The Pole Spear

Glen Lewis

My sling is made by JBL enterprises. It came in a good nylon holder that had four tube holders. One was sewed halfway so it would hold the paralyzer point. I took out that stitch and ordered another tube section. The actual spear package came with three, two-foot sections. I wanted eight feet plus the paralyzer point, making about 9 feet total. This helps me reach out and get what I want. It also keeps me at a distance which would prove to be valuable in one instance.

All the pieces laid out.

The business end of the paralyzer point. I got a bad angle on this. It is perfectly symmetrical. The three points hit the target fish and then they expand into it effectively paralyzing most fish instantly if you hit it squarely. Some are still active and you then hold them down with the spear. It usually does not take long to subdue them.

The spear is propelled by a surgical rubber tube. You cut a piece to length. I use about 32 inches. It is held in place by placing a stainless bolt in one end and the other will hold by friction. It forms a loop and you put the web of your hand in the loop and pull it up the shaft of the spear. When you get the desired poundage in the “draw” you simply grab the shaft of the spear and hold it.

Now, with your mask, snorkel and fins, you swim out around the rocks hunting. This can be a heart pounding experience. When you see the fish you want to take you have to stalk. Work your way up, sometimes keeping a rock or part of the reef between yourself and your prey. When you are in range, point the spear and release your grasp. The spear is propelled instantly into your next meal.

This is your entire spear held at full cock, ready to rock and roll.

This setup will put all the food on the table you and your entire family will need. It does take skill to do the whole hunt but it comes fast enough with practice. Once I was in some bathtub warm, gin clear waters down in the Sea of Cortez on a hunt. I nailed a good sized tasty Jewfish. They are fairly colorful. I was around some big boulders and out from one of them came a huge Morey Eel. It was as big around as my leg and twice as long. It was attracted by the blood and it wanted my fish. I was way up on the other end of the 9 foot pole spear and that eel hissed up a storm at me. I shook the spear until it finally left me alone. We had a fine meal of fillets that night.

If you are ever stranded on a desert isle, this is one indispensable tool to have in your kit. I have had mine for a good 15 to 20 years. All you need is a good file to keep the points sharp and replace the rubber tubing occasionally.

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