Learn why you’ll want to bring a spearfishing stringer on your next outing. Plus, learn how they’re used and the best fishing stringers for your dives.
The biggest ever fish caught spearfishing weighed an almighty 166.2lbs.
Imagine hauling that up to the surface!
This incredible case highlights a common problem for anyone new to spearfishing: what do you do with your fish once you’ve caught them?
Lug each one back to the shore? Head back to the boat each time? Carry it in one hand while you go back for more?!
Surely, there’s a better way. Thankfully, there is…
Enter the role of a spearfishing stringer. These vital pieces of equipment can make a spear fisherman’s life ten times easier. However, it’s vital to choose one that’s fit for purpose.
Interested in learning more?
Keep reading to learn all about choosing the best spearfishing stringer for your dives.
What is a Spearfishing Stringer?
Let’s start with a definition.
The question we posed in the introduction may have provided a clue already.
Essentially, stringers solve the problem of storing fish once they’ve been caught.
You’ve got a stretch of cable (usually stainless steel) that can be used to clip on, or thread through, the fish. With the fish caught, you simply attach it to the line. Each new fish you catch is added to the pile.
The stringer is usually attached to a float, which sits on top of the water. From the float, you’ll have a float line, which extends 30 meters or so to your speargun.
Storing fish in this way has a number of benefits:
- The fish remain in the water, which keeps them fresh.
- Attaching the stringer to the float keeps your catch away from your person. That’s handy for when predators are lurking in the environment.
- Threading the fish onto a line is easier than alternative methods (e.g. putting them into a net). This means less time at the surface and more time fishing!
- It’s easier to pull the line behind you, making you faster in the water.
What to Look for in a Quality Stringer
Clearly, there are many incentives for buying a stringer.
Unfortunately, not all of them are made equal!
Choosing the right one for your needs isn’t always easy. Here are some primary considerations for deciding which stringer to buy.
Convenience
Ultimately, convenience is a primary reason for using a spearfish stringer.
It’s just a far easier means of storing your fish and getting back to the fun. For that reason, the best ones prioritize ease of use. They should be straight-forward, hassle-free, and easy to operate all-around.
Functionality
There’s no point using a stringer if the fish can getaway. All your hard work ends up for nothing!
Of course, this is always a possibility- especially if the fish are still alive and jerking around. However, some stringers significantly reduce the likelihood of that happening. The durability of materials and particular stringer type (more on this next) both play a role.
Type
There are different types of stringer available to buy. Here are three of them:
- Cable and Spike
These options have a clip at one end that attaches to your float (or to your person, whichever you prefer). This then has a cable on it, which has a rod (the spike) on the other end.
The spike threads through the fish’s gills and mouth (or eye sockets). It acts as an anchor point, stopping each fish coming off. They’re quick to use, but there remains a danger of the fish coming free.
- Chain and Stringer
These stringers are lengths of chain with individual clips attached.
Each clip holds a separate fish. These are cheap to buy, as well as quick and easy to use. However, the chains are susceptible to rusting in the saltwater.
- Loop Stringer
Loop stringers perform as you might expect.
Imagine one large metal hoop that carries all of your fish. You unclip a spiked end, thread it through your catch, and then clip it back into place. These stringers can take longer to thread a fish versus other options. However, they generally perform well in every other respect.
Best Spearfishing Stringer on the Market
With all that covered, let’s turn to 3 of the best stringers out there.
1. Rogue Endeavor Loop Stringer with Clip
This large loop stringer from Rogue Endeavor offers a solid all-around experience.
It’s well-rated, with a host of top reviews online. There’s nothing fancy about the design, but that’s no bad thing. Made from stainless steel, you can guarantee its durability and quality (here’s why). Likewise, the steel core lanyard ensures your fish will stay hooked on!
It includes a quick-release buckle to thread your fish quickly and can be extended by 36 inches too.
2. Eagle Claw Invincible Chain Stringer
This Eagle Claw chain stringer is a great option if you’ve decided this style of stringer is best for you.
For one thing, it’s exceptionally cheap! The metal chain means it should be relatively durable too. Likewise, at 46 inches in length, there’s definitely enough chain to hold all the fish you catch.
You’ll struggle to find anything better at this price point.
3. Riffe Cable and Spike Stringer
Riffe has designed and manufactured a stringer of the highest quality.
It’s another top-rated and well-reviewed option online, at a low price point to boot.
The Riffe is made from stainless steel, which ensures its durability and fitness for purpose. There’s also a quick-release clip, which is another bonus if you need your fish in a hurry.
Stringers don’t get much better.
Time to Wrap Up
There you have it: exactly how to choose the best spearfishing stringer for your dives.
Spearfishing is an epic sport. It combines the joy of a hunt with great exercise. And there’s the added bonus of catching your dinner! However, there are common practical challenges to navigate along the way.
As we’ve seen, spearfish stringers provide an easy solution to storing the fish you catch.
Hopefully, this post has highlighted the reasons you need one in the water, and how to choose the right one for you.
Like this post? Click here to find more recommended spear-fishing gear.
