So, I thought I had a great idea for dealing with big critters on my boat. Plan is to make a harpoon to safely land a big one solo.
Problem is after I started making it, I was informed they are illegal for any billfish. Legal for shark, rays and landing halibut (I think for landing tuna also). That kind of took the wind out of my sails, but I figured I would make it anyway to use as decoration or in any case4 I'm out shark fishing and plan on harvesting one (Big thresher or Mako would be really sketchy on my boat with a lit up shark).
I really didn't do any research, but kind of went off the images I remember seeing on Wicked Tuna.
I got all the parts for about $50 (found some really good deals on individual parts and supplies)
(https://i.imgur.com/FVG5A2d.jpg)
Sunk a steel round bar 12" into a 6' dowel. (I angle etched the bar and used high strength epoxy to ensure it would stay inside).
I had some 12" drill bits that made a nice keyhole for the bar.
I also drilled out a 6 oz lead egg sinker to make it weighted for better penetration. The hose clamps were to just to keep a tight grip on the wood while the epoxy set for a few days.
(https://i.imgur.com/CCtcxDw.jpg)
Some steel epoxy putty to seal up lead to the head.
(https://i.imgur.com/W4l8n3R.jpg)
I fiberglassed the rod (x2) and sanded it. I was originally going to paint it and wrap with cord, but knowing I probably won't use it too much, I stuck with supplies I had laying around in my garage. I had a 5.5' long piece of x-wrap so used that and shrunk it on instead.
(https://i.imgur.com/jgqrsMt.jpg)
I wrapped the end with parachute cord and affixed 450# SS line to the dart. I have it set up for some rope and a buoy, but I don't have a buoy so no worries since I had no plans to use it anytime soon.
(https://i.imgur.com/DEAhgl1.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/va1kgNA.jpg)
Well, something I haven't made before, so pretty cool to have a first run on something I made from scratch.
My swordfish harpoons are steel pipe with a threaded steel insert. Use soft steel rod to put the dart on. Use rope, not wire which can cut the flesh of the fish. Wrap string around the end and the coat it with polyurethane to prevent the dowel from breaking when the fish thrashed . Be careful with your jury rig set up.
I've been thinking about getting one once I get a fiberglass boat. They sure are expensive so homemade makes sense, and you definitely built that thing sturdy. Super solid first try making a harpoon.