New Pole Spearfisherman in Los Angeles

[fish4life]

I'm 18 years old and am dying to learn to spearfish this summer. I just got a pole spear and I live in Santa Monica, near los angeles. Does anyone know of any good spots to hunt off of the beach in santa monica or malibu? a friend told me that point dume is good. and does anyone have any tips for a pole spear?

[Denny]

Did you ask this question in the freedive section? Blue h2O boy would be an excellent source of information. I think he is out of the are right now. Try IM'ing him.

[Erik Sun]

tips for a pole spear...hm...no. but you can probably get them at sport chalet.

kidding!
i know, bad joke, huh?

its easy to shoot--what are you using, paralyzer or double-barbed?

EZE

[Muff Diver]

hey man dont listen to theys guys bad mouthing pole spearing you have to start off some where Pole speare are ok for taking fish but they are great for shooting hard to get lobster, but keep that down. I dont of any places up north but if you want to roll down south to digeo im down to take out the reef gun and show you some spots

[Erik Sun]

i wasn't bad mouthing pole spearing. i was talking about where he can get a tip for one. =P


btw, don't shoot lobster with spearguns/pole spears. at least don't get caught. it's illegal!

[OceanEd]

Fish4life:

Since no one else is going to jump in to help you, I will be happy to do so. I grew up in South Laguna using a pole spear and have used one all my life. I don't know it all, but I might be able to help you a bit.

Don't listen to the Bozo who is suggesting spearing lobster. The Fish and Feathers (Fish & Game) guys out there are really serious about that sort of thing. You might not get caught, but if you do you will be up the creek without a paddle or any of your equipment because it will be gone. Give the bugs and yourself a break.

Lets start with the basics:

What type of pole spear do you have? How long is it? What is it made from? What is the diameter of the rubber on the end and how far up the shaft do you pull it?

What type of spear tip do you have on it?

What type and size of fish do you think you are going to be hunting?

If we can start there, then we can move more to the different techniques that might help you to be more productive.

[Kyle]

Pole spears would be great for lobster, I never thought of that. I need every advantage I can take.

Muff, will you teach me your tricks?

Kyle:D

[fish4life]

I just bought a 6 foot travel fiberglass pole with a paralyzer tip. I'm hoping to just hunt small stuff like kelp bass and maybe halibut if i'm lucky. just beginner stuff yah know?

[OceanEd]

Fish:

If that is all you are going to do with your spear, then it should work for you.

If you plan on hunting any medium sized strong fish or larger fish, then the paralyzer tip is not what you want because it is not strong enough to hold the bigger/stronger fish in many situations.
You should then switch to a tip like you see on spearguns with a single point and two barbs which have a "retainer ring" which will slip over the back of the barbs. You want the retainer ring so that when you spear a fish and he is on the pole spear, you can then slip the retainer ring over the back of the barbs and then easily slide the fish off the polespear.

The 6ft length is pretty standard for polespears. If you decide to get another one later, look for one that is either 7ft long or 8ft long. The fish are not concerned with how close the tip of the spear is to them but they are very concerned with how close your body comes to them. So if you get a longer polespear then the tip can get closer to them and you will get more fish. Also, with a longer spear you can pull the rubber back further and generate more power which will translate into more range and more impact when it hits the fish.

Consider changing out the rubber that came with the polespear for some stronger rubber. Look for amber rubber that is 1/2" diameter. If you do this you will find it is a bit harder to pull the rubber back but well worth it. If you do change out for the larger rubber you might find that it will be harder to hold the smaller diameter fiberglass pole in your hand when you are "cocked". You might find your hand slipping back down the pole. If this is the case then wrap some tape (self amalgamating tape is the best) up on the pole where you will be holding it with the rubber "cocked". This will prevent your hand from slipping.

When you pull the rubber into the cocked position, look back at the spear shaft. On many fiberglass poles the pole itself will start to bend when you are "cocked". If this is the case you will not get a straight release and delivery. All you need to do to correct this is to wrap the rubber a half turn around the shaft as you pull it into the cocking position. This prevents the pole from bending and will give you a straight trajectory.

If you are freediving and using your polespear, practice cocking the pole on the surface before you start down. Then fully extend your arm with the pole spear forward and only then start your dive. Keep the spear cocked while underwater. This will get you more fish because you will not have to make the movements of cocking underwater and you will also be prepared to fire at any time. It takes some practice but it is well worth it.

If you really get into pole spears, look for Peter Riedel pole spears. Shops out in California carry them under the name Riedel. They are considered the best polespears made out there and they are excellent for taking every type of fish you will ever see.

I hope this helps you a little. Good luck