Showing 97–99 of 99 results
Showing 97–99 of 99 results
Speargun FAQs
A 75cm speargun is the perfect all rounder for spearfishing UK waters. At this length, you have enough power to catch any fish the UK waters have to offer, whilst also having good maneuverability to hunt amongst the kelp and rocks. A 75 with a single 16mm band and 6.5mm shaft is a great setup for spearfishing UK waters and therefore many spearguns at Start Point Spearfishing match this configuration.
Longer spearguns such as 90cm or even 100cm are fantastic if you live in an area where the visibility is excellent. A 90 gives significantly more range than a 75 enabling you to reach that prize fish on crystal clear reefs.
Bear in mind though that longer is not always better. For hunting in the kelp and rocks a 90cm speargun is too long and cumbersome, so sometimes having a choice of both is best!
The bottom line: longer guns have more power and range, but lack manoeuvrability. Conversely, shorter guns have less power and range, but drastically improved manoeuvrability. Perfect for hunting those bass in the kelp or triggerfish in the holes… If you still aren’t sure which length of speargun to go for, speak to one of the experts on our team and they will be able to help you.
The best spearguns for beginners that we recommend are either the Apnea Mokan 75, Start Point Labrax 75 or the Cressi Exo 75.
If you want to give spearfishing a go without committing to spending a lot, the Apnea Mokan 75 is unbeatable at its price point. A 75cm speargun with 16mm rubbers for £56.99 might sound too good to be true, but the Mokan is tried and tested by thousands over the UK and has ample power to get the job done.
If you can justify spending more on a superior and highly engineered product then consider the Cressi Exo or Start Point Labrax spearguns. The Labrax is our best selling speargun for a reason, it has sensational balance and accuracy in the water and has many high end features on a speargun that will last many years, at an exceptional price. Either way, a 75cm is an excellent choice for beginners as these spearguns are easy to load and not too cumbersome in the water.
It is common consensus that the best setup for UK waters is:
- 75cm or 90cm barrel
- Single 16mm band or twin 14mm bands
- Single wrap monofilament shooting line and muzzle bungee
As a rule of thumb, if you are buying a replacement shaft for your speargun, add 40cm on to the gun length. Therefore a 75cm speargun requires a 115cm shaft. A 90cm speargun requires a 130cm shaft.
Over many years at Start Point Spearfishing we have handpicked spearguns which are tried and tested so you can rest assured anything we stock is good quality and fit for purpose. We specialize in UK spearfishing therefore stocking light, powerful and maneuverable Spearguns that are suitable for hunting the kinds of species we find in the UK waters. Euro spearguns from manufacturers you can trust such as Beuchat and Cressi which have been making spearguns for nearly 100 years. In addition, we stock our own branded products which are the only spearfishing products designed by expert spearos in the UK.
Speargun reels are for advanced spearfishers who are often hunting bigger fish in deeper water and potentially strong currents. It is a common misconception that reels increase the range of a speargun. In fact, a reel allows a fish to ‘run’ after it has been speared, stripping line from the spool. This means two things. Firstly a fish is less likely to rip off if the shot placement is in a soft part of the body. Secondly, a diver can surface without the fish, allowing it to freespool as he/she ascends to the surface.
With a reel comes line management. As a fish takes line off the reel there is a risk of a diver becoming tangled, so speargun reels are only for spearfishers with a high level of experience.
A rail speargun is a type of speargun that has a groove down the length of the barrel that the spear sits in. The groove is sometimes known as a ‘track’ or ‘shaft guide’. It helps increase accuracy and also aids loading.
The muzzle of a speargun is the part at the end of the barrel through which the rubbers are connected. On a closed muzzle, there is a circular hole at the top through which the spear goes, holding the spear in place at the tip of the barrel. A closed muzzle speargun is generally quicker to load as the muzzle guides the shaft into place, but it is bulkier, and can obstruct your view when looking down the barrel. It also limits shaft options as you cannot use a finned shaft with a closed muzzle speargun.
The muzzle of a speargun is the part at the end of the barrel through which the rubbers are connected. With open muzzle design the spear does not pass through a hole in the muzzle and is held in place by the shooting line. It offers a better view down the barrel when aiming due to its low profile, and allows more shaft options.
The spear is connected to the muzzle of the speargun by monofilament shooting line. In a single wrap, the line goes from the spear, to muzzle, back to the line release and finally connects to the muzzle, usually via a muzzle bungee. This way the range is around twice the length of the gun. With double wrapping, the line comes back to the line release by the handle once more, almost doubling the range.
Double wrapping is not recommended for beginners as it makes re-rigging the gun a hassle. It is also only effective on very powerful spearguns used on fish in very clear water.
Roller spearguns are a relatively new technology in the spearfishing scene. They are a type of speargun designed to have maximum power and range, to target fish such as Dentex in the Mediterranean which are known to dodge spears! Roller guns use a greater length of rubber than traditional banded guns, therefore storing more elastic potential when loaded. They also pull the spear the full length of the barrel before it is released, with the rubbers running on wheels through the muzzle and connecting on the underside of the barrel via the wishbone.
Roller guns are a great choice for hunting very large fish or shy fish in excellent visibility. Large double banded roller guns are used on some of the world’s most powerful fish such as Dogtooth tuna!
The vast majority of hunters in the UK waters opt for a single 16mm band. Loaded onto a 6.5mm diameter shaft this is a lethal combination, and gives adequate power to pin any fish in the UK waters. Another popular configuration is two 14mm bands, which gives even more power than the single 16mm band setup. Double 14mm band is an excellent setup for someone who wants easy loading and extreme power! 14mm bands are easy to pull back, yet two 14mm bands combined give much more power than a single 16mm band. Some UK Spearos like a single 18mm band, though bear in mind this is quite difficult to load so not recommended unless you are particularly hardy!
There are mainly two types of spearguns: band-powered and pneumatic. Band-powered spearguns use rubber bands for propulsion and are versatile, easy to maintain, and provide good power – they are also the most popular guns on the market. Pneumatic spearguns use compressed air and offer increased power, in a smaller package. That said, pneumatic spearguns can be very difficult to load, noisy to fire, lose power at depth and have more complex servicing requirements than band guns. The choice really depends on personal preference, availability and experience. We only stock band spear guns due to their ease of use vs Pneumatic.
Spearfishing is legal in the UK, however, there are various rules & regulations to follow. In the UK, spearfishing is primarily permitted in Tidal Areas, which encompass the UK coastline. However, there are certain exceptions and restrictions to be aware of. For example, some harbours may have specific guidelines regarding spearfishing (check locally). Additionally, protected marine preservation areas and nurseries are off-limits for spearfishing, and it is prohibited to spearfish in freshwaters such as rivers and lakes. It is also illegal to spearfish at night.
The choice of speargun accessories depends on individual preferences and specific diving needs. For shafts, consider length, material, and tip type, reels can be useful for managing line and landing fish, and bands should be selected based on desired power and durability. Again, it’s advisable to get in touch with one of team member if you’re unsure or if you’re new to spearfishing.
To maintain your speargun, rinse it with freshwater after each use to remove saltwater and debris. When storing, always store out of direct sunlight as the UV can be damaging to the gun and especially the rubber on the bands and muzzle bungee. Regularly inspect monofilament, bands, shafts, and trigger mechanisms for wear or damage before use. If your speargun hasn’t been used in a while, or you want it working like new, we offer a full speargun overhaul service where we rinse, clean & oil your trigger mechanism, and replace all the bands and rigging. Get in touch to find out more.
Yes, safety is crucial when using a speargun. Never load a speargun out of water. Always treat a speargun as if it’s loaded and keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Avoid pointing it towards people or objects when not in use. Never dive alone and maintain clear communication with your dive buddy. Practice proper shooting techniques, follow diving safety protocols, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There are various things to consider when choosing a speargun, such as your skill level, diving conditions, climate, and targets. For beginners, a shorter speargun with lower power may be easier to handle. Advanced divers prefer longer spearguns for an increased range. Consider factors like manoeuvrability, power, and accuracy to match your skill level and diving environment. We have put together some of our best spearfishing starter gear together in our Spearfishing starter kit – If you want to get started in the most cost-effective way then this package is for you!
