How to Set Up a Speargun or Polespear

Most modern spearguns use a pneumatic mechanism (compressed or forced air) to propel the bolt through the water. Very few spearguns are sold ready to go and require setting before heading out into the deep blue for fish hunts. In order to retrieve the quarry, the bolt is tethered to a monofilament line, allowing you to pull in the target after a hit. Set your speargun to maximize accuracy and prevent damage to the weapon itself. Never fire the speargun above water because this damages the weapon.

Things You'll Need

  • String or monofilament line
  • Bolt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty the speargun chamber of any bolts. Take the bolt to be used and thread the monofilament through the eye hole on the back of the bolt.

    • 2

      Wrap the working end of the monofilament line around the main line five times, then push the working end through the wraps, pull tight and clip off the excess. This is a cinch knot.

    • 3

      Examine the speargun to find the pressure gauge. Some models have a simple "Hi/Lo" setting; others have a numeric gauge allowing for more custom settings. Set to Hi for a fast discharge of the bolt, or Lo for a slower discharge.

    • 4

      Go underwater. Insert the bolt into the muzzle, with the tip facing toward the top of the muzzle into the speargun. Do not load the speargun above water; always do it in the water. Twist the bolt clockwise as you insert it into the muzzle; this helps prevent any scraping on the inside of the muzzle and mitigates any bends to the bolt shaft.

    • 5

      Attach the other end of the monofilament to your non-firing hand. Set the pressure (if you have a numeric gauge) to 22 BARs -- the recommended factory setting.