Spearfishing is one of the oldest methods of fishing, which is widely used around the globe. It’s today among the top preferred ways to acquire fresh and nutritious seafood as it does not require guns or other harmful equipment that can lead to pollution of the waters. Additionally, it can be a lot of fun!
Before you begin your fishing or searching to catch a hefty snapper or bass, ensure you have the spearfishing gear that you require for catching. It is helpful to consult other experts for recommendations on equipment that you can use for specific locations since the gear you may need in the Caribbean may not work for spearfishing spots in New Zealand or San Diego.
To give you an idea of the basics, here are the basic tools and equipment you’ll need to enjoy a safe spearfishing experience.
Basic Spearfishing Gear
A professional or experienced spearfisher “spearo” would know that having the proper equipment for fishing is vital to ensure your safety and the success you desire. Below you’ll find the most fundamental equipment for fishing that you might need to buy to begin your first venture into spearfishing. Also, you can find recommended brands that are well known and highly recommended by other spearos.
Fishing License
Although technically not part of your fishing equipment, it is possible that you need to acquire a valid sportfishing license prior to hitting the water using your hunting equipment. In the majority of states, you can get punished for fishing with no license, and you can even be sentenced to prison time for hunting (and killing) protected species.
In general, you’ll be advised to speak with your local lifeguards, local agencies, fishermen supply, and dive shops, and other experienced spearos to get information prior to doing anything.
Weapon of Choice
Let’s move to your primary tool for spearfishing: Hawaiian slings, pole spears, or a rifle. Hawaiian pole spears and slings each require that you be within the reach of the animal, however, the distinction is that the sling’s sling’s bands will usually remain in your hand while the pole spear disappears from your hands entirely when you make use of it to spear an animal. In the case of spearguns, it differs based on construction–some are manually launched using a band or sling, while others run on gas or air (pneumatic).
If you choose to opt for a speargun, then you’ll be able to assess the visibility of the water and how big the species that you will be hunting is before selecting the kind of gun to purchase. A low-visibility area will require you to be closer and make shorter spearguns more ideal. And unless you’re hunting for a larger fish there’s no need for thick shafts nor an air-driven speargun. In most instances, where you might only require a small, multiple-band speargun that has the extra reach and a longer reach, you can do it with roller guns.
Spearguns are available in pretty almost every store that sells equipment for spearfishing. JBL has a good range of entry-level spearguns and you should check out their Woody Sawed-Off Magnum Spear Gun ($309.95) from this manufacturer if you’re in the market for a weapon that’s low-maintenance, simple to operate, and packs a punch. However, if you prefer pole spears you may prefer the five-pronged Lionfish Pole Spear ($26.95) or the JBL 6 Broken Travel Pole Spear ($119.95).
Spearfishing Wetsuits and Rash Guards
One of the primary items you’ll require before spearfishing — or diving in the first place is the wetsuit. There are many kinds and types of wetsuits to choose from, based on the water temperature and underwater activity.
To spearfish, you’ll need to think about the suit’s thickness, particularly when diving in warm temperatures. It’s generally recommended to go for a suit that’s not thicker than 1.5mm unless you’re doing deep dives in colder water. If you’re not likely to do deep dives or in the water for long periods of time, you could be able to get away with wearing a rash guard.