Tips from experienced spear fishermen?

[Sheephead Slayer]

I have never really spear fished. Anyone have some advice, Like water depth of house, what depth your comfortable throwing the spear, decoys, where to aim at what depth of fish, best spear, etc..etc.. any input would be great.

Thanks!

[MJ1657]

I have never really spear fished. Anyone have some advice, Like water depth of house, what depth your comfortable throwing the spear, decoys, where to aim at what depth of fish, best spear, etc..etc.. any input would be great.

Thanks!

Check out the Bowfishing/Spearing forum. Lots of answers to your questions over there.

[Notcho]

Here is the basics also check out the dedicated forum on spearing for way more info...

Step 1 get license and all that stuff

Step 2 find weeds anywhere from 3ft-15ft (most go around 8-10ft depending on situation)

Step 3 cut hole in ice big enough for what you are doing 2X3 or so

Step 4 drop decoy about half of depth to start

Step 5 drop spear right behind head of said pike

Step 6 repeat until you are done!

That easy!

Biggest thing is to not overthink what you are doing and keep it simple, any hose works as long as its dark inside allowing you to see into the water. The clear water in millacs you probably don't need complete darkness and you could spear deeper. Where ever guys are tip up fishing is the are you want to be in. Weed lines breaks ect.

A couple pointers to be a respected spearer. NEVER leave with out marking your hole!!! Also push you ice block in when you are done! Nothing fun about watching some one run into/over it because your too lazy to push it back in.

Decoys and spears are personal choice. The bigger the barbs on a spear the better also stay away from the cut barbs you find at the local sporting goods stores as they don't hold fish well. Good spears cost big $$ and are hand made not lazered. Get a couple decoys red/white always work and experiment on depth, swimming action ect.

Also for Mille lacs the big brown looking pike are Muskies so make sure you know your target. They stick out like a sore thumb so you will know the difference.

[H2O Milfoil]

Step 5 drop spear right behind head of said pike

A couple pointers to be a respected spearer. NEVER leave with out marking your hole!!! Also push you ice block in when you are done! Nothing fun about watching some one run into/over it because your too lazy to push it back in.

Also for Mille lacs the big brown looking pike are Muskies so make sure you know your target. They stick out like a sore thumb so you will know the difference.

Like Nacho says. It's nasty if a snowmobile slams into a frozen block or if someone drives into a recently frozen hole.

And Point #5: He says "Drop your spear". You don't throw it. Make sure it is vertical and you release it gently, like you are shooting a bow.

And, duh, it would be smart to have a line tied to it. Just sayin'...

[Gordie]

Know your fish and if you don't know don't throw period.

As for throwing the spear I throw mine and its a technique that must be worked on over many years of spearing, however the drop and stick methods works too.

Above all be safe and please push block of ice back in and mark your hole for safety of others.

[cheater35]

I have been spearing since I was 9 years old (28 years). I have always thrown spear. I don't throw real hard but definitely throw it. Just dropping spear isn't enough sometimes on bigger fish. I also never like to let spear hit bottom after spearing fish. It takes forever for hole to clear up from bottom being all stirred up or dragging tons of weeds up. A good spear is also key to not losing fish. Its like deer hunting don't shoot unless you have a good kill shot. Be patient. JMO

[bturck]

Don't forget to fasten your spear rope to something in the house. Personally I preferred a loop and the fastened around my ankle. I forgot once.....only once.

[merkman]

I have never really spear fished. Anyone have some advice, Like water depth of house, what depth your comfortable throwing the spear, decoys, where to aim at what depth of fish, best spear, etc..etc.. any input would be great.

Thanks!

If you are around (or can get to) east central MN throw me a personal message.

I can go with you your first time out and show you the ropes.

If not you might want to try renting a house on a lake without slots or muskies in it and see what it is all about before venturing out on your own.