If you’ve ever found yourself in the water, speargun in hand, wondering why that perfect shot just slipped away, you’re not alone. Over my years of spearfishing, I’ve learned that nailing the shot isn’t just luck; it’s an art and a science.
In this guide, we’re going to answer all the questions on how to shoot a speargun. That includes speargun handling, aiming techniques, and shooting strategies that’ll seriously level up your spearfishing game.
From those all-important fundamental aiming principles to killer advanced techniques like the perfect stone shot, we’ve got everything you need to up your accuracy and efficiency in the water.
So, gear up, dive in, and let’s turn those frustrating misses into epic hits!
Fundamentals of Aiming a Speargun
Alright, spearfishing squad, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – aiming your speargun.
If you are out on the water googling how to aim a speargun, here is the short version:
When aiming a speargun, align the spear tip with your target first. As you raise the gun’s handle, maintain focus on the target. Pull the trigger right when the spear tip is no longer visible. Note: For railguns with shorter spears, the tip disappears quicker, so adjust your lift accordingly for precision.
If you have some more time, I will tell you why this isn’t just about pointing and shooting…
Aiming a speargun is about understanding your gear and your body to make that shot count. Here are some fundamentals that I swear by:
1. The Stance Picture yourself underwater, you’ve got your target in sight. The key? Stability. A good, balanced stance is the cornerstone of accurate aiming.
Whether you’re floating near the surface or hugging the ocean floor, keeping your body steady is crucial. It’s all about being one with the water – think fluid, but controlled.
2. Grip and Rip: Your grip on the speargun handle? It’s more than just holding on. It’s about control. A firm, confident grip helps absorb any recoil and keeps your aim true.
Remember, each speargun has its own personality – some kick like a mule, others are more like a gentle nudge. Get to know your gun’s recoil; it’ll make a world of difference.
3. Lock it in with Your Arms: Here’s a golden rule – keep your shooting arm locked. A bent elbow might feel more natural, but trust me, it’s a recipe for inconsistency.
When you lock that elbow, you’re turning your entire arm into an extension of the speargun, ensuring a straighter, more predictable shot. And when that big fish is eyeing you suspiciously, predictability is your best friend.
4. Leveraging Body Position for Minimizing Recoil (Pro Tip)
When you’re spearfishing from the bottom, here’s a pro tip: use your body to its fullest. Anchor yourself to the reef with your non-gun hand (usually the left) for stability and leverage.
This isn’t just about steadying yourself; it’s about aligning your entire body behind your speargun. With your left hand gripping the reef, extend your shooting arm fully, keeping it locked.
This technique turns your body into a powerful, stable platform for your speargun. You’re not just using your arms; your whole torso gets involved, adding more power and control to your shot.
This approach leads to a stable, powerful shot with minimal recoil. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your accuracy and power: pull on the reef, extend, lock your arm, and shoot.
Aiming Method: Mastering the ‘Point and Tilt’
Now, let’s zoom in on a specific technique that’s a game-changer: the ‘point and tilt’ method. This isn’t your average aim-and-shoot routine; it’s a bit more nuanced and, frankly, super effective once you get the hang of it.
Instead of just pointing your gun, you start by pointing with the tip of the spear. Here’s the cool part – as you bring up the back of your gun, you keep the tip steady on your target.
The trick is to do this until you can barely see the gun anymore. It’s like drawing a line straight from your eye to the tip of the spear and onto the fish.
What’s awesome about the ‘point and tilt’ is how it gels with different spearguns. Whether you’re handling an old-school non-rail gun or the sleeker railguns, this method adapts.
It’s all about getting that feel for how the spear disappears from your sight and adjusting your tilt accordingly.
But here’s the real secret sauce- consistency! Rob Allen hits the nail on the head when he talks about the importance of muscle memory.
The more you practice, the more instinctive it becomes. You’ll reach a point where you won’t even have to think about it – you’ll just know it. And that’s when you’ll see your accuracy soar.
So, whether you’re practicing in a calm pool or the open ocean, remember: repetition is your friend. Every shot you take builds that muscle memory, making your aiming more intuitive and your spearfishing more successful.
Adapting to Different Spearguns
Switching between railguns and non-rail type guns can be like learning to dance to a different rhythm. Railguns have shorter spears. This design means the spear tip disappears sooner behind the muzzle as you aim.
As you move into the ’tilt’ phase, raising the back of the gun, remember that the shorter spear of a railgun means the tip will disappear from your sight sooner. In the case of a railgun, you would need to adjust your lift slightly less than you would with a longer spear.
So with railguns, you might overshoot your target if you use the traditional method of lifting the handle as the tip disappears from sight.
To compensate, some spearos use a longer spear, but this can alter the spear’s speed and trajectory.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for adapting your aiming technique to different spearguns.
Spearfishing Shot Placement Techniques: Holding & Stone Shot
Alright, spearos, you’ve got the basics of aiming your speargun down.
Now, let’s ramp things up with some shooting techniques that will secure your catch.
The Stone Shot: Spearfishing Excellence
Ah, the elusive stone shot – it’s like the golden snitch of spearfishing! When you nail this, it’s not just a catch; it’s a moment of pure magic.
Landing a stone shot is the kind of feat that’ll have you bragging to your spearo buddies for years. It’s the story that gets better each time you tell it.
Here’s the lowdown on where to aim for that legendary, one-hit wonder:
The Head
Though also a great holding spot, the head, particularly the brain area, is also the prime location for a stone shot. A precise hit here can instantly immobilize the fish, making it a quick and ethical catch.
Near the Lateral Line – The Spine Shot
Fish are like underwater superheroes with their very own built-in radar system called the “lateral lines.”
These lines of nerves run along both sides of their bodies, giving them the power to feel vibrations in the water that us land-dwellers can only dream of sensing.
But here’s the coolest part: these nerve-packed lateral lines are connecting directly to the fish’s spine from head to tail.
Aiming your speargun close to the lateral line, which indicates the spine’s location, is a strategic choice.
An angled shot in this area can lead to an instant stone shot if the spine is hit. It requires precision but is highly effective when executed correctly.
The Holding Shot: Putting Aside Your Ego
Ever been in a situation where the perfect shot seems impossible? That’s where the holding shot comes into play…
I’ll never forget this one time in Greece, trying for a stone shot on a moray eel.
Spoiler Alert: This attempt went horribly wrong.
I was inexperienced and afraid that the eel would bite me, so I thought my only option was to go for the brain.
My shot was a bit (or to be honest really) low, and it hit the eels throat. While I was trying to dislodge my spear from the rocks, the fish ripped off and escaped. I hate it when I injure and then lose fish. It was a wild moment, but it taught me a valuable lesson about the holding shot. Instead of always aiming for those ambitious shots, sometimes it pays to be pragmatic.
The holding shot is about securing the fish, not necessarily going for the kill immediately. Aim for a part of the fish that ensures it won’t tear off the spear easily. It’s not the most glamorous technique, but it’s effective and can save you a lot of hassle.
There are several spots on a fish that are suitable for a good holding shot:
The Gill Plate and Head
The area around the gill plate and the head is like a fortress. It’s tough and bony, making it an ideal spot for a holding shot. This spot not only ensures the spear stays put but also limits the fish’s mobility, giving you an upper hand without damaging the flesh.
Between Dorsal and Anal Fin
This region, especially in mackerel species, is tough and sinewy. Hitting here increases the likelihood of your spear staying in place, making it a reliable spot for a secure hold. The Tail: For larger pelagic fish, the tail is a favored target. It’s bony and provides excellent control over the fish’s movement, making it easier to handle the catch once speared.