Spearing???

[pickerel hunter]

As history has told me this is as good as any place to ask your questions? I wanna start spearing Pike this year. My question is this? Does it matter what type of spear I get? Also, I am looking at buying a 6x8 fish house that I will convert into a spear house. Is that enough room for 2 guys to spear out of? I know bigger is better but I want to keep it functional and semi-movable as well.

Has anyone came up with a good way to keep the spearhole from totally freezing up. i.e. (For ice fishing you can use those plastic infaltable tubes and shove em' down the holes.) Has anyone made them for spearing yet? If not I better give the patent office a call.

Any advice or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

P.H.

[Fish Toys]

Check this out.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=268056&page=9&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[Yukon Don]

Pickeral Hunter,

I've speared for about 40 years and 99.9% of the time it's by myself. I've speared in 4X4's, 4x5's with the 4x5 size being about the perfect size for one guy. A 6X8 could fit two people if the holes are spaced right. The best way to keep the hole open is to use the hole frequently and of course weather has a lot to do with it. I use a hole cover with a piece of styrofoam for insulation. The hole will still have a thin coating of ice overnight in cold weather. A spear is like a baseball glove. It needs to fit you and your style of spearing. I have a seven tine spear all metal. My uncle (bless his soul) was a blacksmith up in the Brainerd area who made hundereds of spears. It's the best spear I've ever seen or used (perfectly balanced). Spend the money and buy a good spear as it will last you a lifetime with proper care. There's a lot of information on previous posts concerning spearing and where to get them. I would not go with the ones sold at commercial stores. Those are junk in my opinion.

Good luck and let the big ones go by.

Yukon Don

[RussDaBuss]

I agree with Yukon Don. Buy a good spear the first time and you will never need to buy another. Take care of it, keep it sharp. We owe it to the fish to use a good spear we are comfortable with and fits and feels well so they will not come off. The ones I have seen at Fleet and other stores like that are just not that good. Look back at the previous posts, the one in the ice fishing section.. Good info. there, and will lead you to a few names of people that custom make spears. As for 2 in a house. I have never done it. I use a 4x6 which is perfect for 1 and the occasional friend with to observe. 6x8 should be alright. Good luck with whatever you do. Once again, to do it right, get a good spear right away, you will thank youself later ..

[Jackpine Rob]

Funny how different people do things differently.

We almost always spear as a "team", taking turns with the jigging and sticking. The guy facing the long edge of the hole is the spear chucker, while the guy facing the short end does the jigging chores.

This method allows the shooter to concentrate on making the shot, and the jigger can concentrate on making the slimy beast get into proper position.

My current portable is a 5x7, which can fit 2 comfortably with room to spare. The old shack was 5X5, which was cozy but very functional for two guys.

Just be careful around the hole! It seems like anything within a couple of feet of the hole is magically drawn towards it - with more expensive items such as cameras seeming to have the greatest attraction to the water.

[Mike89]

I agree, the spear is very very important! Get the good one now and you will no regrets. As for having two people in a house we have done it the same way, take turns and enjoy the company!! I'm using a 5 1/2 by 8 and my portable (medium otter) with no good results when 2 out there. Mike89

[pickerel hunter]

Thanks all for replying to this post. I will take all your advice and invest in a decent spear. (better not lose it) Also "fishtoys", I imagine I will be purchasing an ice saw as well. I watched a guy last year use it and I was impressed. Yes, he was sweating pretty good by the time he was done but he did it. That was well into when the ice was 2 1/2 feet thick. Nice saw.

Anyway, I am looking forward on getting started on this spearing adventure. Take care and good luck to you all.

Pickerel Hunter (and now jack spearer)

[psegriz]

Get a good spear. Most comercial made one aren't Quality IMO. The 6x8 would be more than enough for 2 to spear outta. Fact I just finished building one yesterday.

[Kingfisher]

pickerel hunter, If you are fortunate enough to find an old 7 tine Skiple spear in good shape you will have found the very best in my opinion, the Skiple bros built them back about 50 years ago west of Mentor, and there are still some around. I have heard insurance replacement value is about $150. I have several of them, but not for sale. When we spear for large northern's we like to set up about a 1/4 mile away from anyone, facing the sun as they usually hunt for their food with the sun, the bulk of the large northern's come in between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. I prefer a teaser with two large daredevils facing each way, with florescent orange and white, running @ about 60 RP minute. Be safe and good luck.