I need some help rigging a harpoon.

[seasar3]

Prefer not to throw. The evolution of tackle has changed my approach. Wind ons, wind on swivels, longer leaders, etc. changed the game. Years ago, experimenting with long leaders, it was necessary to throw almost all the time. Now i find myself with a choice. I have more patience and with todays tackle i have more confidence that i can wait out a tough fish. regardless, I'm always ready with at least 350' of line, polyball, rod , and a redundant set-up. Many times I was glad to have a second set-up to save the day. I do always want to emphasize SAFETY!!!! Things can get ugly in a blink. Spend some time thinking about the worst things that can happen and formulate precautions and go over them with your crew.

[Innovator]

Rick,

You do not need to throw the harpoon. This is a skill that is developed with experience. One main advantage of a harpoon is greater reach, the longest gaff on the market is about 6', so a fish needs to be at least 6' from the boat. The Poon is 10' in length, thus allowing for greater reach with out even being thrown. However the poon is a hybrid between a throwing harpoon and a cockpit harpoon. What make the POON what it is, besides being able to break down, the head weighs 2lbs. This allows for the momentum to continue when thrown and eventually strikes the fish, allowing for deeper pentitration, if not the classic "button hole"

Seasar,

You make a good point with the clip, I did not a have a photo of the clip I use, which is a stainless steel safty line clip that opens in a similar manner. I see your point even though I have never lost a Poon because of this happening, however anything is possible. One way to help prevent this happening is taking a section of tubing and place it over the clip opening. The reason why the clip is used is to be able to remove the Poon from the mainline quickly.

Mainline Length

I strongly recomend 200-300ft. of mainline. Even though most of the time you may not need it, when the time comes (and it will) you will be glad you have it. 50' of line can go out lighting fast to be able to clip to another reel fast enough, is inviting disaster. Neatly coiled line in a milk crate does not take up very much room at all and it is always ready.

[rarhomes]

I think the ticket is 200' of 3/8" 3 strand rope with a basket ball size buoy placed in an egg crate. Main line lightly taped or rubber band to harpoon. Have a back up rod with a clip that can be snapped on main line if needed. I don't see any reason to run the line through the harpoon eye if I won't be throwing it "RIGHT". As the dart and line comes free of the shaft just put the shaft some were out of the way.

It's got to be a safer than a flyer.

Thanks guys for all the information,

Capt.Rick

[Parapapam]

Kevin and Chris,

I hope you guys had a fantastic show in Ft. Lauderdale. Your Poons, Dredges and Bars sell themselves!

A suggestion for the release clip improvement could be a locking carabiner. You can find them in mountian climbing shops.

http://www.rei.com/climbing/TOC/Cara...P_CLIMBING_TOC

These clips are fast, designed to be used with one hand and lock off so that they don't open unless you want them to.... They also come in "salt water friendly metals" in some cases.

Mike

[POON MAN]

Thanks Mike

The Carabineer or saftey clip that i like to reccomend is available at West Marine or most marine hardware stores

it measures about 1" wide and 2" overal length and is made from 316L SS

Try to keep the size of the clip on the smaller size so that when your poon is all rigged up will still fit in a rod holder LOCK AND LOAD !!!

I am trying to dig up a pic and will post when i find it