spear reel or no reel or float

timski · May-08-2008, 04:17 PM

Can you get tuna like albacor for instance or yellowtail on a spear reel or do i need to have a float. i need to know if i would be able to kill one of those 40lb plus albies with my reel on my gun or would i get tooken under after i ran out of line

c-goat · May-08-2008, 06:25 PM

Ive never used a reel or float,I plan on getting a float eventually.You should have no problem holding a Yellowtail up to #20 IMO.
I personally have speared Yellowtail up to #20 and I can hold it back when trying to pull me down,but I have been dragged right into a paddy numeruos times.

capn Ron · May-08-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timski

Can you get tuna like albacor for instance or yellowtail on a spear reel or do i need to have a float. i need to know if i would be able to kill one of those 40lb plus albies with my reel on my gun or would i get tooken under after i ran out of line

You could always attach a float line to the back of your gun and have the best of both worlds. Reach the end of the reel and just let the gun go, then depending on the length of your float line, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Definitely use a float when hunting pelagics

tailsurfer · May-08-2008, 11:56 PM

FLoat

**chuam** · May-09-2008, 08:54 AM

It depends on what you are planning on hunting. When paddy hopping all day a float line can be a pain. I use either a reel or a float depending on what I am targeting. Either will work fine.

T-BONE1 · May-09-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capn Ron

You could always attach a float line to the back of your gun and have the best of both worlds. Reach the end of the reel and just let the gun go, then depending on the length of your float line, you shouldn't have too much trouble.

Definitely use a float when hunting pelagics

Second that.....but I would just keep it simple and use a break away with a float

Balluga · May-10-2008, 12:20 AM

It is pointless to go out and shoot a large gamefish and lose it because you aren't prepared....you can use either a reel or float line to land fish but, you have to rig properly...suggest you go out with an experienced spearfisherman who can show you the proper tactics and gear setup...I prefer a reel and have landed 250 # black sea bass, a 234 # 9' shark, 57 # white sea bass and 30# plus yellowtail...but, it is a big gamefish reel, not a small one like you see in most dive shops...

timski · May-10-2008, 09:43 AM

yeah idk how big my reel is to you but i think i could hold some of those yellows over at cortez bank there only like 15-20lbs but idk yet i think im gonna get a float just becuase hey it is possible to shoot a swordfish are big marlin with a floatline

lobzila · May-10-2008, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Balluga

It is pointless to go out and shoot a large gamefish and lose it because you aren't prepared....you can use either a reel or float line to land fish but, you have to rig properly...suggest you go out with an experienced spearfisherman who can show you the proper tactics and gear setup...I prefer a reel and have landed 250 # black sea bass, a 234 # 9' shark, 57 # white sea bass and 30# plus yellowtail...but, it is a big gamefish reel, not a small one like you see in most dive shops...

He makes a very valid point. I use a reel in the kelp, and a float line in the open water. Forget about the marlin or sword fish until you land a yellowtail over thirty pounds. I have had twenty pound yellows pull me under. Get some experience under your belt first and then work your way up to it. After all, you would not be in the forest with a 22 shooting squirels and try and take an elephant with the same gun. And remember, the elephant can hold his breath a lot longer then you can. Go to James and Joesphs freeding shop and talk to them about what you plan to do and they will steer you in the right direction of a proper set up for what you want to do.
Good luck! and post the elephant pictures when you get one.

zenspearo · May-13-2008, 01:56 PM

Timski,

Return that gun!

yknot · May-13-2008, 04:17 PM

Return the gun! If you enjoy what you are using it for, maybe by a smaller one or work and save $ for one of your own. Please don't take someones gun when you know whos it is. You DO KNOW WHOS IT IS so do the right thing or , just come out and say FU all I found it, and I am keeping it, but quit avoiding the subject.