Handling your Stringer

[Steel Shootin']

Just curious. I've had some issues come up with the way I handle my metal stringer, and would like to learn a better way of doing it.

[greyface]

I usually clip it to my b.c. until I shoot my 1st fish, then hold it.

[Reef Raider]

All of the above at one time or another. Some times I let go of it all together, stingers that are so full that they float by themselfs. I had one this week end that I hooked to my line shaft and used it as my lift bag to do deco.

[dlock]

I clip mine to my gun until I get a few fish on it then I clip it to my bc while I'm hunting unless I have some 'cudas taggin' along then I keep it in my hand,close to my body. Thinking about going to some type of bag.

[Spear One]

I keep both of my stringers attached to my BC with two large stainless clips which are permanently attached to my BC. The clips are also connected to a large swivel which prevent the fish from twisting up against my BC and also allows me to easily rotate the stringer into the correct position when stringing a fish.

I am a two handed shooter and a two handed stringer. I need both hands free at all times. I like to keep the fish up-tight against my body at all times to keep predators from getting any wise ideas. If a shark comes within freeshaft distance of me.....

He's gonna "feel the steel".

Powerheads are for Aj's......
Sharks get the steel............ Steel don't misfire!!!!!!!

[Steel Shootin']

I have been keeping my stringer attached to my BC, but have come to the conclustion that I don't like it there for a couple of reasons. First, just the idea of something that pointy and sharp right next to my BC doesn't seem like a good idea. For you guys with the back inflates, probably not an issue. Secondly, I've been poked pretty good. I've also been tore up pretty good by fish scrapping up against me. And, finally, it seems more difficult to unshackle than it would if it were away from me (on my gun).

On this next trip I am going to try a black bag, and attach it to my gun. I know the stringer is good for a brain shot, but I figure my dive knife will quickly dispatch the fish before it goes in the sack.

[Spear One]

Gags work good too. However everything with a plus side also has a down side.

1) Bags have more drag when swimming through the water.

2) It is easy for fish to escape from the bag while adding another fish. Knife killing fish will help prevent this but killing each fish with a knife TAKES TOO LONG!!!!!!!!!!!!

3) Have you aver tried to put a 50 plus lb. Aj or Cobia in a bag and cary it around? Especially in the Middle Grounds.

4) Bags develop holes and must be repaired or replaced. You never replace good stringers unless you lose them.

[f94gator]

Arrgh, I fillet the buggers underwater and put ‘em right in a ziploc bag in my BC. Arrgghh!!

[dlock]

the 'ole subaquatic fillet and release program...ah yes,one of my favorites:D