I'm as new to this as a person can be. From my hunting and archery background, I know that NOTHING is as simple as it appears on the surface.

So, can anyone point me to a source for learning proper technique for using a pole spear? How to load it up correctly, aiming, release? Anything at all would be helpful.

Right now it seems all I have to do is loop the band around my hand, stretch the band, point the spear in the general direction of a fish...and let go.

I'm not looking for tips on rigging lines or using different points just yet. I want to learn the basics before I move on to intermediate stuff.

I still use a polespear once in awhile - Usually with a paralyzer type tip.

To keep a decent fish from flopping off - make sure you are close enough for GOOD penetration. Once the fish is hit try to "pin it" down on the bottom if you can and grab the three prongs exiting the fish. If you can't pin it down then kick with your fins fast and try to again reach for the the three prongs exiting the fish in order to keep the fish from writhing off of the polespear until you can spike it or get it on your stringer.

Invariably SOME fish will escape if they are big - especially if you did'nt get a "pass through" on the three prongs of the paralyzer tip. Aim for the head/gill area as to not destroy the meat.

Smaller fish such as bluegills or perch have been bagged without ever even getting "stuck" by one of the prongs...they sometimes simply get wedged in between the three prongs!

It's pretty much point and shoot - I never completely release the band - effective range is only as long as the polespear itself. Giving the pole a twist or two while loading up the band also helps keep the pole from flexing and gives a little more grip.

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Fill 2liter soda bottles half way with water, tie them onto weights at various lengths, put them at the bottom of the pool and fire away

Hey, thanks for the replies!
I guess I just need to get wet and do it!
LOL!

That's right... Nothin to it but to do it... What kinda fish and waters will u be hunting?

Fresh water as I am landlocked in the mountains of North Carolina. Fish I can legally shoot are carp, catfish, tilapia, and various suckers.

only tips I can offer are: make sure you quickly/completely release the spear and shooting with your arm extended should help your aim/speed. Any amount of drag from your hand or body against it will slow it down immensely especially if you use a heavier spear. other than that just practice practice practice.