The Top Pole Spears for Spearfishing [6 of the best – Plus Something Special – Updated]

I love spearfishing and understand how confusing things can be if you’re shopping for your first piece of spearfishing equipment. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about buying the best pole spear and the features you should look out for.

Reviews of the Most Popular Pole Spears on the Market

Finding the best pole spear can be daunting with so many brands and models out there. Here is the run-down of the top pole spears on the market. We are very happy to update this list with our very own USA-made pole spear.

Spearoscout Pole Spear

First right at the top due to demand is our very own USA-made pole spear made out of solid aircraft-grade aluminum (not a tube). This is a premium pole spear for the beginner and expert. We had this made for us by a top local machinist and it is just fantastic. This pole spear is deadly accurate and delivers a great punch.  

• 5′ solid aircraft grade aluminum two-piece pole spear (2.5′ each piece)
• Black anodized
• Marine-grade 316 stainless steel connection 
• 6mm threaded marine-grade 316 stainless steel front end  (attach your favorite spear tip, not included)
• Machined grip
• Hand-made natural latex rubber tubing band
• Top quality and durability
• Proudly made in the USA
• Any questions email us at spearoscout@spearoscout.com

 

Click Here For More Information

 

 

1.  Scuba Choice 5-inch  Fiberglass Two-Piece Pole Spear

Our first spear is made of fiberglass. It’s durable and weighs 1.1 pounds, measuring 5 feet in total. It can be broken into three pieces to fit in your bag; two of them measuring 24 inches, with the tip measuring 12 inches and an 8 mm diameter thread. This is not the longest spear on the market,

It comes with a stainless steel barb attached to the 3-prolonged paralyzer tip. Some fish will slip away unless you come really close and hit the central part of the body. However, I think that this spear is suitable for beginners who like to fish in shallow water. It doesn’t slip in your hand the way metal spears do, so it will give you more control while fishing.

This pole spear won’t rust or corrode. You don’t receive instructions with your purchase, but it’s straightforward to put together. It’s a good alternative for kids and first-timers who haven’t tried spearfishing before. You also receive a special bag for storage.

Things We Like

• Durable fiberglass shaft.
• Breaks down for effortless storage and portability.
• Doesn’t rust or corrode.
• Doesn’t slip like metal spears.

Things We Don’t Like

• Shorter than other pole spears.
• Doesn’t come with assembly instructions.

2.     Shaka Carbon Fiber 7-inch Travel Polespear

This pole spear is the perfect choice for a veteran spearo who doesn’t mind spending the extra cash. It’s made of unidirectional carbon fiber weave and aircraft grade aluminum that combine to offer a durable and stiff spear that’s unlikely to break easily. However, it comes with a steep price tag that might put many interested fishers off.

This spear measures 7 feet, so it’s longer than other models on the market. This is a good choice for avid hunters who like to fish in deep waters. Due to its high-quality construction, there is no way this spear would bend or break. This means that all the power goes to the tip to provide maximum penetration.

The tips are made of aluminum, so they won’t break in rocky conditions. The shaft is quite thick, so it’s more suitable for catching bigger fish. It also comes with a bigger tip ideal for more substantial catches.

The pole spear can be broken down into three sections, but the middle part can’t be used on its own. It’s quite heavy weighing 1.8 pounds, so it’s not suitable for kids and beginners.

Things We Like

• Sturdy pole spear made of unidirectional carbon fiber weave and aircraft grade aluminum.
• No power is lost upon release to ensure maximum penetration.
• Durable tip for fishing in rocky conditions.
• Suitable for catching bigger fish.

Things We Don’t Like

• Expensive pole spear.
• Not suitable for beginners.

3.     Spearfishing Traveler Pole Spear with 5 Prong Paralyzer Tip

This affordable pole pear is portable and suitable for people who like to go on long trips. When put together, it measures 6’7” but can be shortened to 27.5” for convenient storage.

This lightweight pole spear is made of aircraft aluminum that will last long. It’s corrosion-resistant, so it’s a good choice for spearfishing in fresh and saltwater. Due to its durability, you can catch fish as heavy as 10 or 15 pounds, although the spear itself weighs 1 pound. Unlike cheap pole spears, this one won’t break or  urt your hands.

A recessed flush screw supports the joints for smooth and effortless release. The interchangeable sections provide three different options for all your spearfishing needs. You can configure this spear based on the fishing conditions or the person using it.

The paralyzer tip 5-prongs comes with a sure grip on each prong, giving you maximum control so your fish won’t slip away. However, you might feel that your pole spear is slipping, especially if you’re wearing gloves.

Things We Like

• Lightweight anodized aircraft aluminum.
• Long 3-piece pole spear that you can configure based on your needs.
• Breaks down for convenient storage.
• Corrosion-resistant to withstand use in seawater.

Things We Don’t Like

• Tips get rusty after a while.
• Slips when you’re wearing gloves.

4.    6-inch Travel Polespear by JBL

This spear is slightly more expensive than other models, but it’s worth the price. It measures 6 feet when fully assembled and can be collapsed to a compact size of 26 inches for easy transport and storage.

The shaft is made of tempered gold anodized aluminum, so it’s quite durable. It has a useful barbed paralyzer tip that limits the number of fish that manage to slip away. It also features a surgical rubber band that provides power variation for multiple fishing needs.

It’s heavier than other pole spears, weighing 1.8 pounds,  ’s durable, and won’t shatter like some flimsy fiberglass models. It’s rather thick, and the flopper is close to the tip. This means that the spear might not penetrate very far into the body of the fish. It’s more suitable for experienced spearos who know how to target a fish.

The threading is very smooth, so the attachment and removal of every section are easy and painless. You can use two segments to target fish in shallow water while attaching the 3-prone paralyzer. The carry bag isn’t very durable, but you can easily replace it.

Things We Like

• Durable Aluminum pole spear that measures 6 feet when fully assembled.
• Surgical rubber band that allows for power variation while catching several kinds of fish.
• Easy attachment and removal of several sections.
• Adjustable lengths thanks to the threaded ends.

Things We Don’t Like

• The shaft is too thick to penetrate the body of the fish too far.

5.      HeadHunter Predator Pole Spear

This is another expensive model that better suits serious fishers who want to buy the best tools. The back part of this 2-piece spear is made a composite material, which is more durable than aluminum and unlikely to bend. The front section is made of carbon fiber. The connection between both parts is made of 316-grade stainless steel so you should expect your pole spear to withstand some abuse.

It’s quite long measuring 9 feet and 3 inches and weighs around 2 pounds, so it’s not suitable for beginners or kids. The injector rod measures 5/16 inch in diameter and secures to the spear using 6 mm thread and a set of screws. This will prevent it from wobbling as you swim around.

The barb is very pronounced allowing maximum penetration, especially if you’re aiming for big fish like yellowfin tuna. It holds inside the fish and doesn’t move, so you can catch big fish easily. It might be a bit difficult to manage if you’re a beginner.

Things We Like

• Well-built pole spear designed for experienced fishers.
• Strong 2-piece construction made of a composite material and carbon fiber.
• Long spear for catching big fish in deep waters.

Things We Don’t Like

• Expensive model that beginners find difficult to control.

6.      Aqua Lionfish Spear

This budget-friendly pole spear is the perfect tool to hunt lionfish. It’s made of fiberglass and is quite compact measuring 21 inches. With a diameter of ½ an inch, it’s the perfect size to penetrate and secure lionfish during your spearfishing adventure.

This lightweight spear weighs 8.8 ounces and features a durable stainless tip that doesn’t rust or corrode. It features a 6-inch 6-prong tip which can be removed. It also comes with a 6-inch rubber sling that allows you to have full control over the spear in the water. Just hold it between your forefinger and thumb, and fire it for a precious catch.

Since it’s quite short compared to other models, it helps save  the reefs giving you maximum control on where your spear will hit. The fiberglass and stainless steel body won’t rust or corrode, so you should expect this spear to last for a long time.

The tips don’t have protective covers, so beginners and kids should be careful while carrying this spear around. It’s specifically designed to catch lionfish, so other fast and big fish might easily slip away.

Things We Like

• Affordable and lightweight pole spear made of fiberglass.
• Stainless steel 6-prong tips for catching lionfish.
• Suitable for beginners.

Things We Don’t Like

• Less penetration power due to the presence of 6-prong tips.
• No tip protector.

How Do You Catch Fish Using a Pole Spear?

Pole spears are extremely popular because they’re straightforward and easy to use. Using one is like creating a slingshot, releasing the spear in the direction where the tip is pointing at.

You can use your pole spear by slipping your thumb into the loop of the rubber band and wrapping your fingers around the shaft. Stretch the band by moving your hand upwards to create tension. The more you stretch your arm, the more powerful your shot will be.

The right way to catch the fish is to shoot it right behind the gills, where the spine is. This will minimize the chances of the fish slipping away with a mortal wound. You should try to get as close as you can to the fish, avoid startling your catch then aim.

Why Should you Buy a Pole Spear?

Pole spears are more discreet than spearguns. A fisher can safely hide them until he gets really close to the fish, without spooking them. They’re also generally more affordable.

But this is not the only benefit of buying a pole spear.

Here are some other reasons that you should think about.

Ease of Use

Compared to other fishing equipment, pole spears are quite easy to use, if you have decent arm strength. Some of the new models have an S-shape rubber band so you can easily engage it once you spot a fish. After you catch the fish, there’s no hassle of reloading.

Simple to Maintain

You don’t need much to keep your pole spear in good shape. Keeping the rubber band away from the sun will prevent it from drying out too soon. Eventually, the rubber will dry out and start to crack. This is when you know you’ve got to replace yours.

Tips might start to rust unless they’re made of stainless steel.  Always rinse the tip with fresh water and let it dry in a cool dark place after every fishing trip.

Catch Multiple Fish

Depending on the size of the fish, you can actually catch multiple fish in one go. Just aim at them and stack them before they get the chance to get away.

Safe Operation

Pole spears don’t have the complicated parts that you can find on a speargun. They’re safer to fire and use, especially for inexperienced users. There’s no chance of misfiring or mechanical parts failing to engage.

What to Look For When You’re Shopping for the Best Pole Spear?

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are a few things that you should look out for.

Length

Pole spears come in lengths ranging from 4 up to 9 and even 12 feet. The longer ones are usually broken into smaller sections for easy storage and portability.

Longer spears are suitable for most fishing conditions. They provide the best value for experienced spearos who like to catch fish often because you don’t need to get very close to your target.

Shorter pole spears are easier to control and maneuver. They’re lighter and more suitable for first-timers and beginners. Some models are quite easy to control and can be used by kids easily and safely in shallow waters. However, to use a shorter pole spear successfully in deeper waters, you’ll have to swim really close to the fish.

Material

Most pole spear shafts are either made of fiberglass or aluminum. However, you can find models made of composite and carbon fiber.

Fiberglass shafts are robust and quite heavy. However, they won’t feel that heavy once you step into the water. The heavier weight gives you an extra push to catch larger fish. Nevertheless, a heavier pole spear is quite difficult to push, and you’ll have to use more energy to achieve the desired power of penetration.

When you’re shopping for a fiberglass pole spear, you should stay away from cheap models. These will shatter giving you painful splinters that are difficult to remove.

Aluminum is lighter than fiberglass and provides more power and speed. However, the shaft might bend if you push the pole spear against a rock.

Carbon fiber pole spears are thinner, more durable, and also more expensive. The most professional and high-quality pole spears are made of carbon fiber, making them the fastest ones to use. Some hybrid models combine the carbon fiber with aluminum to offer the best of both worlds.

Tip Ends

There are two common types of tips that you can find on most pole spears; a threaded or a fixed tip. Threaded tips can be easily detached so you can attach the perfect tip for your fishing needs. A fixed tip provides no versatility but is more durable.

Flopper tips are usually found on high-end models because they prevent the fish from running away. They’re also quicker than prong-style tips.

Conclusion

Fishing using pole spears is a challenging yet enjoyable sport. Although different models are suitable for various fishing situations, we believe that the Spearfishing Traveler Pole Spear with 5 Prong Paralyzer Barb Tip is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced spearos.

It’s made of high-quality aluminum, so it will last for long. It’s suitable for catching bigger fish, guaranteeing that your catch won’t slip away.

Some models are longer and more suitable for experienced users like the JBL Shaka Carbon Fiber 7′ Travel Polespear, which is quite expensive. But if you’re looking for something affordable and durable, then we suggest you stick to the Spearfishing Traveler Pole Spear with 5 Prong Paralyzer Barb Tip. It’s an excellent entry-level pole spear, but experts also find it quite useful and practical.