Switch between Freeshaft and Shooting line

[Watergator]

Is there a way to rig my shaft so that I can change fairly quickly between a freeshaft and having it on my shooting line? A lot of times when I am on the reefs shooting hogs, flounder, snapper, sheepshead, etc. I wish I was freeshafting to make the reloading and shooting process quicker. I am reluctant to do so because often when I am shooting these smaller fish, a nice grouper, kingfish, or cobia will cruise up to investigate and I am not confident enough to shoot them without a line. Any ideas on a quick change rig? Post pics if you have one you use.

[jfjf]

http://spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=123738&highlight=freeshaft

[Watergator]

Thanks for posting that. I saw that you only use one line wrap but does your setup allow for the use of multiple wraps? I don't have my gun in front of me but when it seems like having multiple wraps would be a little difficult since you can't pull directly on the bungi for one of the wraps.

[Eraygunz]

I have a composite Biller that came with two screw like pins in it. They are so you can take your line off and attach it there so you can free shaft. And go back to the line very quickly. Super easy to use and you could rig up something like it with two s/s screws and maybe some fish tank airline. One screw goes close to the handle the other you put in after you have wrapped the line .

[Big Pig]

The quickslide works well with shark fin shafts

http://www.deathstickspearguns.com/Freeshafter.html

[jfjf]

Thanks for posting that. I saw that you only use one line wrap but does your setup allow for the use of multiple wraps? I don't have my gun in front of me but when it seems like having multiple wraps would be a little difficult since you can't pull directly on the bungi for one of the wraps.

I didn't rig with a double wrap of line because I don't think it is necessary for most of the diving I do. However, I'm not sure there is any specific reason why the slide ring attachment configuration would NOT work with the normal muzzle bungi and a double wrap.

Where I normally dive, I am going to use a line when targeting snappers/groupers under a wreck or reef (which are close shots) and also might use the line for a cobia or an AJ (which I can usually get close to)

In most cases, you can get pretty close to these fish, so a double wrap would provide only a very limited benefit and the hassle of wrapping all that extra line while near the bottom when scuba diving is something that I am happy to avoid.

Probably something to experiment with, but if you want to optimize your gun and rig for blue water hunting (and long shots), then just bring another shaft on the boat and switch out to a normal line configuration (i.e., a double wrap of line crimped to it) if that is what you prefer. It might take 45 seconds to do on the boat.

[Big Pig]

Just had a guy bring his gun over Fri night and he has two bungies rigged to two separate quick slide lines. One is a single wrap and the other is a double wrap. Looks like it be a total cluster f, but he said he has never had a problem. Single for under ledges and the double for open water.

[Behslayer]

You could use a reel with dyneema and use the dyneema as your shooting line. Just tie a figure 8 stop knot in the dyneema. You can just cut of the 8, reel up the shooting line.

[Watergator]

Thanks for the input. Im going to take a look at my gun when I get a chance this week and see how these setups would work. I would like to have something figured out before my trip to Key West over spring break.

Behslayer- I've been considering a reel but haven't had the money to drop on one yet (college student budget), but I think that is probably my best bet long-term

Big Pig- How much is one of those slide rings and is there a way to make it work with a notched shaft or will I have to switch it out?

[primalpete]

It wont work on a notched shaft. The ring would just slide right off.

[jfjf]

It wont work on a notched shaft. The ring would just slide right off.

Yeah and don't try a slider with the mini-fins that are made from pins inserted into drilled holes in the shaft... they will snap off after a few missed shots.. :(:(

[Big Pig]

Big Pig- How much is one of those slide rings and is there a way to make it work with a notched shaft or will I have to switch it out?

Rings are $10. There are a few guys using it with a notched shaft, but you need to use a line shaft w/ slider in order to stop the slide ring. IMO it is not worth the hassle to do it that way