The Art Of The Stalk

Forrest Galante - Pole Spear World Record

Using a pole spear is not unlike any other form of spearfishing, the only difference is you do HAVE to get significantly closer.

Whether you’re drifting the blue water for wahoo or snooping for snapper, aspettoing for dentex or hole hunting for grouper, with the pole spear in hand, you know your reach is only as good as the length of your spear, so you better make it count.
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As a biologist by trade, I have taken a scientific approach to spearing fish, one that is entirely determined by reading animal body language and behavioral patterns, I don’t necessarily know that this is the best way to do it, but I can tell you it has helped me, so… I intend to share with you some of my techniques that have enabled me to have the smidgeon of success that I have had with spearing fish, using a pole spear, so here goes!

Every fish species is different, and ontop of that every individual within the species is different. They behave differently and gauge threats differently, but, like most things in life you can make general assumptions and tweak your approach based on how the individual (in this case the one you are trying to take home for dinner) reacts.

So, lets say you are in California and trying to spear a White Sea Bass for dinner. WSB are notoriously shy and difficult, but as many older cali hunters will tell you, they CAN be dumb as dirt. Once locating the area you may see WSB you have to really slow everything down. When you have a spear gun in hand, you often feel like you have one chance to make it happen, if you see a WSB, you better let the shaft fly as you may never see one again. There is truth to this, but it is not how I do it. If I have found the wsb, and I know at most I have a 10ft range, I tend to dive on and with them repeatedly. So, in other words, once you locate the fish, study them. Slow down, breathe and take long slow relaxed breaths. Take your dive and observe them. They may move off, but they also may stick around and let you get nice and close. Always be ready, but do not force a shot, with a pole spear that almost never works in your favor. If the school is being coy, let them be, if they are being bold, again, let them. Spend a few dives with them and let them feel that you’re there. Keep your body language non-threatening and do not be aggressive, but rather act like just another lazy creature swimming through the area. Then, the trick becomes finding the sweet spot, find the time at which the fish are comfortable enough to let you approach but not annoyed enough by your presence to take off. This is when all of a sudden, you end up with that 8ft range and you can, calmly but effectively line up that solid holding shot and let it fly!
The keys are calm relaxed body language, the ability to assess the situation and the fish you are targeting and adapt to the style at which is best suited to getting close to your target. No two species are the same, I learnt while hunting cobia off the west coast of Florida, that as these fish like large aggressive bull sharks, if you act aggressively and “dive bomb” them you end up with the fish coming to see what you are doing, now all of a sudden you have a school of cobia following you around allowing you to take the perfect shot! You can be aggressive and calm at the same time, think “im just a big bull shark swimming through here minding my own business, and act as you think one would. This leads to the age old “curiosity killed the cobia”, which is just what we’re hoping for!
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These learning moments, which can be replicated with any species, lead to a greater understanding of the species and ultimately a greater understanding of the fish leads to better techniques to getting close to them that of course will make you a more successful pole spear hunter.

So the point is, when you’re working with a pole spear, slow down, take your time, learn about the area and the fish you are after and realize that although its more work, its also a lot more reward once you actually land that amazing fish with an oversize stick and rubber band!

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Forrest Galante

Forrest generally spends his time in the wild. His work in Biology, as well as Television, has taken him all over the world and through some fascinating scenarios. Be sure check out his other exploits as well!

You may find him spearfishing, diving with sharks, swimming with crocodiles or catching snakes in the jungle. Whatever your fancy, it's worth a look!

Learn more about Forrest Galante at:

WWW.FORRESTGALANTE.COM
Forrest Galante

Forrest Galante’s hands-on approach to wildlife paired with his biological education, understanding, and respect for the natural world sets him far apart from your everyday adventurer. Forrest has the skill set to accomplish tasks few people on this planet are capable of. Due to his is amazing animal interactions and striking media, Forrest has gained an international reputation as the “perfect combination of Steve Irwin, Beary Grylls and Jacques Cousteau.”

https://www.forrestgalante.com/

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