Spearfishing is an ancient method of fishing, which is widely used over the world. It’s among the top preferred and sustainable methods for obtaining fresh and healthy seafood because it does not require weapons or dangerous instruments that can cause water pollution. The best part is that it can be lots of enjoyment!
Before you begin your dive or hunt for a sizeable snapper or bass, you’ll need to ensure you have all the gear you require to catch. It might be helpful to talk with others who are experts in the field for equipment that you can use in a specific area because the equipment you’ll need in the Caribbean will not work in places like spearfish in New Zealand or San Diego.
But to give you an idea of the basics this is the most basic equipment and tools you’ll need to ensure a safe and enjoyable spearfishing experience.
Basic Spearfishing Gear
Anyone who is a professional spearfisher or “spearo” would know that getting the best gear for spearfishing is crucial to ensure your safety and the success you desire. Below you’ll find the most fundamental equipment for fishing that you may have to purchase in your first attempt at spearfishing. There are also recommended brands that are well known and highly suggested to other spearos.
Fishing License
Although technically not part of the freediving equipment you own, however, you might need to acquire a valid sportfishing license prior to hitting the water with your hunting equipment. In many states, you can get punished for fishing with no license, and even face prison to hunt (and kill) endangered species.
It is a good idea to have to consult the local authorities, lifeguards fisherman supply and dive shops, and any other experienced spearos to get information prior to doing anything.
Weapon of Choice
Let’s move to your primary equipment for spearfishing: Hawaiian slings, pole spears, or a speargun. Hawaiian pole spears and slings both require you to be within the reach of the animal, however, they differ in that the sling’s band will typically remain in your hand, while the pole spear disappears from your hand completely when you use it to spear a fish. With regard to the speargun, it differs based on the type of construction. Some are launched manually with the sling or band and other spearguns are powered by gas or air (pneumatic).
If you decide to go for a speargun, you’ll need to consider the visibility of the water as well as your size for the type of fish you’ll hunt before choosing the best type to buy. A low-visibility area will require you to move in closer to the water, making shorter spearguns more ideal. As long as you’re not fishing to catch a larger fish it’s not necessary to use thick shafts or an air-powered speargun. In most instances, when you’ll need a mid-sized, multiple-band speargun, with additional reach and a longer reach, you can do it by using rolling guns.
Spearfishing Wetsuits and Rash Guards
One of the most essential items you’ll need prior to spearfishing, or diving in the first place is a wetsuit. There are various types and different types of wetsuits available to select according to the temperatures of the water as well as the activity.
To spearfish, you’ll need to think about the suit’s thickness, especially when diving in warm temperatures. It’s best to opt for a suit that is not more than 1.5mm for spearfishing unless you’re planning to do deep dives in colder water. If you’re going to not be doing deep dives or in the water for extended periods of time, you can get away with just wearing a rashguard.