New Freshwater Spearo

Hey all. Another new guy introduction.

I did a solid amount of diving and spearfishing reefs in Oahu and Guam while in the military, but I'm back home in my native state of Michigan and haven't done much with it.

I love being on and in the water, and it turns out that there are actually good opportunities for freediving for rough fish in Lake Michigan. I do a fair amount of fishing, and I'd like to some of it underwater!

I'm not excited about getting in the cold water, but I've been bitten by the bug again. The down side is that in our heavily regulated fresh water I'm limited to primarily rough fish - though a few (freshwater drum, gar) are worth eating.

So I'm here largely for insight on making a speargun that will last a lifetime (I sold my el cheapo beuchat years ago), and getting tips from freshwater spear hunter.

I've enjoyed what I've read so far - thanks guy!

I really like to make stuff. I have some mahogony and ash I think would look sharp laminated together (and would be mighty strong!). I've never made a speargun, but I've done a fair amount of wood and metalwork, and have the tools I'd need.

I have some spots picked out where I know I can get freshwater drum, but would love to find cisco, whitefish this fall in Lake Michigan. And gar too this summer if only I could find some good spots.