Harpoon Rigging Trick

[Innovator]

The paint stick works good or I used either electrical tape or masking tape. The whole idea is just to keep the dart from falling off the tip. I prefer the tape mostly because in the event you whiff throwing. The POON comes back reloaded. I worry about the line coming out of the paint stick and have to reload on the fly. But I know allot of guys who use the paint stick and are happy with it.

Keep in mind when taping the line to the harpoon, DO NOT OVER TAPE the line. You will be surprised how strong electrical tape can be. That is why I like to spiral wrap the tape

[canyongear]

Kevin, obviously you use the finned dart versus the halibut style..any thoughts on the two styles versus the other and why..accuracy? for instance or penetration? or pulled darts? Cost?

[sashamy]

Halibut darts barely work in a halibut! The finned dart is the traditional new england dart, i personally like the the longer swordfish dart I feel the length add to the ability toggle more efficientlt where as a halibut dart works on the premise of button holeing the fish. If it does not go all the way through than chances are with out the flukes of a traditional dart it may not toggle. and i was an Alaskan Guide for a couple of seasons and i learned to hate harpooning halibut much easierr to jam a size 13 hook out its nose and beat the shit out of it...

[Innovator]

Tim, never used the Halibut darts but I'm with Doug unless its a button hole, I would be worried about it pulling. I know allot of the Carolina guys swear by them, but I have only ever pulled one dart (standard type) and it was a real poor shot to begin with.

When it comes down to Bluefin esp. Giants I am pretty stubborn to change. If it ain't broke don't fix it! A properly sharpened dart (first 1/4"-1/2") of the point is all you need. I use the standard bronze darts almost exclusively. I use a standard flat file, be careful using bench grinders b/c they take off material pretty quick.

The Stainless darts are nice but they almost all come with the entire edge sharpened and can potentially cause the dart to cut itself out. Especially with swordfish where they have such soft meat, but because they are so soft, they are usually buttonholed anyway.

[canyongear]

Ok...was just wondering..thanks for the informative answer.