Spearfishing: Everything You Need to Get Started
Spearfishing is a long-standing method of fishing that’s practiced all throughout the world. It’s an extremely preferred and eco-friendly method of acquiring delicious and fresh fish since it does not require guns or other hazardous equipment that could cause pollution of the water. Additionally, it can be quite a bit of fun!
Before you begin your dive or hunt for a sizeable snapper or bass, ensure you have the equipment necessary equipment to catch your catch. It is helpful to consult other professionals for advice on the equipment that you can use in a specific area and the gear you’ll need in the Caribbean is not suitable for fishing spots for spearfishing in New Zealand or San Diego.
To give you an idea of the basics these are the most basic items and equipment that you’ll need to have a safe and enjoyable spearfishing experience.
Basic Spearfishing Gear
Every professional spearfisher or “spearo” would know that getting the best gear for spearfishing is vital for your security and success. Below is the most basic equipment that could be required for your first foray into spearfishing. You will also find suggestions for brands that are widely used and highly suggested among other spearos.
Fishing License
While technically not part of your fishing gear it is possible to obtain a valid fishing license prior to hitting the water with your fishing equipment. In most states, it is possible to be punished for fishing with no license, and you can even be sentenced to prison to hunt (and kill) endangered species.
It is a good idea to be able to contact your local government agencies, lifeguards fishing supply, and dive shops, as well as other seasoned spearos for information before doing anything.
Weapon of Choice
Lionfish Pole Spear
It’s time to consider your primary weapon to spearfish: Hawaiian slings, pole spears, or a rifle. Hawaiian pole spears and slings all require very close to the fish, however, they differ in that the sling’s sling bands will usually remain in your hands while the pole spear disappears from your hands entirely when you make use of it to spear the fish. When it comes to spearguns it differs based on the model. Some are manually launched using bands or slings, and some are gas-powered or air-powered (pneumatic).
If you decide to go to a speargun or buy new spearfishing equipment, you’ll need to consider the visibility of the water as well as what size of the fish you’ll be hunting before selecting the kind of gun to purchase. Areas with low visibility will require you to be closer and shorter spearguns are better. If you’re not hunting for a bigger fish, there’s no need for thick shafts or an air-powered speargun. In most cases where you’ll need an average-sized, multi-band speargun with a longer reach the possibility of getting away using roller guns.
It’s possible to find spearguns in nearly every shop selling spearfishing equipment. JBL makes good spearguns for beginners and you should check out their Woody Sawed-Off Magnum Spear Gun ($309.95) from this brand if you’re looking for a weapon that’s easy to operate and packs a punch. If you prefer pole spears instead, you may want to go with the 5-pronged Lionfish Pole Spear ($26.95) or the JBL 6 Broken Travel Pole Spear ($119.95).
Spearfishing Wetsuits and Rash Guards
One of the most vital items you’ll need before spearfishing–or diving, for that matter–is the wetsuit. There are a variety of styles of wetsuits to pick from, based on the conditions of the ocean and the temperature.
If you’re going to spearfish, it’s best to be aware of the suit’s size, especially in warm conditions. It’s best to opt for one that’s no thicker than 1.5mm at the most, except for deeper dives in colder water. If you’re going to not take deep dives, or be on the water for lengthy durations, you can get away with just wearing a rash guard.