These are gears for killing, wounding or grappling fish. In its simplest forms the harpoons are built from a wood pole having a steel point with one or more fixed or movable barbs at its forward end. Usually the harpoon is connected with a retrieving line.
Modern harpoons can be pushed or thrown by hand as well as they can be shot with rifles or guns. Harpoons are a very common fishing gear for sport divers. Commercial fishing activities with harpoons are of minor importance.
Source: FAO site, 2017