Speargun Reels & Lines

Of course! The reel is one of the most critical safety accessories in spearfishing, and at Decathlon you will find reliable solutions so you never lose your catch or your speargun. Designed to withstand heavy use, friction, and saltwater corrosion, you can choose between lightweight and compact speargun reels that easily mount onto the gun's barrel without affecting its hydrodynamics. They feature an ergonomic design for quick and smooth line release, as well as adjustable drags that give you full control during battles with large catches. Depending on the depth you fish and the size of your gun, you can choose reels with different capacities (e.g., for 30 or 50 meters of line) and pair them with high-strength monofilament lines or dyneema braids. To complete your gear, choose our compatible speargun bands or stainless steel shafts / mono-barbs, ensuring top accuracy on every single shot!

A speargun reel is a specialized mechanism (a spool) that mounts onto the speargun's barrel and holds several meters of line or cord. It is considered one of the most critical safety accessories in underwater fishing and is essential for every spearfisher looking to progress their dives. The main reason to use a speargun reel is your own safety during ascent. When you hit a large or powerful fish at great depths, it will attempt to pull the gun toward the seabed or hide in a crevice. If your speargun doesn't have a reel, you will be forced to either let go of your gun in the sea so you don't run out of breath, or risk a dangerous ascent holding onto it. With the reel, the line unfolds freely and smoothly, allowing you to ascend to the surface safely, keeping the gun in your hands and maintaining absolute control over the catch from above.

The appropriate line or cord length for a speargun depends directly on whether you use a reel or tie your line directly to the speargun. If you fish without a reel in shallow waters, the most practical choice is 2 to 3 wraps around the line release, meaning about 4 to 5 meters of monofilament line, which is more than enough for your shaft to deploy quickly without tangling. However, if your gun has a reel, the length changes completely and is determined by depth and target fish: a length of 30 meters is the ideal golden ratio for medium depths, whereas if you are targeting large pelagic fish, you will need a larger reel to pack 50 or more meters of high-strength line, allowing you to always ascend safely.

The difference between a closed and an open drum (spool) reel mostly relates to line management, ease of use, and the gun's hydrodynamics underwater. A closed-spool speargun reel features an outer casing that keeps the line "imprisoned" in place, acting as a guide that eliminates the chance of throwing loops or tangling, even if the drag loosens abruptly—making it ideal and much safer for beginners. On the other hand, the open spool lacks this frame, offering top hydrodynamics, less weight for faster lateral movements of the gun, and full visibility so you can check the line status and untangle any knots instantly. Additionally, it leaves the entire line exposed, allowing it to dry quickly after the dive, making it easy to rinse out salt and giving immediate access to the full length of the line without requiring disassembly.

Maintaining the reel is a quick process, and proper maintenance after each dive is key to ensuring its smooth operation and extending the lifespan of both the mechanism and your line. The first and most important step after each fishing trip is a good rinse with plenty of fresh water to completely remove the salt and sand that gather between the coils. To do this correctly, it is essential to completely loosen the reel's drag and turn the spool a few times by hand, so the inner washers and the shaft are well cleaned of salt build-ups that could jam them. Next, let the speargun reel dry completely in a shaded and well-ventilated area, away from direct sun exposure, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation can weaken the strength of your line or cord over time. Don't forget to also do a quick visual check for any scuffs or knots in the line. If you notice that the line has worn out from the rocks, it is a good idea to cut off the first damaged meters or replace your line for absolute peace of mind.

Choosing the right line or cord for your speargun reel depends directly on the size, power, and behavior of the fish you are targeting. For targeting small and medium catches in holes or at medium depths, such as white seabreams, gilt-head breams, and mullets, a monofilament nylon line with a thickness of 1.2mm to 1.4mm or a thin polyester cord is ideal, as they offer excellent hydrodynamics and speed to the shaft without weighing down the setup. However, if you are targeting large and powerful bottom fish, like groupers and dusky groupers, or fast pelagic fish like amberjacks, leerfish, and dolphinfish, you absolutely need a dyneema line with a thickness of 1.5mm to 2.0mm and a breaking strength exceeding 150-200 kg. These fish will fight hard against the rocks, and dyneema offers the necessary abrasion protection so the line does not snap during the battle.