR 135CM, AIR GUN, 8MM SHAFT, THEY ARE POWERFUL, ACCURATE AND LOW MAINTENCE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL FLORIDA DIVE SHOP IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THKS:toast:







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Dan,

I really like a single wrap 130cm with single 20mm band and a 7.5 shaft with single barb for deeper Gulf wrecks and Keys. Very quick loading and reloading and low profile while diving. I can pretty much use that for anything from small fish to bigger jacks, macks and medium pelagics (switching to mexican breakaway when we are just targeting big fish).
I also really like the No Ka Oi (really smooth) and agree on the 3x, but like the 3xs for the extended butt.
I would like to try a hybrid one of these days. It seems like one advantage there would be the ability to power up extra bands without creating too much recoil. Still looking forward to getting ahold of one of Ken's death sticks too!

Dan,

I really like a single wrap 130cm with single 20mm band and a 7.5 shaft with single barb for deeper Gulf wrecks and Keys. Very quick loading and reloading and low profile while diving. I can pretty much use that for anything from small fish to bigger jacks, macks and medium pelagics (switching to mexican breakaway when we are just targeting big fish).
I also really like the No Ka Oi (really smooth) and agree on the 3x, but like the 3xs for the extended butt.
I would like to try a hybrid one of these days. It seems like one advantage there would be the ability to power up extra bands without creating too much recoil. Still looking forward to getting ahold of one of Ken's death sticks too!

Great point about vesatility. That is how I like all my guns to be. I didn't mention it before, because I assumed most would be able to figure out that a smaller shaft and fewer bands can always be put in place "heavy duty" rigging.

I think the key element in this case is combination of range and power. I think that most have concurred that a 55-60" gun is the way to go. In my case, my gun is built to handle 4 9/16 bands and a 5/16ths shaft. I know my gun is capable of handling any combination of shaft sizes and band configurations less than that. I always try to use a gun for what I may potentially encounter. I would rather be overgunned than undergunned. I can always take a band or two off, if need be. I also have my guns rigged in a manner where if I need another wrap of shooting line, I can simply pull it off the reel. Of course that doesn't apply when using a break-away and a floatline. However, when I am using a break-away and a floatline, I usually can't make it to the bottom anyway;)

I always try to use a gun for what I may potentially encounter. I would rather be overgunned than undergunned.

That hits the nail on the head for me. We have finally started consistently getting fish this year in the 25-45lb class and the biggest difference (apart from working different spots) has been always being set-up for the occasional big dogs that the smaller guns didn't have the range, holding power once speared, or punching power to take. There is no worse feeling in the entire world than missing a trophy because you went too light on the tackle.

This is what we have so far..

http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/31647/2006270634704859811_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2006270634704859811)

http://aycu36.webshots.com/image/33755/2006289073445387889_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2006289073445387889)

http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/32930/2004128954732441710_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004128954732441710)

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/32654/2006211420817422988_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2006211420817422988)

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/33534/2006285569050399492_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2006285569050399492)

http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/32804/2005938679538802492_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005938679538802492)

I'm thinking that my original question should have been what length and diameter shaft and what band configuration do you use for under 100lb instead of asking the gun model. Looking at it this way I think that the actual gun can be left to personal preference whereas the specs on the shaft and bands are the bottom line.


So to reiterate, I use a 57" single flopper 9/32 shaft with 2x5/8 bands. I have the option of going to a 5/16 shaft if I find myself in an area where big fish are abundant (yeah right) but I don't know if 2x5/8 will move it well enough.

The 7.5mm shaft sounds like a nice alternative right between the 9/32 and 5/16. Does anyone make them for an American mech with sharkfin tabs?

John, how long is the 5/16 spear for your 57" hybrid?

So to reiterate, I use a 57" single flopper 9/32 shaft with 2x5/8 bands. I have the option of going to a 5/16 shaft if I find myself in an area where big fish are abundant (yeah right) but I don't know if 2x5/8 will move it well enough.

It sounds like you're waiting for someone to tell you what to do with your gun. If you want more range and power just increase your mass with wings/lead or whatever, get the 5/16 shaft and put another band or two on.

Lemme put it to you this way, I shoot two itty bitty 5/8 bands on my gun (17-18 inches) with a single flopper 60' shaft and that cubera I shot a few weeks ago, I shot him from about 10 feet away and it didn't even poke a hole in the other side.... of his ass! Let alone his gillplates/skull, which is why I put the PH on. Use the right tool (on hand) for the right job.

Unless you get something holed up or at point blank range (see: cobia/AJ), you're going to need more power. You will probably also want more range if you're doing the bluewater thing for macks/hoos, which means you're going to need more power.

FYI I have owned two Riffes like yours, and sold them both. One was a little longer than the other. I bought them because I wanted a high power lineshaft gun but was unhappy with the performance when the gun was powered up. I realized I needed a gun with more mass to handle what I wanted, so I got a big ass 63' 4-6 band teak monstrosity that just sits in the garage while I still freeshaft/powerhead everything.

If I was you, freediving in clear South Florida water regularly, shooting at spooky fish, I'd get a Wong/Deathstick. You could mod up your gun to try to do what you're asking. but there are many of us that have been down that path (trying to make a small gun, perform like a big one) and that path usually leads to frustration, inaccuracy and ultimately failure.

Fish ends on the mono at 10ft with a measly 46inch gun :awink:

Mega, It sounds like you missed the point. I'm asking the guys what they have on hand and use in the conditions I described, not whether I should use PH or increase the mass of a C3X. I'm fully aware that to get more power without losing accuracy the gun has to be longer and heavier. There are other factors to consider and that's why I tried to describe the conditions I'm faced with when spearfishing the way I like. I think I may have rushed the question a little though. I shouldn't have put the mark at 100lb (even though I'd still attempt it). I'll take the freedom of diving with lighter gear and settle for under 75lb.

54" 5/16 shaft with 2 5/8" bands and measure in at 22 inches...

If I was using a floatline and rig I wouldt hesitate to shoot a 100lb fish....

Freediving with a lineshaft connected to my gun, I will be staying under 25lbs.

Dan,

just for clarification, the gun I was reffering to isn't a Hybrid. It is in fact, a Reef model. All teak full enlosed track 57" rear-handle plus. I can shoot a 5/16 shaft with 4 9/16 bands one handed with enough accuracy to place the shot anywhere I want at 15-18'. The gun is so well balanced that it is effortless to move around in the water.

To further clarify what I think would be best suited for the conditions/situations you are inquiring about, I would say 7.5mm shaft and 3 9/16" bands on a 55-60" gun or 2 5/8 and a 9/32 shaft provided you can get to an appropriate range for the thicker bodied fish. However, if the gun is made to handle more power and a bigger shaft, that is one less gun you have to buy, and only one more shaft and one more band to add to the gun you already have;)

I shot a 200lb bullshark with my 110 rabitech apex carbon+floatline..went through him and put him on the line. 7mm shaft 20mm band 52"approx gun is like a laser on the first notch so thats what I use unless I see something huge then its a quick snap to the 2nd notch making it a cannon.I can shoot hogfish @10ft+ all day long.I got the enclosed muzzle so i can string the fish on the shooting line but im going to purchase a 140cm and try bluewater around xmas.

John, your gun is an interesting choice. Looks like you have only 2" more of stock in front of the handle than my C3X(55"), this is negligible as far as swinging the gun in the water. But being built like a mid handle I'd approximate you have 6" more of band pull than the C3X, this is significant. I'd guess the spear you're using to be around 63"? I think that you're probably aiming for bigger fish than I on a consistent basis, this is also reflected in the second part of your post.

I really like my rabitech 130 with either a single or double wrap. Two 16 mm bands and a 7.5 shaft that is 170 cm long with a single flopper. I've taken countless big fish down from bluewater to reef fish with that combo.

Red Tide, why don't you just reveal what you use most often :D if you have two guns that cover that area and overlap a little then what are the two?

I'll put my .02 in. I have a Riffe C3X that I do not feel uncomfortable using with the smallest fish that I would shoot. And I don't even loath loading it so I will shoot something small if I really want it. On the other hand I know it will achieve full penetration on a 50lb fish with a 9/32 shaft and 2x5/8 bands. Past that it's uncharted waters for me but I think up to 80lb is very reasonable. As far as range I figure 2 wraps of line is what it is. I think I can hit a big fish at the end of that range. Besides for my kind, fish above 50lb are a few times in a lifetime deal. But then I'm not crazy about going after them either. I just know that if I see one I'll shoot it with whatever gun I have.

What do I use most often would be a difficult question for me to answer. I always bring at least three guns with me when I go diving. If we are out on a deep wreck I might use a 55 - 63 inch gun with a 5/16 shaft (Flopper or slip tip) 2 9/16 bands and one 5/8 band attached to a float line. It would depend on what type of fish I would anticipate encountering. If there are no big fish there I would switch to a 55 inch gun with a reel, rigged with one 5/8 band and one 9/16 band, and a 9/32 flopper shaft. I might even pull out a 42 inch gun if I wanted to penetrate the wreck or if the water is dirty.
To me there is no one gun does it all. Any euro 110 to 130 and any Mid Handle 50 to 60 inches covers most fish that you would encounter. Water depth and clarity are a factors to consider as is the type of fish that you anticipate shooting.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to say I like all of the guns that Daryl Wong makes. Especially the 55 inch enclosed track Hybrid guns. I have four of those and each one is rigged for different situations,

Yeah those hybrids are pretty special. The first and only time I shot one I hit a fish. I remember well it was a little porgy in a school of about 20 fish, I aimed for the one next to him though.. So even if you miss this gun still puts fish on the table :D

The three scenarios you gave were all wreck diving. I've done little of that so far, maybe in the future as we find out about more here. Most of my diving is covering a lot of reef ground. A lot of it would be shore diving. Not feasable to carry more than one gun on a shore dive. These are factors that I define for myself as I learn more and more about how your spearfishing is.

And nice fish red tide, all species I've yet to get except for the grouper.

For most reef diving scenarios with average 20 to 30 foot vis I would suggest using a 110 Euro or a 55 Wood or Hybrid gun set up with a 9/32 shaft powered up how you like it. A reel would be nice but a float line is fine too. Just my opinion:toast:

I realize now that the question in the thread title "what's your gun of choice for under 100lb" is too broad for what I had in mind. Sorry about that guys, at least I got to narrow it down some as the thread progressed.

For most reef diving scenarios with average 20 to 30 foot vis I would suggest using a 110 Euro or a 55 Wood or Hybrid gun set up with a 9/32 shaft powered up how you like it. A reel would be nice but a float line is fine too. Just my opinion:toast:

What are you using in bad viz (6'-10') bay or gulf?

What are you using in bad viz (6'-10') bay or gulf?

A knife and a prayer!!!

Actually I use a JBL D6 which measures in at about 21 inches overall. I punch right through Sheepshead, Spade fish and even tagged a few small snapper.

I have a 42 inch Wong Hybrid and a 42 Deathstick for the low vis in the Bay and Gulf.

speareasy
guns 1 and 3 look pretty much the same, what advantages do they have over each other, just curious
I like #4 the one with the barrel,.. what does that feature add in the overall performance?
I shoot a SS commercial 52'' HPL so I am dumb to these gun types

Gunny,

The only advantage you can go to over what you have is going to an enclosed track gun. Having an enclosed track make a big difference IMHO on longer shots and you can power the hell out of-em. Personally I like the Deathsticks when it comes to enclosed track guns. They are very well built and less expensive than others.

anyone tried 'freedivers' brand guns?

Gunny,

The only advantage you can go to over what you have is going to an enclosed track gun. Having an enclosed track make a big difference IMHO on longer shots and you can power the hell out of-em. Personally I like the Deathsticks when it comes to enclosed track guns. They are very well built and less expensive than others.

WERD! I went over to Ken's house a few weeks back to shoot the bull and seen his production line. I know for a fact he has my business when the time comes. Those gun are amazing and they look even better. I cant wait to be the proud owner of one.