Have you always wanted to try spearfishing? Anyone can get started with this type of fishing provided they know how to swim and have the right pole spear.
But, why a pole spear? Well, it’s because this type of fishing gear is:
- More affordable compared to spearguns
- Easy to maneuver
- Faster to reload
- Great in shallow waters.
However, with the popularity of spearfishing comes a wide array of pole spear brands on the market. So, you might wonder, which is the best pole spears?
We have put up together this guide to help you determine the ultimate pole spear model for your needs. Keep on reading.
Best-Rated Pole Spears: Comparison Chart
Pole spears come in various lengths, designs, and are made from different types of materials. So, the following are some of the best models available in terms of value for money and durability.
| Ranking | Name | Dimension | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scuba Choice 5′ Travel Spearfishing Pole Spear | 32 x 2 x 1 inches | 1 pounds |
| 2 | JBL 6’8” 2D80 Breakdown | 4 x 2 x 24 inches | 1.5 pounds |
| 3 | Scuba Choice 5′ One Piece Spearfishing Fiber Spear | 64 x 1 x 1 inches | 0.9 pounds |
| 4 | JBL Shaka Carbon Fiber 7′ Travel Polespear | 36 x 4 x 4 inches | 1.6 pounds |
| 5 | Spearfishing Traveler Pole Spear | – | 1 pounds |
| 6 | Spearfishing 5′ Fiber Glass Travel Pole Spear | 1.6 x 1.6 x 11 inches | 1.4 pounds |
| 7 | Scuba Choice 3.5′ One Piece Spearfishing Fiber Spear | 48 x 1 x 1 inches | 0.7 pounds |
| 8 | Headhunter Predator Carbon Fiber Pole Spear | 108 x 2 x 2 inches | 10 pounds |
| 9 | Lionfish Mini Spear with Tip | – | 1.5 pounds |
| 10 | Scuba Choice Spearfishing Lionfish 6″ Pole Spear | 6 x 1 x 1 inches | 0.2 pounds |
1. Scuba Choice Travel 5’ Two-Piece
Made from fiberglass material, this spear is not only durable but also light in weight. Best of all, it comes with a three-prong paralyzer tip plus barb. This allows you to easily pin down smaller fish against rocks with ease.
Additionally, the spear measures a total length of 5’ which is decent enough for both beginners and experts. Besides, it comes with a black bag and rubber sling for ease of storage.
Pros
- Easily breaks down into three parts
- Portable
- Offers long-lasting performance
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Does not come with instructions
2. JBL 6’8” 2D80 Breakdown
With an assembled length of six feet long, this is a high-quality pole spear that is suitable for daily use. It boasts precision-machined unions that allow for seamless fit and feel.
What’s more? The JBL 2D80 spear sling length is designed to be adjustable for added convenience. On top of that, it features a black rubber sling to help you launch your spear.
Pros
- Highly durable and rigid
- Perfect for traveling
- Tracks effectively in water
- Comes with a barbed paralyzer
Cons
- Spear points may get rusty from saltwater use
Also read: Best Rain Gear for Fishing [Unbiased Reviews & Guide]
3. Scuba Choice One Piece 5’ Pole Spear
If you need a durable spearfishing pole, this Scuba Choice is an excellent choice. It is made using fiberglass for long-lasting performance.
Other than this, the pole comes with nearly everything you need to get started spearfishing. This includes a three-prong barb paralyzer tip and a rubber sling. On top of that, it boasts a 5’ length which is relatively good for beginners.
Pros
- Extremely light and sharp
- Ideal for small to medium-sized fish
- Suitable for long-term use
- Comes ready to fish
Cons
- The tip is a little soft so it blunts easily
4. JBL 7’ Shaka Travel Spear
Designed for the veteran spear pole fisherman, this hybrid spear has a lot to offer. To start with, it is constructed using aircraft-grade aluminum and nanotech materials to ensure the utmost durability.
What’s more? The JBL Shaka features a proprietary carbon weave that allows for optimal transfer of energy. This makes the pole spear extremely stiff.
Pros
- Has zero flex or bend
- Constructed from high-quality materials
- Precision machined with over-sized unions
- Rigid and durable
Cons
- Very pricey
5. MakoSpearguns Traveler
Featuring a three-piece design, this pole spear is built to break down for easy storage especially when traveling. Best of all, it boasts three interchangeable sections that allow for three different lengths.
More so, the product is made from anodized aircraft aluminum that is not only high strength but also corrosion-resistant. Therefore, you can be sure that it will provide you with long term service.
Pros
- Can take fish weighing up to 15 lbs
- Enables you to customize its length
- Includes a five-prong barb paralyzer tip
- Quite long measuring in at 6’7”
Cons
- Tips are not very sharp
6. Scuba Choice Travel 5’ 2-Piece Hawaiian
Scuba Choice is known for making some pretty durable pole spears and this particular product is no different. It is constructed from high-quality fiberglass.
Measuring 5 feet long, this two-piece spear breaks down into three parts for ease of portability while traveling. Similar to other Scuba Choice polespears, this too comes with a three-prong barb paralyzer tip.
Pros
- Includes a carrying bag and rubber sling
- Comes with three tips set
- Perfect for lion fishing
- Great construction
Cons
- Might have fiberglass splinters
7. Scuba Choice One Piece 3.5’ Spearfishing
Here is yet another great spearfishing pole from Scuba Choice. However, with a total length of a mere 3.5 feet, this piece is quite short. As such, it may not suit all anglers although its short length makes it more portable.
And you know what the best part is? It boasts a removable spearhead for added versatility. On top of that, the manufacturer does sell replacement spearheads.
Pros
- Made from fiberglass for optimal durability
- Its small size makes it ideal for beginners
- Includes a three-prong lionfish tip with barb
- Easy to use and affordable
Cons
- Experienced anglers may find it very short
Another post of us: The 12 Best Braided Fishing Line: Tried, Tested & Reviewed
8. HeadHunter Carbon Fiber Predator
This is a two-piece spear that is made of composite material which is more resilient and durable than aluminum. The Predator is designed to be used with a stainless steel slip tip system that boasts a sharp point.
What’s more? It comes with a barb that ensures the tip stays inside the fish for as long as you need and holds well. Additionally, the tip is built to seat on an injector rod to allow for effortless deployment into the fish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- The tip is built to be sturdy
- Quite long at 9 feet
- Slip stays mounted until it engages in a fish
Cons
- Price is on the higher side
9. Trident Aqua Mini Spear
For your next lionfish hunting expedition, this mini spear is what you need. It is small, compact, and with a lightweight fiberglass construction making it a great travel spear.
Besides, the Aqua spear boasts a stainless steel prong tip for long-lasting performance. Featuring six sharp tips, this spearfishing pole enables you to easily snag every fish you aim at.
Pros
- Portable size and lightweight
- Easy to control when underwater
- Well made with plenty of power
- Spearhead screws off for ease of storage
Cons
- No protective cover for the tip
10. Scuba Choice 6’ Spearfishing Lionfish Spear
If you don’t really need the versatility of a travel spearfishing pole, this Scuba Choice can be a great option. Made from stainless steel materials, the spear is not only durable but also strong.
More so, it comes with a three-prong head paralyzer tip as well as barbs. As such, you’re sure to have an easy time hunting any lionfish that comes your way.
Pros
- Prongs hold the fish really well
- Highly durable with a strong tip
- Ideal for beginners and expert anglers
- Long enough at six feet
Cons
- Not ideal for hunting goldfish
Buyer’s Guide- Choosing the Best Spearfishing Pole
When choosing a spearfishing pole, there are some things you should consider before making a purchase. Let’s take a look at what those are.
Length
Spearfishing poles come in different lengths ranging from 4 feet to 9 feet. Long poles are best suited for experienced divers because they allow them to be further away from the target.
Shorter poles, on the other hand, are ideal for spearfishing in confined places or beginners as they maneuver easily.
Materials
The best spearfishing poles are made of durable materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aluminum. Basically, carbon fiber poles are more flexible, much faster and very strong. Fiberglass pole spears, on the other hand, are the heaviest and most robust.
As for aluminum spearfishing poles, they are very lightweight and also durable. Generally, the type and size of fish you intend to hunt are what determines which the best pole material is.
Tips
Poles spears have different tips including the single barb, paralyzer, and double barb. These tips are further divided into two categories namely fixed and threaded.
Threaded tips enable you to add different tips styles which makes them suitable for most types of spears. With fixed tips, you don’t have any choice on the configuration but they’re very durable. As such, they are ideal for beginners.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to help you find the right pole spear for your needs.
Do I need any special education before using a pole spear?
Not really. A spearfishing pole is a straightforward tool and almost anybody can throw a spear.
Any drawbacks in using pole spears?
Yes such as having a limited shooting range so they can’t be used in deeper waters. Also, they tend to have minimal thrust power because of being lightweight.
Why is the 6mm thread quite popular among spearfishing divers?
It’s probably because it’s easy to find tips that match this type of thread.
Our Top Pick
Overall, the JBL 2D80 Breakdown pole spear is our best choice. We love that it tracks very well and is incredibly built. Not to mention, it is rigid and ideal for traveling.
Conclusion
The above pole spear picks are some of the best-selling and quality models you’ll find on the market. However, the right one for your needs will depend on what type of fish you plan to catch. Your skill level in spearfishing will also determine what type of pole spear is best for you. So, we hope this guide helps you make a well-informed purchasing decision.