Float Lines/ Buoys

[dpc]

Does anyone have suggestions on how to rig up a float line and buoy for my gun? Do you attach it directly to the gun? What makes are the best? Why are the floats so expensive? For WSB and YT.

[junior]

Try a search for float line or buoy. I have seen quite a few threads on this subject and most of the info you are looking for could be found in those threads:cool:

[Pipe 45]

If you don't want to make a float line, Steve at Sea "d" Sea in Redondo Beach has some new Rob Allen float lines. (good price)

[bootspearo]

You should really check out Rob Allen floats very reasonable you can purchase a 11 liter inflatable for about 50 bucks wich could easily be used for whites or yellowtails. Check out this store on the web has alot of rob allen gear and at good prices.
I hope this helps and good luck in your spearing adventures.

bootspearo

http://www.norcalfreedive.com/catalog/default.php

[Pipe 45]

The Rob Allen 11 liter is to big (IMO) for the kelp. That float is more for open water. You should use 4 or 5 small net floats with a long line clip.

my $.02

[Blackfoot]

it really depends on what you want to spend. i went the cheap route early and bought an infaltable float from the deeperblue.net website...it was a bright yellow cressi...however it didn't last long (traveling). For a floatline... i was turned onto this by Al Schneppershoff jr.... buy 100 feet of polypropalene rope from Home Depot...its strong, floats and is only 5$. It works great in the kelp....which you can't really use a float in anyways.

But eventually i went for the good stuff.... i now use a Riffe Float and 100 feet of Riffe float line.... pricey... but in my opinion its some of the best you can get and it will last you a long time. Jay Riffe also has a "Popper" float which is small/compact and easy to carry around.... you engage it with a CO2 popper...it doesn't have a falg but is visible..... plus it works great to get fish stuck in kelp free... just dive down clip the float on and "pop it" and watch the fish float to the surface.

i hope this helps (and i am not being partial to riffe because i am dating julie) but because their stuff is qaulity.

Sask

[dpc]

Thanks for the info. Is it my understanding that most people don't use a float line/float when hunting WSB in the kelp? Is a reel a better option? I've heard stories about people using reels that had their fish dive deep and get tangled in the kelp and those people were not able to retrieve the fish or shaft without a scuba outfit.

[Pipe 45]

I like a float line because once you shoot a fish you are not connected to the fish via your gun and reel. You can fallow your floats and relax a little and think about your next move to recover your fish. I also think its safer on bigger fish. I know guy's that use reels and would not use a float line. If you are new to spearfishing I would go with a float line and maybe down the road try a gun with a reel.

[Blackfoot]

exactly! well put brandon.

[Van Smooth]

Here's the setup-

For Whites and Yellowtail or anything else in the kelp, you want to be able to keep your gun free of the shooting line that is bound and determined to tangle itself in the kelp. Rather than using a large solid float- the RA is a real good open water float, or an inflatable like the Riffe- the best inflatable out there, go the route I've been doing for 30 yrs. Use a small pool lane float on your floatline.

These "peanut floats" are waaay cheap and they slide through the kelp real nice without hanging up. One at the end is plenty. It's not so much needing them to help keep your 100" line from going under, (you are using a 100 footer right?) but it's a great way for others to keep tabs on you. When you're in the kelp sitting still for an hour, having that little white/blue thing back there is a good way to let others know where you and your line is at.