Just joined and I'm wanting to give pole spearing a try.
I do have a few questions. First what is the average overall length of most paralyzer tips? And next I have access to a private large spring feed pond would this be a good place to practice and develop my skills for spearfishing? Are freshwater fish harder to stalk then saltwater fish?
Like I said I'm new and would greatly appreciate any help and information
Thanks
Michael

Welcome to the planet.
I dont know very much about polespearing but there are a couple guys here that do. One of them is Mnguy, he is also one of our moderators. Im sure he will chime in when he has a chance.

On the off chance you are in Fl it is important to know that all methods of spearfishing are illegal in freshwater reagardless of private property or not.

Again welcome to the planet, feel free to ask questions and we will try to help you the best we can

Chris

Thanks for the welcome! I'm actually in southeast Alabama ill have to check our regulations on spearfishing.
Thanks
Michael

Most paralyzer tips run about 12". They're only effective on fish up to about 5-8 pounds. After that, they tend not to lock the fish up hard enough to stop it from wriggling off. That being said, I've taken bigger with a paralyzer but it isn't recommended.

As far as spearing in the pond is concerned, I don't know if it is legal or not where you're at. If it is, then I guess you could get some pretty good practice in on crappie and bluegills. Bass would be a pretty good challenge. I don't think that catfish would go so well unless they were smaller, since they don't die very easy and have alot of potential torque. Then again, if you can get above them and stick them in the head you would have a much better chance of landing one.

Generally, when freediving, you want to pin a fish to the bottom and secure it before surfacing. If you shoot a fish midwater, your best bet is to point the fish and pole skywards and surface that way. If you do that, the fish's natural instinct is to go to the bottom when in trouble and so it will just get deeper on the tip instead of swimming down off of a tip pointed down.

Thanks for the information. I'm pretty sure my states regs are anything goes as far as a private pond is concerned will have to double check that. I have been snorkeling for several years now and would like to expand on its enjoyment I also want to eventually get my scuba cert and go after some of the bigger fish in deeper waters.
Thanks
Michael