Hawaiian Sling - Pole Spear

[Willy Landham]

I'm thinking about bringing my pole spear with me to Abaco to spear fish the reef in front of where we're staying down at Palm Shores. Yes, I know that only snorkeling gear is allowed but is there any other advice that anyone may care to offer? Thanks!

WL

[Sapelo Son]

We keep'em on the boat at all times. If they ain't bitin', we stick'em......plus, it is legal to spear lobster in the Bahamas.....bring a couple extra band's.......

[Knockdown]

Not sure how you are getting to Abaco....but look into the air carriers policy to see if you will be charged for the slings. Options: buy a two/three piece pole-spear to pack or purchase one when you get to the islands. This past August, I just packed my sling handle (true Hawaiin sling) and then bought two spears (arrows) at a local hardware store in Marsh. I then sold them to a guy my last day of the trip. The spears would have cost me 100.00 each way on BahamasAir. Buying two spears for 88.00 and then selling them for 45.00 really was a better deal for me.

Lobster season will be till March 31st so if that is your timeframe you just gotta look for them and stick em. Fish: you have to kind of stalk, get as close as you can without spooking them and then let the sling fly. Be sure to get the speared fish out of the water ASAP. After a couple fish...if sharks show up...move a mile or so down the way. Success will usually hinge on your breath hold capabilities!

[vharrison]

You mean you can't pack the spear and get it on the airplane?

[Shelby]

This past August, I just packed my sling handle (true Hawaiin sling) and then bought two spears (arrows) at a local hardware store in Marsh. I then sold them to a guy my last day of the trip. The spears would have cost me 100.00 each way on BahamasAir. Buying two spears for 88.00 and then selling them for 45.00 really was a better deal for me.

Great idea! Thx for sharing it. We may look into doing this in May.

Amanda

[PaBill]

Remember no spearing 200 yards from shore....

[Marty]

This might do the trick. 3 piece travel spear with a 3 prong trident tip. Divers Direct on sale for $69.99. I have the 2 piece version which works very nicely and fits in my travel rod holder.

http://www.diversdirect.com/prodimages/1242-DEFAULT-m.jpg

[Knockdown]

You mean you can't pack the spear and get it on the airplane?

Maybe a long duffle bag of some sort....but the airlines are charging extra fees for any and all "sporting aquipment" (especially of odd lengths/sizes)

Not really sure how long these sling spears are but I guess about 4'+

[Willy Landham]

I'm good as far as the spear goes. I have a travel spear and it fits neatly in my checked luggage. Though I do need to get a couple new bands for it.

I was just looking for any tips or tricks that anyone might have, the best fish to look for, and stuff like that.

Here's my rig (without the band)...

[vharrison]

Maybe a long duffle bag of some sort....but the airlines are charging extra fees for any and all "sporting aquipment" (especially of odd lengths/sizes)

Not really sure how long these sling spears are but I guess about 4'+

Thanks for the clarification!

[grouperdawg]

You can get them from 4' and up, the longer the easier imo b/c you have a little more range. The last one I bought is an a.b. biller travel pole spear & it works great. There are different price ranges & also different tip options. The stinger style tip works better for me on bigger fish like grouper and snapper they will stay on after you hit them when they thrash around.

I would not spear from the beach or land, not that they would ever check but as a guest I respect all of their laws. I guess you could swim out past 200 yds but I would not want to have to carry fish with me that long. I had a huge snapper last year where the tip did not make it through and within less than a minute there were sharks eveywhere devouring it. Never saw a single shark at all before I hit it. Maybe you could get a kayak or something. Also remember you need to get a permit at customs to spear, not sure if that is covered with a rental boat but is no additional cost to the cruising permit.

[grouperdawg]

Willy...I am no expert, but grouper seem to be the easiest to hit. It is also easier to go through them. Try to hit them broadside and get them up & into a boat as quick as you can. If you are going to hit little reef fish that paralyzer will work fine, but i would get the other style tip for bigger fish with a barb or stinger.

[Bridget]

I think it would be really helpful for forum users looking for a place to stay to have a resource of info on different cottages/resorts all on one thread. So if you have stayed in abaco and are willing to answer pm's/emails in order to help people looking for a place to stay, please reply with your name followed by the place(s) you've stayed and location.
Example: Bahamajoe--Surf View cottage--Guana
No comments or critiques please-save that for someone that pm's or emails you for help. Thanks for all that choose to participate!!

[AbacoPeach]

Bridget, ask and ye shall receive: Rental houses/resorts where you've stayed (http://abacoforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3466)