A head assembly configured to engage with an outer casing (125; 300), comprising: a body defining a center channel and including a connector in communication with the center channel, the connector configured for engagement with a core barrel assembly; a spearhead having a frustoconical point, a shaft extending away from the frustoconical point, and a bit end of the shaft, wherein the center channel of the body is configured to provide a passageway for the spearhead, the frustoconical point of the spearhead being positioned external to the body and configured for engagement with a wireline assembly, the spearhead being operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body; a spring operatively coupled to the bit end of the spearhead by way of a retaining washer and a fastener and held in place relative to the body by engagement with a spring stop, at least a portion of the shaft of the spearhead being positioned within the spring, wherein the spring axially biases the spearhead toward the connector of the body to oppose axial movement of the spearhead away from the connector of the body; and a plurality of latches operatively associated with the spearhead and the body, the plurality of latches being configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body, wherein in an extended position, the plurality of latches cover more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches, wherein the plurality of latches secure the head assembly in place relative to the outer casing when in the extended position, and wherein, in the extended position, the plurality of latches are secured against moving either up or down in the outer casing. a body defining a center channel and including a connector in communication with the center channel, the connector configured for engagement with a core barrel assembly; a spearhead having a frustoconical point, a shaft extending away from the frustoconical point, and a bit end of the shaft, wherein the center channel of the body is configured to provide a passageway for the spearhead, the frustoconical point of the spearhead being positioned external to the body and configured for engagement with a wireline assembly, the spearhead being operatively associated with the body and configured to translate axially relative to the body; a spring operatively coupled to the bit end of the spearhead by way of a retaining washer and a fastener and held in place relative to the body by engagement with a spring stop, at least a portion of the shaft of the spearhead being positioned within the spring, wherein the spring axially biases the spearhead toward the connector of the body to oppose axial movement of the spearhead away from the connector of the body; and a plurality of latches operatively associated with the spearhead and the body, the plurality of latches being configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body in response to axial translation of the spearhead relative to the body, wherein in an extended position, the plurality of latches cover more than 25% of the circumference of the body adjacent the latches, wherein the plurality of latches secure the head assembly in place relative to the outer casing when in the extended position, and wherein, in the extended position, the plurality of latches are secured against moving either up or down in the outer casing.