Deep Water

[Fins-n-feathers]

The last couple times I went spearing, it was in about 10-12 feet of water. I missed the last 2 I tried for. Is this because of the depth? Any tips for deeper water? Any help would be appreciated.

[Jameson]

I have been set-up in about 10 FOW for most of this winter, and in years past have set up in deep as 18 FOW. My suggestion is to set a decoy no deeper than you want to spear a fish, and don't throw at fish deeper than that decoy. For me that is about 5 feet. Now, I might run a decoy near the bottom, and if a pike comes into that decoy near the bottom, I will try and 'work' the decoy 5 feet down to get the pike to come up to a more spearable depth. Often times all that is necessary is to have a lively sucker up high (or shallow), so that if a pike comes in deep, the action from the sucker will bring the pike up. It helps to have the sucker on a rattle reel or fishing pole to drop it down to the depths to get the pikes attention, than bring it up to 5 feet (or less.)

Now if you are determined to spear the fish really deep, as I was when I first started, lower the spear till it is about 2 feet above the pike, before dropping it. You will be holding on to your string at this point, so their is no throwing. Don't try it on large fish, unless maybe you have a very heavy spear. When I look back on it, it seems crazy, but I was able to spear some pike that were 16-18 feet down. I don't recommend it, and will not be attempting it myself again any time soon. Also, lean over your hole so that you can 'aim' your spear with your head directly above your spear.

[Fins-n-feathers]

Thanks for the tips, Jameson.