For other uses, see Harpoon A harpoon (from French harpon) is a long spear-like instrument used in fishing to catch fish or other large aquatic animals such as whales. It accomplishes this task by impaling the target animal, with the fishermen then using the a rope or chain attached to the butt of the projectile to draw the creature in. A harpoon can also be used as a weapon. History of the harpoon The Greek historian Polybius (ca 203 BC?120 BC), in his Histories, describes hunting for swordfish by using a harpoon with a barbed and detachable head.Polybius, [LINK: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?lookup=Plb.+34.3] "Fishing for Swordfish", Histories Book 34.3 (Evelyn S. Shuckburgh, translator). London, New York: Macmillan, 1889. Reprint Bloomington, 1962. Whaling For over 1000 years, the two flue harpoon was the primary weapo

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