There is a constant debate in the spearfishing community of the pros and cons of floatline and reels, here are some of the common talking points when discussing using floatlines and reels while spearfishing.
Floatlines
- Floatlines are very effective when you need a float to wear down a game fish, especially if a Floatline Clutch is used to pull up and stop the floatline from being pulled back down.
- Great in kelp, which allow you to get to the surface and still hold onto your fish. It acts as a highly visible line to help locate and recover your fish.
- The long trail behind you creates a visual reference for boats in the area. Attach a dive flag to the float to help ensure boats know divers are in the water.
- Longer floatlines have an increased risk of entangling you or your dive buddy on the surface.
Reels
- Multiple divers can use reels in the water without risking entanglement in one another’s equipment.
- Large vertical structure can require a reel. Divers can navigate vertical structures, like platforms or oil rigs, without having to maintain a long line going behind them.
- Reels offer the ability to reach the surface if a fish goes into the reef or a shipwreck. High visibility reel lines make a direct line from the surface to your fish.
- Divers can face a difficult decision is their reel jams. Reel jams can force a diver to have to choose between reaching the surface and having to let go of their speargun. Always remember that spearguns are replaceable, and no fish is worth your life.
No matter the which you use it is up to the individuals personal preferences. Some fish should never be shot with on a reel set up for example when spearfishing tuna or other extremely large powerful game fish, not that it is impossible to land a such a fish but it will prove extremely challenging.
Consider researching spearfishing online, the spearfishing community is a welcoming one and there are a number of digital channels and discussion boards that can help guide you through the process, provide illustrations, tutorials, and more.