How To Choose A Float Line
A float line is a line attached to your speargun or speargun shaft on one end and to a float on the other. It's needed for visibility, prevents you from losing your gun, helps reduce fatigue by carrying your speargun's weight, and controls the fish once speared, acting as a drag. Sam from Adreno breaks down what to consider when selecting a float line below.
Entry Level Float Lines
Entry-level ski-rope material float lines are known for their durability. Their resistance to UV rays and abrasion from surfaces like corals and oysters ensures that they can withstand the harsh underwater environment. This type of float line is also relatively easy to splice, making it a popular choice for beginners. However, it's not without its drawbacks.
One significant disadvantage of entry-level float lines is their proneness to tangling and catching on rocks or other underwater obstacles. Additionally, these lines have less buoyancy, which means they won't rise to the surface as quickly, giving them more time to tangle or catch on surfaces. To counter this issue, some ski-rope float lines come with foam fillings that increase their buoyancy. This additional buoyancy can make a noticeable difference in reducing tangles and snags, making them a more versatile option for spearfishers.
PVC Style Float Lines
PVC-style float lines are a different breed altogether. These lines are stiffer and are often cored with Dyneema, a high-strength synthetic fiber known for its remarkable durability. They are particularly well-suited for spearfishing in depths exceeding 20 meters. The stiffness of PVC float lines helps prevent tangling, making them a preferred choice for those who explore deeper waters.
One standout advantage of PVC float lines is their exceptional buoyancy, thanks to their hollow design. This buoyancy is especially beneficial when targeting larger fish, as it helps maintain control and reduces the risk of losing your catch. However, it's essential to be aware of potential downsides. Over time, PVC float lines can wear through, and if there are holes in the outer tubing, water can seep in, causing the line to sink. This vulnerability makes them susceptible to damage from fish with sharp teeth that can penetrate the line.
Bungee Styled Float Lines
Bungee styled float lines are designed with a specific purpose in mind – to relieve pressure on both the rig and the shaft in the fish. By doing so, they help prevent damage to your equipment and the fish, making them an excellent choice for hunting certain pelagic species in blue water.
One of the primary benefits of bungee styled float lines is their ability to absorb the shock and fight of a hooked fish, ensuring that the line doesn't break easily. This is particularly useful when pursuing powerful fish that can put up a fierce battle. However, there's a caveat: avoid using bungee styled float lines when hunting dogtooth tuna. These lines can allow the tuna to reach the reef, which increases the risk of your line breaking or the fish getting eaten by sharks.
The choice of float line in spearfishing is not one-size-fits-all. Each type of float line has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the right one for you will depend on your skill level, the type of fish you're targeting, and the specific conditions of your dive. Consider the pros and cons of each type carefully to make an informed decision, and always prioritize safety and the well-being of the marine environment as you enjoy the thrilling sport of spearfishing.
