subject: How big of a Spearfishing Float do you need? [print this page] A Spearfishing Float is basically a big balloon (although considerably stronger) which is attached to your speargun with a long piece of rope. The length of rope and size of the float varies based on what you are trying to shoot. For example, if you are trying to shoot fish that are under 10kg you really only need a small float. However, if you are going sail fish hunting you need at least 3 big floats, because the fish will pull them underwater otherwise. The idea of a float is simple. When you shoot a fish, it will pull very hard. By having a float attached to the gun, you can let it go and the fish will tow the float away.
Most people will either hold onto the float line and let it out slowly (depending on tension) or they will let it go completely. Again, this comes down to the size of the fish that you have shot, and the size of your float. The idea of the float is that it allows the person spearfishing to let go of the gun, and the float is pulled around by the fish until it is tired enough for you to pull it in. Even a 15kg fish will easily pull a person under the water, and if you don't have a float you have no option but to let go of the gun (assuming you can't get to the surface) and in most cases you will lose that gun. Ultimately you put your gun and yourself at risk by not having a float!
When you are looking to get a float, there are a number of different sizes and types. Remember to match the rope and other Spearfishing Gear to the float. There is no point having a huge float if you are using thin rope that will break when the fish takes off! Basically though, the size of the float (s) should be big enough to ensure that the fish cannot pull them underwater, or you will lose both the float and gun!
