Spearfishing is a popular, but challenging underwater sport. More involved than traditional line and hook fishing, spearfishing requires breathing control, physicality, and focus. Before you can dive in, however, you’ll need the proper spearfishing gear to maximize your success underwater.
The Essential List of Spearfishing Gear You’ll Need
Dive Mask and Snorkel
If you watch to catch fish, you’ll need to see them. Your dive mask should fit comfortably and snug on your face while allowing maximum visibility. Low-volume masks are ideal to reduce pressure while freediving. Pair your dive mask with a snorkel; the best snorkels for spearfishing are simple and flexible so that they don’t get in your way.
Spearfishing Wetsuit
A well-fitting wetsuit should fit firmly, but without restricting your movements. Your wetsuit is important for warmth and protection, and the thickness will depend on the water temperature where you’re diving. For warm water, use 1-2.5mm wetsuits, 3-5mm for cooler water, and over 5mm thickness for water under 15°C.
Spearfishing Gloves
Spearfishing gloves keep your hands safe and dry without impeding your ability to fish. A lightweight glove with a good grip is ideal for handling your equipment underwater, and be sure to pick the right fit.
Dive Fins
Fins are essential to make it easier to dive deeper, faster, and conserve energy on your dive. Flexibility of the fin will depend on your own leg strength and diving preferences.
Speargun
The speargun is an obvious necessity for spearfishing. Choosing a speargun depends on the size of the fish you are hunting and the visibility of the water. For smaller fish or low visibility, pick a shorter speargun, and vice versa. Plan to have a few spear guns in your collection.
Weight Belt
A weight belt is necessary to increase depth while diving. Rubber weight belts are ideal for spearfishing, as they are durable and won’t move around while diving. Weight depends on the depths you plan on diving.
Dive Knife
A good spearfishing knife should be both sharp and durable. Quality is important in a dive knife, as your knife should not rust or wear down easily. Safety is also a factor, and the knife should have a safe sheathing mechanism to prevent it from accidentally opening and causing you harm.
Reels, Floats & Floatlines
Spearing the fish is just the first part of the battle. Getting them to the surface and in your bag or boat is a challenge in itself. Depending on the size of fish you are targeting you could just reel them in or you might need floats to help fight the fish with buoyancy as your ally.
Fishing License
Before you can go fishing, a license is necessary. In most states, a fishing license can be purchased online and costs around $40. Be sure to familiarize yourself with state and local fishing laws before you dive, and always have your license with you.
Now that you know which pieces of spearfishing gear you’ll need, its time to pick a destination on where to fish. See our article of the best spearfishing locations.
Well, that was a pretty fascinating read, not going to lie. I really hope you continue to write. Probably one of the more informative pieces I’ve read on this subject. Thanks!