Crossbows for spearfishing

Hunting underwater involves the use of underwater weapons. Many tricksters prefer to hunt with pneumatic guns, but crossbows are no less popular - crossbows with a latex or rubber rod that hit a target from a distance of 4-5 meters.

A modern crossbow for underwater hunting is an accurate, reliable and safe weapon that will not let you down at a crucial moment.

Once upon a time, our distant ancestors shot wild animals with a bow, and today real men hunt with a more advanced version of it for sea and river “monsters” such as catfish, carp, pike, moray eel or stingray.

The structure of the crossbow and its main characteristics

In design, this weapon is not much different from its land prototype. Without delving into the technical jungle, we can simply say that this is a body with rods pulled by an arrow. It is fixed using a trigger. After pressing the trigger, the trigger releases the arrow, rubber rods push it with a certain force, thus firing a shot. The crossbow body can be open or closed. Different models use regular or paired rods. The larger the object of hunting, the wider, and therefore more powerful, they should be. Expensive latex rods are recognized as more effective, which, unlike cheap rubber ones, are practically resistant to negative environmental influences and last for many years.

An important parameter is the length of the weapon; the range and accuracy of the shot directly depends on it. The dimensions of modern underwater crossbows range from 0.5-1.5 meters. The stiffer the barrel, the more accurate the hit, so some manufacturers make it thicker, which automatically increases the weight of the crossbow and the load on the hunter’s hands. Barrels made of wood have good rigidity; they perfectly hit a target from a long distance. In addition, not so long ago crossbows with irregularly shaped barrels appeared on sale, thanks to which the required rigidity is ensured with minimal weight of the product.

The weapon can be equipped with a conventional or reversible trigger mechanism. The reverse trigger increases the target range by about 10 centimeters, which is not so little under water. In general, when choosing a crossbow, you should pay special attention to the quality of the trigger, because when this mechanism fails, the weapon becomes completely unsuitable for use.

Another important element is the line discharge. In some models it is installed in a place where it is inconvenient to wind the line. The coil or flashlight is in the way. The most practical option for locating the line release is on the side of the handle.

How to choose

Professionals buy several crossbows for different bodies of water, but for an amateur, one more or less universal gun will be enough. Weapons for underwater hunting are selected according to the following criteria:

1. Length. The main characteristic determines the range, power and accuracy of the shot. The sizes of guns vary from 50 centimeters to 1.5 meters or more.
2. Barrel rigidity. Only accuracy depends on rigidity - if the barrel is not rigid enough, then when immersed in depth it will bend, which makes it more difficult to make aimed shots. To avoid this, the barrel of the weapon is usually made thicker, but this also increases weight. If you don't want to carry the extra weight, you can buy a gun with an irregular cross-section, which saves weight and eliminates the need for a thick barrel.
3. Trigger mechanism. It can be regular or reverse. The latter increase the range of targeted shooting. When choosing a gun, you should pay special attention to the trigger, because a good trigger mechanism is the key to durability.
4. Line breaker. A cable is wound around it, which is automatically released when fired. The crossbow should be taken with a metal line release located on the side.
5. The head of a crossbow. Divided into five types:
   Open. It has the best visibility and has considerable power; the boom is secured to it with ring rods.
6. Closed. Has significantly increased accuracy compared to other types.
7. With one pull. Increases power, but will have to sacrifice accuracy.
8. Mixed. It is a compromise between ring and single thrust, due to which the power of the shot increases without loss of accuracy.
9. Hydroformed barrel. The barrel is completely closed, which creates an absolutely straight shot trajectory.
10. Pull thickness. The larger the fish being hunted, the thicker the draft should be. You should not skimp on it, because cheap traction can fail at the most inopportune moment.
11. Harpoons. They vary in length, thickness, tip, hook, number of flags and steel. Single-pronged arrows have the greatest penetration power, but can easily get stuck in crevices. Multitooths have the opposite characteristic and are used for hunting on reefs. If the harpoon has two flags, then it will fix the fish more tightly on the tip, but the hydrodynamics are reduced. The thickness depends on the size of the prey. There are only two types of hooks: regular and shark fin, the first is usually used on budget harpoons, and the second is much better, but can only be installed on crossbows with an open head.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to pneumatic guns, crossbows have many significant advantages. This may include:

• 
  ease of operation and reliability (the mechanism operates without failures or sudden breakdowns);

• high power (rubber rods transmit more force than the compressed air of pneumatics representing the average price category);
• minimal recoil when fired (due to this factor, accuracy increases);
• silent shot (does not scare the fish);
• safe charging;
• relatively low cost (pneumatics are an order of magnitude more expensive).

A few words about harpoons

Companies specializing in the production of weapons for underwater hunting produce different harpoons. Length, diameter, tip, type of hook, number of flags - all these characteristics may vary. The only thing that remains unchanged is the material – stainless steel.

The harpoon is selected taking into account the size of the fish that is planned to be hunted. Trophy representatives of the ichthyofauna need stronger, thicker arrows, but it’s easier to hit a small, nimble fish with thin ones. A harpoon equipped with two flags better holds shot prey, but often gets stuck in rocks, so it is not suitable for sea hunting in the middle of reefs. In addition, multi-teeth experience greater hydrodynamic resistance.

The traditional slot-style hook is used in cheap products, and the arrow often breaks at this very special cut. This is a very weak link. Therefore, it is better to give preference to strong shark fin hooks, which allow you to use the most powerful thrusts.

What characteristics need to be taken into account

When purchasing a speargun, you need to consider the following points:

1. Barrel length. The accuracy, lethal force and firing range, which is equal to 2-3 sizes of the base, depend on this parameter. For example, if the length of the barrel is 1.5-2 m, then the harpoon will be able to hit a target at a distance of 3-6 m.
2. Rigidity. The stiffer the base of the crossbow, the less pressure it is subjected to, and the higher the accuracy of the shot.
3. The trigger mechanism is responsible for the durability of the weapon. And reversible triggers can increase the range of targeted shooting.
4. A line throw is a device on which a line is wound. Crossbows with a metal side release line are considered the most durable.
5. The thickness of the rod directly affects the size of the prey that can be shot. The larger the fish, the thicker the draft should be.
6. Harpoons vary in size, tips and hooks. Single-pronged arrows are better at piercing fish scales, while multi-pronged arrows are used for hunting on reefs. Several flags on the tip secure the prey more tightly, but the hydrodynamics of such arrows are lower.

Characteristics should be selected based on the conditions of future hunting and the desired catch.

Where is a crossbow effective for spearfishing?

Experienced tricksters who have devoted dozens of years to their favorite pastime name three main conditions under which it is better to put aside an air gun and hunt with a crossbow.

1. 
   Hunting at sea. The transparency of the water in most rivers and lakes leaves much to be desired. Due to poor visibility, you have to get within 1-2 meters of the fish, otherwise there is a risk of missing. At sea, visibility is much better, you can shoot accurately from 3, 4 and even 5 meters, so it is more advisable to use a crossbow.

2. Space for maneuver. In cramped conditions, a crossbow will create many problems; in this case, it is better to hunt with small-sized pneumatics. If in the reservoir there is no dense vegetation, driftwood, snags and other objects that interfere with the hunting process, then you should make a choice in favor of a crossbow.
3. Competitions. There are more and more fans of underwater hunting every year, and underwater shooting tournaments have long become a familiar event for many. They are usually carried out in clean reservoirs with fairly high water transparency. According to statistics, most often they are won by hunters who prefer crossbow weapons. Proponents of air rifles lose for two reasons: either they cannot get close to the target, or they cannot hit it from a greater distance.

Crossbow for spearfishing on the Black Sea

The Black Sea is changing a lot, especially in recent years, due to the deteriorating environmental situation and an increase in the number of underwater hunters. Fish change their behavior and habitats. In order to be with the fish, you need to be one step ahead of changes in the sea and be technically prepared for it. So several years ago I had to remove a meter-long crossbow for underwater hunting .

Spearfishing on the Black Sea - bonito

First experience of hunting with an underwater crossbow on the Black Sea

I began my career as an underwater hunter-athlete in 2003 with a performance at the Russian Championship. In these competitions it was not possible to show a good result for only one reason - the imperfection of the equipment; at that time I was hunting with an air gun equipped with a trident . As the years pass, I remember my first competitions and understand the role equipment plays for an underwater hunter . I approached the second spearfishing competition very seriously prepared and equipped, which allowed me to show the maximum result, namely to win the competition. At the award ceremony, I was given a carbon crossbow OMER MB 106. This gift made me happy and puzzled at the same time. After turning this beautiful and light thing over, I realized that I could only find a use for it by hanging it on the wall. Only now I understand that I was wrong and only now I realized how correct the gift was given to me.

I made my first trip to sea with a 106 crossbow in August . Just during this period, the water clears, all the reef fish rise above their homes and swim in the thin water. The first shot in my practice turned out to be very successful. While falling down, I landed on a large “hanging” croaker, and from a distance of about five meters I hit the largest of them. Moreover, it is worth noting that he hit it very correctly, right behind the head, at the withers, thereby immobilizing the fish. Perhaps this was an accident, and I admit that it was so, but... I immediately appreciated the capabilities of this gun and understood for what purposes it was simply irreplaceable. Later, I repeatedly took it with me on spearfishing and caught fish. Several times I caught the autumn run of mullet (singil) with the “metrovich”. And he shot at small, high-speed targets like a machine gun. It is worth noting that such spearfishing was not productive, but I got the opportunity to shoot and understand the gun. Several times I deliberately took him on deep sea hunting, realizing that during this period the main reef fish would be under the rocks. I wanted to understand on my own skin whether I could, if necessary, hunt in the rocks with such a gun. Most importantly, I gained unique experience with a long speargun in different conditions and now, over the years, I have formed my own vision and outlook on equipment for sea hunting.

Spearfishing on the Black Sea in spring

Now, let's start in order. Spring, warm sunny days come and replace cold and windy weather. The high solstice and warming waters cause the Black Sea mullet family to become more active. From south to north, schools of mullet and singil flock to their spawning and feeding grounds. From the north, leaving the Azov estuaries, the pelengas, another species of the mullet family, brought to us from the Far East, comes towards the schools of Black Sea mullet. The period of migration of the mullet family brings a fresh stream into the life of the Black Sea underwater fraternity. Those who like to lie down on mullet set up ambushes along the expected path of the fish and take their places.

How to choose a speargun for spring hunting

• In the spring, for underwater hunting in the Black Sea, it is better to use an underwater crossbow of at least 750 mm, and best of all, if transparency allows, you can take 900 mm. This is due to the fact that the strong scales of the pelengas can only be pierced by a heavy harpoon fired from a powerful gun. In addition, schools of bearings in clear water sense an underwater hunter and go around him, so sometimes you have to shoot from a decent distance. In any case, a long underwater gun, with the right choice of place for an ambush, is more advantageous.
• When underwater hunting for reef fish in the Black Sea in the spring, an underwater crossbow of 750 or even 600 mm is better. It all depends on the transparency of the water and the hunting location. During this period, all the reef fish are sitting under the rocks, and we will need a more maneuverable gun.
• With regard to rugged terrain, with large stones and deep grottoes, the best choice would be an underwater gun 750 mm long , since you will have to shoot under the stones from a greater distance.

Of course, it is worth equipping an underwater crossbow with a reel , otherwise in muddy water or on a current you can lose the gun with the harpoon driven under a stone.

Spearfishing in the Black Sea - bison

Spearfishing on the Black Sea in summer

The June warming of water causes phytoplankton to bloom and, as a result, turbidity of the water in the Black Sea. Pelengas, having completed its spring migration route, stops and begins to spawn. At this moment, the direction of movement of the fish changes and the course of the pelengas begins to coincide with the spring migration course of the Black Sea mullet. The tactical option for arranging an ambush for underwater hunting remains the same, but it is worth making some adjustments in the choice of an underwater gun.

How to choose a gun for spearfishing in summer (June-July)

• As a rule, you can settle on a crossbow for underwater hunting of no more than 750 mm . When spearfishing for reef fish, you can eliminate the short speargun and use a long 750 mm one. As the fish warms up, they leave their shelters and circle around large stones. Despite the muddier water, you can try to shoot from above while falling, which will be problematic with a short speargun.

Spearfishing on the Black Sea in autumn

The end of August and September is the best time for spearfishing on the Black Sea . The water has already warmed up and faded. The sea truly becomes black, warm and clean. During this period, you can improvise with guns, it’s up to you to decide what you like.

How to choose a gun for spearfishing in the fall (August-September)

• Spearfishing for mullet

At the end of August, at a depth of 6-10 meters, the grass Cystoseira, a brown algae, begins to ripen at the exits of the pits. For the Black Sea Singil preparing for caviar, this is the best delicacy. Hunting for singil grazing on the grass is very difficult and at the same time very interesting. Mullet emerges from the pits and grazes among the grass, occasionally glistening with its silvery scales. While the mullet is feeding, it does not notice you, but as soon as it rises and you make a careless movement, the fish instantly disappears. When hunting grazing singil, a 750 or 900mm crossbow for underwater hunting is suitable. During this period, you can improvise.

• Spearfishing for gorble

But when underwater hunting for reef fish, the best choice would be a meter and perhaps even 110 underwater crossbow . In August, croaker gather in large schools and hang in the water column above piles of large stones. In clear water, approaching such a “hanging hole” requires great skill. In addition, taking a fish from a “hanging fish” with a crossbow less than a meter long is very difficult and almost impossible.

• Underwater hunting for bison

At the beginning of September, the Black Sea wolffish, also known as “karakos,” gathers in large schools to spawn. As a rule, bison circle around large rocks along with croakers and complement the reef community. Underwater hunting for bison is very difficult and requires special skills. In addition, a meter underwater crossbow is only a starting point when choosing the length of a gun. You can try 1100 or even 1200mm . The bison is a very cautious and cunning fish, especially now when the number of hunters increases every year. The fish noticeably becomes smarter and learns from the mistakes of its fellows. There was a time in August when I shot bison with an air gun equipped with a trident. But now I pick up a teak crossbow for underwater hunting with a length of 1100 mm, which gives me a confident hit from a distance of 5 meters. Despite the fact that a meter crossbow is meant to be used in clean water, it is still worth equipping it with a reel. Sometimes, after a shot, the fish pulls the harpoon into the grotto, and it takes several dives to free it. In addition, in summer there is a possibility of encountering pelagic fish, such as bonito. And God forbid your gun may end up without a reel, then the gun will be lost or lost.

Spearfishing on the Black Sea - crossbow for spearfishing in the sea

Teak guns for spearfishing on the Black Sea

I’ll touch a little on the topic of teak underwater guns and the relevance of their use in our Black Sea conditions. Perhaps some may not think it is advisable to use such guns for underwater hunting in the Black Sea, but I have to disagree. If we consider spearfishing not as a sport or a way of catching fish, and approach it philosophically, then I would call our activity an art. In which, getting fish is not the goal itself, but only a way of self-affirmation. The choice of an underwater gun in our business is the key to success and successful hunting. A teak crossbow for underwater hunting, made according to all the rules of modern weapons making, is a work of art that is pleasant to hold in your hands. Moreover, the very principle of a wooden crossbow is more advantageous compared to, say, carbon guns, with the exception of the weight on land. Made from multiple layers of teak wood, the barrel of a spearfishing crossbow has higher bending resistance and, as a result, a more stable harpoon flight. Which in turn is very important when shooting from a distance at relatively small Black Sea fish.

Which crossbow to choose - ranking of the best

In order not to be disappointed in your purchase after the first dives, you need to clearly understand the conditions under which the weapon will be used. This in no way means that you need to buy a separate crossbow for each body of water. In the store you can find a universal option suitable for any water and depth. These are the ones that are most popular. You can buy any crossbow for underwater hunting, but it is better to give preference to a long-proven weapon. We list the most popular models of recent years.

• 
  Demka Ami II is a line of crossbows of different lengths (45-100 cm), produced in Greece. Mistakes praise this weapon for its shooting accuracy, lightness, comfortable grip and reliable safety lock. Compared to some models from other manufacturers, the power is not the highest, but it is sufficient to accurately shoot from a distance of 4 meters. The price depends on the length of the crossbow.

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• Omer Cayman Sport is a product of the famous Omer company, which has long been a trendsetter in the world of diving and spearfishing. Cayman Sport weapons are available in several versions, ranging in length from 0.5 to 1 meter. The prices are quite high, but quite fair, because every detail of the crossbow from Omer is made of high-quality material. Such weapons serve for many years and never fail.
• Seac Sub Sting is an excellent offer for a beginner hunter who has not yet gained experience. These are Italian crossbows with a length of 40 to 65 cm, which are produced using modern technologies. In particular, the barrel is made of lightweight and yet very durable aluminum alloy. The weapon is inexpensive, but reliable and easy to use.

Any of the crossbows described will become a reliable assistant under water. When you pick one up, you gain self-confidence and a desire to quickly meet a river or sea monster “face to face.”

How to make a crossbow for spearfishing with your own hands

The simplest crossbow for underwater hunting can be made with your own hands from a wooden board 8 cm thick. This method is good because you can draw a suitable drawing on the board (for yourself) and use it to cut out a blank for the future weapon. For the first time, you should limit yourself to a barrel length of 75 cm, which will allow you to hunt in any conditions (in the river and at sea). The workpiece is cut out with a saw or jigsaw, after which all its corners are cleaned using a grinder. A longitudinal slot is made in the upper part for the arrow and is also carefully cleaned. At this stage it is also necessary to drill holes for attaching the rubber rods (in the front on the sides) and the trigger (in front of the handle).

Design and operating principle

According to the principle of operation, the gun (underwater crossbow) is no different from its land-based counterpart.

The weapon includes the following elements:

• barrel (trunk);
• head;
• harpoon (arrow);
• traction;
• line discharge;
• trigger.

The barrel is made of aluminum profile, wood or rubber. There are also lightweight models made of carbon or fiberglass. The durability and weight of the equipment depends on the material of the barrel. The heavier the crossbow, the more difficult it will be to hunt.

The basis of a crossbow for underwater hunting are rubber rods that secure the harpoon. And he, in turn, is held by a trigger. When the hunter fires a shot, the trigger releases the arrow and the bowstring gives it acceleration.