Spearfishing Basics of Spearfishing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pole spear is typically powered by what mechanism?
- A stretched rubber sling band held under tension (Correct answer)
- Compressed air
- A trigger and reel
- Battery motor
Correct answer: A stretched rubber sling band held under tension
A pole spear uses an elastic band the diver loads by hand for propulsion.
Question 2: Which spearfishing tool uses bands and a trigger to launch a separate spear shaft?
- A speargun (Correct answer)
- A Hawaiian sling
- A pole spear
- A gaff
Correct answer: A speargun
A speargun has a trigger mechanism and band-powered shaft that fires on release.
Question 3: What is the main reason to aim just behind the gill plate when shooting a fish?
- It targets the spine and vital area for a quick, clean kill (Correct answer)
- It is the easiest part to see
- It avoids damaging the fillet entirely
- Fish armor is weakest at the tail
Correct answer: It targets the spine and vital area for a quick, clean kill
A shot behind the gills hits the spine, immobilizing the fish quickly.
Question 4: Why do many spearfishers practice the 'aspetto' or wait-on-the-bottom technique?
- Staying still lets curious fish approach within range (Correct answer)
- It uses no air
- It is required by law
- It scares predators away
Correct answer: Staying still lets curious fish approach within range
Lying motionless on the bottom draws inquisitive fish close enough to shoot.
Question 5: What is a stringer used for in spearfishing?
- Securing and carrying speared fish (Correct answer)
- Reloading the speargun
- Measuring water depth
- Anchoring the float
Correct answer: Securing and carrying speared fish
A stringer threads through caught fish to keep them together while diving.
Question 6: Why should bands on a speargun be inspected before each dive?
- Cracked or worn bands can snap and cause loss of power or injury (Correct answer)
- They change color when fish are near
- They must match the wetsuit
- Inspection is legally required
Correct answer: Cracked or worn bands can snap and cause loss of power or injury
Perished rubber bands can fail suddenly, reducing power or causing injury.
Question 7: What does 'reef hooking' or holding structure help a diver do?
- Stay in position in current without wasting energy (Correct answer)
- Catch more bands
- Increase lung capacity
- Float to the surface faster
Correct answer: Stay in position in current without wasting energy
Gripping structure holds position against current so the diver conserves oxygen.
Spearfishing Basics of Spearfishing 3
A pole spear is typically powered by what mechanism?