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Ask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, spear propulsion device (gun/pole spear), diving knife, float/flag, gloves. A utility knife or side cutter (typically made of saltwater corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel or titanium alloy) is carried as a safety precaution in case the diver becomes tangled in a spearline or floatline. Spearfishermen who practice freediving hold their breath underwater, wearing only a snorkel and taking deep recovery breaths when they surface. The key is to ensure you take shots that don’t strike the reef. But if you already know how to scuba dive and you’re interested in spearfishing, lionfish spearing is a good place to start since they’re an invasive scourge in the Atlantic and Caribbean. “Say you’re spearfishing tuna and you shoot a tuna, it goes berserk, it does a 360 around you, your line gets caught around your ankle, and it starts pulling you down. Besides carefully timing his dives, the second big safety precaution Raabe takes is always carrying a dive knife. While free divers aren’t usually at risk for the bends, free diving experts recommend mandatory surface time between dives, usually proportional to the duration of the dive.
“I’ll dive down to the school, whether it’s 10 or 20 feet,” says Mooney. Meanwhile, dorado are relatively easy to shoot since they don’t spook easily. Visual concealment — usually achieved with a camouflage wetsuit, cautious movement, and by sticking to shadowy kelp for cover — is just one thing spearfishermen like Raabe have to keep in mind when chasing white seabass. Just like hunters, different spearfishermen have different tactics for how they hunt, even when they’re pursuing the same species. After I shot my fish, I watched Mooney swim straight down into the gloom beneath me to locate and shoot a yellowtail, which were hanging at a lower depth, then safely return to the surface. Fortunately, dorado were schooling close enough to the surface that I could watch the fish, take frequent breaths, and look for the opening I needed to shoot one. I had practiced my static breath hold for weeks ahead of our trip, but found that the ocean current, the act of treading water, and my adrenaline made staying underwater longer than 30 seconds impossible. In certain freshwater areas, like the San Marcos River in Texas, you can stay just a foot or two below the surface while spearing invasive suckermouth catfish.
“When I get to the surface, it vibrates after two minutes. (You can see a short example of Mooney free diving in the video above.)“I have a dive watch that has a surface interval timer on it,” says Raabe. After each long breath hold, you should always practice recovery breaths. But the key is to begin with short breath holds (around 20 to 30 seconds) and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable.“Practice sitting on your couch,” says Mooney. In the simplest terms, free divers wearing snorkels go underwater and return to the surface on a single breath. The right recommendations will save you both time and money spent learning which gear works (or doesn’t work) the hard way. Here’s where a good local dive shop is invaluable. You don’t want the tip of the gun to reach beyond your visibility.
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But if you push it too much, and you come to the surface and your lips are blue and you’re hypoxic, you could samba — which is like you’re shaking — you can pass out and drown on the surface.” The key is to get your hands on the fish quickly to prevent losing it and to avoid getting tangled in your line if you’re using one. Even bubble control when exhaling is key — and don’t even think about farting in your wetsuit. I also didn’t have a dive belt with weights on, and I kept floating toward the surface in my neoprene. Not only will it help you maximize your dives while spearfishing, it will teach you about the risks of freediving, including shallow water blackouts (more on that later).
Here's everything you need to know to get started. Many spearfishermen are capable of holding their breath for much longer (up to five minutes) when not moving and simply observing fish underwater. Many spearfishermen would say the hardest fish to spearfish is the white seabass, a member of the croaker family that’s targeted in kelp paddies off the coast of Southern California. For instance, it’s illegal to spear freshwater in Florida, as well as to spear many of the state’s popular saltwater gamefish (billfish, snook, tarpon, etc.) or any ornamental reef fish. Hawaii, California, and Florida are all popular destinations for spearfishing in the U.S., but regulations differ in each state. Because they don’t have a predator here, they’re not afraid of you.
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This price gets you a basic, reliable model from trusted brands like Cressi, Rob Allen, and Mares—great for learning the ropes without emptying your pockets. Though more expensive (there are some good beginner spearguns though) and with a slight learning curve, the investment significantly enhances your capabilities. They’re affordable, making them attractive for new spearos, and contrary to popular belief, can be quickly reloaded with a bit of practice. I myself started spearfishing with a band-powered speargun, affordable and effective for beginners. For beginners, understanding what equipment you need can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Your first spearfishing trip should be about learning and enjoyment, not battling the elements. Knowing you’re diving in a spot free from the buzz of boats and the worry of unwelcome apex predators lets you focus on the hunt and your technique. Knowing where to start can be the difference between a successful dive and a frustrating day at sea.
Tips on the best local spots, gear advice, and advanced techniques become readily available. It’s one thing to learn techniques and theory, but it’s another to share experiences and learn from others who are just as passionate about the sport. When I first got serious about spearfishing, I started this spearfishing blog so I could connect with other spearos around the world. Joining a spearfishing organization isn’t just about finding dive spots; it’s about becoming part of a community. So, I dove without them, trying to reach depths with exhaling before the dives, not realizing I was actually risking my health. This Guide will kickstart your spearo journey and show you how to start spearfishing the right way.
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And if that happens, your buddy grabs you and brings you to the surface and shakes you — and a lot of times you wake up. As you hold your breath longer – hurting isn’t the right word but you don’t feel comfortable, and you have to learn that discomfort is the buildup of Co2 in your lungs, not the lack of oxygen. Shallow water blackout usually occurs when a spear fisherman is returning to the surface but passes out from lack of oxygen before reaching it — usually at a depth of 15 feet or less. “Obviously it’s something you should be conscious of, but there aren’t great whites everywhere that will come eat you. Drowning is the primary concern for divers of all skill levels.“Everybody’s scared about sharks and it’s not as big of an issue,” says Raabe. And I gut them as quickly as I can too.”Once you’ve bled your fish, you can either attach it to a stringer on your float or, in the case of bigger fish, return them to your boat and get them on ice. “You’re going to come to the surface with it and try to get your hands in the gills as quickly as you can.
