Watch this short video, Lots of features in this design for your consideration.
Save money and make a better device than commercially available.
Many Thanks to Bob Stapleton for the Clever Design and approval to publish here.
PVC Under Water Target
Simple PVC square, 4 elbows and some pipe and glue it together. some cord and lead weights and you got it.
You could also run lines across the square to ZONE it off.
Mount Smooth Shaft in Drill Hole
The Grooves made with hacksaw allows the JB Weld something to bite into. File marks is another method.
Note the cross hole: allows the "glue" a space to go during assembly.
ANCHOR LINE REEL
Simple anchor line bracket from some flat plate aluminum. Dive Buddy "Hutch" made this one a few years ago, I got a picture on his tailgate.
Line Tensioner With Grab Tail
Aaron Crist came up with the tail concept to lift the rubber tensioner.
Some out there use a wire tie or a small string.
Below are some examples of different looks to this simple part
Going to take some "how to make" pictures soon. Some of these are a little rough looking.
<
Pole Spear Grips
Nylon Cord from Seattle Marine Supply
Colorful Grip
This grip utilized a cross hatch pattern
This one is clever, the rings under the red cover are sections of tubular rubber
Cross hatch design, looks like Electrical Tape
Mono line for twist grip
The Mono line with Tape Cover
I repaired this pole actually, Owner was clever with braided grip Ring
2.5mm paracord to tie a turkshead knot
You can just use a small cord to put a grip together
Not exactly sure what is under this one
This is a typical twist grip, I like the extra twists at both ends
Not a grip, but a reminder you can use Tape to mark lengths for grip or measuring fish
This one has gotten some use and still working
Might be two cords on this one for larger Diameter
Para-cord, there are many different ways to create a grip
Cross hatch design, very nice
Looks like a sealer of some sort was used.
Typical DIY-er Grip
A very wide spread on twists
Not sure what this one was made from
Typical Twist grip
This one I made on an old Fiberglass pole I have.
I made this one too. I use a long O-ring for cordage.
Some test grips I made. the textured Heat shrink is interesting material. I layered heat shrink below and had a softer grip. I added heat shrink on ends to cover textured heat shrink.
An old ring grip I made that was reject. I added new Ring to compare
I made this one too. I use a long O-ring for cordage.
My latest grip design, Remember your DIY limits are usually about available tools.
Pole Spear Grip Materials
DIYer - means to use materials that are around the house or local hardware store.
Low cost web purchases falls into it as well. Here are some random materials in no particular order
Heat Shrink
Textured Heat Shrink I'm not sure I really like this for a grip. Double layering heat shrink does show some promising results
Heat Shrink in a roll
Mud hole - colored heat shrink
Many colors to pick from in heat shrink
Example of small rope / cord and small O-rings
Spectra cord and Amalgamating tape
Kevlar line and long O-rings. O-rings can be really long for some applications
Copper electrical wire. This one is a ground wire for color code.
Perfect DIYer Material, use the old rubbers to maker rings.
Black Textured Surf Grip Tape from Mud Hole, [ 1" width x 1/16" thick x 50-ft long ] for ~ $30
I've not tested it, but looks like some use it out there.
Float Line attached to Pole Spear Rubber
This is a simple way to hook your polespear to a float line. Many divers like this method since the float line connects to the front of the rubber. when you cock the pole for a shot, the float line goes with your hand to the front of the pole.
You basicly don't have to think about it impacting your shot.
With the Rope Method, the knot is attached to front of rubber and will stay there. Some setups have metal rings and other hardware but I like this one. When not is use it's removable easy to do.
Low Cost, Effective , Easy, and Simple what else can I say.
Some just clip on the rubber with a tuna clip coming off the float line, I don't like the feel of it on my hand when loading the rubber.
Step 1 - Make up a cord with a small loop in a larger one. Lay this under the Rubber.
STEP 2 -- Fold the line over and under.
STEP 3-- Fold the line over and under again.
Step 4 - Snug it up on center of rubber and make sure its' nice and pretty. Pretty knots are stronger and easier to inspect for errors.
The Rubber will be in the equation with this method and will act like a shock absorber some.
Float Line Hookup to Rear of Pole Spear
This is also a common method. This Gives a Float Line connection directly to your Poler spear. Some use a second hole on the pole or utilize a longer line on the Rubber to make a Loop.
When Loading the polespear for a shot, the line needs to rack up the pole in your hand so the line drag doesn't mess with your shot.
A seperate loop can be run thru the polespear rear hole if you are limted by space.
Above is a method to where the line on the rubber can be used as a loop to attach a float line. This approach can also be used to change the length of the band in the field with a longer line on the rubber.
Full Break Away Float Line to Slip Tip Head
The float line is attached to JUST the Slip Tip head. [free of any polespear connection]
The fish will only be attached to the float.
This takes the entire pole spear out of the equation after the shot.
Hang-on to your pole don't drop and lose it. This Setup is more complicated and has more rigging to deal with.
The Pink line going back to the end of the pole Spear prevents the float line from altering the "actual shot"
Rear Line CATCH options / methods
The Rear of the Pole Spear will require some type of "Catch" to hold the rigging line.
There are many ways to do this. Some mount a flat head bolt or make a slot with a file. I seem to recall seeing a PVC fitting added to the end that was modified into a slot. I'll look for that part and Post when I find it.
Below is a Convex Slot I make, Without the proper tools this is not easy to make, but it is do-able with just saws and files.
I added an extra feature, that I call a "RUBBER TOGGLE" , I drill a cross hole and add a piece of flexible rubber that partially covers the slot. the float line toggles past the rubber and is in place and not falling out of the slot as you get the rest of the rigging set up.
The shot will move the line past the rubber toggle.
Double Constrictor Knots for Rubbers
Picture worth a 1000 words. This is the Double constrictor, Loops and pryers are common tools to tighten them up.
Go search on YouTube, there are many videos and different styles to do this. Make sure you have the Correct type line.
Tide Float Jug Project
Get a Tide soap container that is empty. Make sure you wash it really well. The bright orange is easy to see and you don't have to mess with paint that will flake off in time.
The Handle makes a natural tie point for a rope.
Dependent on the type jug you find, the Caps may seal differently. You might need to be creative.
Once its Water tight you can also add a fishing license and/or contact information if needed. The Big mouth might also allow you to add a small water bottle for fresh water.
Dive Buddy of mine used one of these for many years. He had a 10 inch Abalone gauge hanging off of it with a long rope.
TOOLS & Homemade Tools
Here are some basic tools you might want to buy or make. Don't fall into the trap, you CAN and SHOULD modify tools to do what you need to do.
Grinding a tap, screwdriver, and wrench is common place.
Above is a 1" x 42" belt sander from Kalamazoo is top of the line. Think of it as a grinder that removes material at a slower rate. They also make a 2"×42" vertical sanders.
Sharpening Tips is main use for you spearos.
Harbor Freight has a low cost version for those with budget limits. Realize this tool will require some work.
Here is a link to some specifics on what you might find to evaluate before purchase.
If you buy one of these, plan on it being a PROJECT to get it running properly.
Typically a 3 wheeled sander is not not as good as a 2 wheeled sander.
SCOTCH-BRITE Wheels
3M offers a range of metalworking wheels that leave a burr-free finish to improve appearance and mechanical function of the workpiece. Many choices from 3M.
I had a diver with a strong tool and DIY experience, he had not seen a scotch brite wheel, and is now adding it to his own shop tools.