How To Spear Fish: Master the Ancient Art (2025 Guide)

By: Dave Samuel

Updated On: July 30, 2025

The first time I missed a 40-pound cobia by inches, I wanted to throw my speargun across Tampa Bay. Six feet away, perfect shot lined up, and I jerked the trigger like a rookie. That was 15 years ago, and that missed fish taught me more about spearfishing than any successful shot since.

If you're ready to start spearfishing, you're in for one of the most primal, rewarding ways to catch dinner. After teaching hundreds of beginners and spearing fish from the Florida Keys to the Pacific Northwest, I've learned that success comes down to mastering a few key skills – not expensive gear or natural talent.

This guide covers everything you need for getting into spear fishing: from choosing your first speargun to advanced hunting techniques that took me years to figure out. I'll share the mistakes that cost me fish (and nearly my eardrums), plus the shortcuts that'll have you bringing home dinner on your first dive.

Why Spearfishing Changes Everything?

Spearfishing isn't just another way to catch fish – it's a complete shift in how you interact with the underwater world. When I switched from traditional kayak fishing to spearfishing, three things blew my mind:

You become the predator. No more waiting for fish to bite. You're actively hunting, reading body language, and making split-second decisions. It's the difference between ordering takeout and hunting your own dinner.

Zero bycatch. Unlike hook-and-line fishing where you might catch undersized fish or protected species, spearfishing is 100% selective. You only shoot what you intend to eat. That 12-inch snapper swimming by? You let it grow. The 20-inch hog snapper behind it? Dinner.

The meditation factor. Holding your breath, slowing your heart rate, becoming part of the reef – spearfishing forces a level of calm I've never found in any other sport. Even after a tough day, 30 minutes underwater resets everything.

Essential Spearfishing Gear for Beginners

Let me save you the $3,000 I wasted buying the wrong gear when I started. Here's exactly what you need for spearfishing setup, nothing more:

Spearguns vs. Pole Spears: The Real Deal

Pole Spears ($50-200) My first fish – a 5-pound mangrove snapper – came on a $60 pole spear from a dive shop in Key Largo. Pole spears are simple: fiberglass or carbon fiber shaft, rubber sling, three-prong tip. Perfect for beginners because:

Forces you to get close (improves stalking skills)
No moving parts to maintain
Legal everywhere spearguns aren't
Fits in any kayak with proper rod holders

Hawaiian Slings ($75-150) Think pole spear meets bow and arrow. More range than a pole spear, but requires two hands. I keep one for lobstering but rarely use it for fish anymore.

Spearguns ($150-600) After six months with a pole spear, upgrade to a speargun. For spearfishing gear for beginners, start with:

90cm (35") gun for reefs and most conditions
Single 20mm band (easier to load than double bands)
Open muzzle design (less likely to tangle)
Reel or float line setup

Pro tip: Buy used from local divers. I scored my first Rob Allen speargun for $200 from a guy upgrading his gear.

The Wetsuit Debate

Water temperature determines everything. Here's my tried-and-tested thickness guide:

75°F+: 1.5mm shorty or just board shorts
70-75°F: 3mm full suit
65-70°F: 5mm with hood
Below 65°F: 7mm or dry suit (or move to Florida like I did)

Camouflage patterns look cool but don't make much difference. What matters is fit – a baggy wetsuit is a cold wetsuit. Mine fits like a second skin after proper maintenance with wetsuit conditioner.

Masks, Snorkels, and Fins

Mask: Low volume is king. Less air = easier equalization. My Cressi Nano has been bulletproof for five years. Black silicone skirt prevents glare that spooks fish.

Snorkel: Simple J-tube, no purge valves. I cut mine to 12 inches – anything longer catches kelp and makes noise.

Fins: This is where beginners mess up. Freediving fins are NOT scuba fins. You want:

Long blades (30% more efficiency)
Foot pockets that fit with 3mm neoprene socks
Medium stiffness for beginners

I started with plastic Mares fins ($120) and upgraded to carbon fiber ($400) after two years. The difference in bottom time is massive.

Safety Gear That's Saved My Ass

Dive Knife: Not for fighting sharks (they don't care). For cutting yourself free from fishing line, kelp, or speared fish. Mine rides on my calf – saved me twice from abandoned gill nets.

Float and Flag: Required by law in most states, smart everywhere else. Your float:

Marks your position for boats
Holds your catch away from you (and sharks)
Provides emergency flotation
Carries water and snacks for long sessions

Weight Belt: Quick-release buckle is non-negotiable. I've dropped mine three times in emergencies. Start with minimal weight – you should float at eye level with full lungs.

Mastering Spearfishing Techniques for Beginners

The Art of Breath-Holding

Forget the Hollywood BS about hyperventilating. Here's how to actually extend your bottom time safely:

The 4-7-8 Method

Breathe in through nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 7 seconds
Exhale through mouth for 8 seconds
Repeat 4 times before diving

This activates your parasympathetic nervous system, dropping heart rate by 10-15 BPM. I went from 45-second dives to 2+ minutes using this technique.

The One-Third Rule: Never push past one-third discomfort. If your body says "air would be nice," you have two-thirds left. If it says "I need air," you have one-third. When it screams "AIR NOW," you're at zero. Always surface at one-third.

Reading Fish Behavior

Fish aren't stupid – they've survived millions of years of predators. Here's what I've learned about their psychology:

Curious vs. Spooked

Curious: Slow approach, one eye on you, may circle
Spooked: Both eyes on you, body tense, ready to bolt

The 45-Degree Rule: Never approach head-on. Come in at 45 degrees, looking past the fish like you're interested in something else. Works 70% better than direct approach.

Species-Specific Behavior

Grouper: Hide in holes, ambush predators. Look for them lurking in shadows
Snapper: School fish, spook easily. Pick one on the edge, not the middle
Hogfish: Bottom feeders, often distracted. Easiest targets for beginners
Cobia: Curious as hell. I've had them swim up to investigate my fins

Shooting Techniques That Actually Work

Aim Small, Miss Small: Don't aim for "the fish." Aim for the spot right behind the gill plate. Visualize your spear going through that exact spot.

The Kill Zone: Brain shot (behind the eye) or spine shot (lateral line). Heart shots work but fish can swim 50 yards with a spear through the heart. I learned this chasing a wounded yellowtail for 20 minutes.

Range Estimation Underwater: Everything looks 25% closer and bigger underwater. That "10-foot" shot is really 13 feet. Practice on kelp or rocks first.

Trigger Control: Squeeze, don't jerk. My missed cobia taught me this. Now I pretend I'm squeezing a stress ball – smooth, consistent pressure.

Where and When: Location Strategy

Saltwater Hotspots

Structure is Everything Fish need three things: food, shelter, and current breaks. Find all three, find fish. My favorite spots:

Ledges where sand meets reef
Isolated rocks in sand (fish magnets)
Pier pilings and bridge supports
Artificial reefs and wrecks

Reading Water

Nervous water: Small fish jumping means predators below
Current lines: Where fast meets slow water
Color changes: Deep blue to green usually means a dropoff
Birds working: Pelicans and terns mark baitfish

Freshwater Spearfishing: The Hidden Gem

Most people don't realize freshwater spearfishing is legal in many states. I spent a summer spearing invasive carp in Texas lakes – some of the best practice you can get.

Prime Freshwater Targets

Carp: Invasive, no limits, grow huge
Catfish: Night hunting with lights in legal areas
Bowfin: Prehistoric and aggressive
Gar: Tough scales, aim for soft spots

Freshwater Challenges

Limited visibility (3-10 feet usually)
Colder water = shorter dives
More regulations (check local laws)
Tangled structure (submerged trees are death traps)

Pro tip: Start in clear springs or quarries. I learned in Florida's springs where 100-foot visibility made everything easier.

Seasonal Patterns

Spring (March-May): Fish are spawning, aggressive, and shallow. Best time for beginners. Water's warming, visibility improving.

Summer (June-August): Early morning and late afternoon. Fish go deep midday. I switch to night diving for lobster and sleeping fish.

Fall (September-November): Migration season. Bigger fish moving through. King mackerel and cobia along the coast.

Winter (December-February): Coldest water but often best visibility. Fish are sluggish, easier to approach. Grouper season in many areas.

Safety: Don't Die Doing This

I've had three close calls in 15 years. All were preventable. Learn from my stupidity:

Shallow Water Blackout

This kills more spearfishers than sharks. You feel fine, fine, fine, then lights out. No warning. Prevention:

Never hyperventilate
One breath-hold, one breath minimum on surface
Weight yourself neutral at 15 feet
Dive with a buddy who knows rescue breathing

Boat Traffic

My closest call was a yacht running over my float. Now I:

Use a 6-foot orange flag (bigger than required)
Dive slack tide when boat traffic is lowest
Stay within 50 feet of my float
Listen for engines constantly

Marine Life Encounters

Sharks: In 15 years, I've seen hundreds. Been bumped twice. Rules:

Never spear with sharks visible
Keep fish on float, not your belt
If approached, stay calm, keep gun between you
Back away slowly, never turn your back

Barracuda: More dangerous than sharks IMO. Attracted to shiny objects and wounded fish. I watched one take a fish off my buddy's spear at 40 mph.

Moray Eels: Don't put hands in holes. Ever. 40 stitches taught me that lesson.

Environmental Hazards

Current: Can sweep you miles offshore. Check twice, dive once
Entanglement: Fishing line, rope, kelp. Knife accessible with either hand
Surge: Waves can slam you into rocks. Time sets, never turn your back
Cold: Hypothermia creeps up. Shivering = get out

Cooking Your Catch: From Spear to Plate

The best part of spearfishing? You know exactly where dinner came from. Here's how I prepare common catches:

Hogfish: The ultimate spearfishing prize. Mild, flaky, sweet. Simple pan sear with butter, lemon, and garlic. Don't overpower the delicate flavor.

Grouper: Thick fillets perfect for sandwiches. My go-to is blackened with cajun spices or coconut-crusted with mango salsa.

Snapper: Whole roasted with herbs stuffed in the cavity. Score the skin, high heat, crispy outside, moist inside.

Freshwater Carp: Pressure cook to dissolve Y-bones, then make fish cakes. Seriously good when prepared right.

Pro tip: Bleed fish immediately. Brain spike, cut gills, into ice slurry. The difference in meat quality is night and day.

Advanced Tips That Took Years to Learn

Aspetto (Italian for "waiting"): Instead of hunting, become a rock. Pick a spot where fish travel, wait motionless. Fish forget you're there after 2-3 minutes. My biggest mutton snapper came from 5 minutes of playing statue.

Flasher Technique: Shiny object on a string to attract pelagics. Works incredible for mahi, kingfish, and amberjack. Check local regs – illegal some places.

Current Diving: Drift with current, have boat follow float. Cover 10x more ground than swimming. How I find new spots.

Moon Phase Matters: Three days before and after new moon = best visibility and fish activity. Full moon = fish feed all night, sluggish during day.

The Buddy System: Not just for safety. One dives, one watches from surface. Surface buddy can direct you to fish you can't see from below. Game-changer for finding hidden fish.

Legal Stuff: Don't Be That Guy

Every ticket I've seen written comes from ignorance, not malice. Know before you go:

License: Fishing license plus lobster stamp if applicable
Size/Bag Limits: Screenshot current regs on phone
Gear Restrictions: Some areas ban spearguns, allow pole spears only
Protected Species: Goliath grouper, Nassau grouper, billfish = never
Seasons: Changes yearly, check monthly
Marine Reserves: GPS coordinates in your fish finder

Pro tip: Game wardens love checking spearfishers. Be legal, be polite, show off your catch. They're usually divers too and know good spots.

Getting Started: Your First Trip

Here's your homework before getting wet:

Take a Freediving Course: Best $300 you'll spend. Proper equalization and safety protocols
Find a Mentor: Local spearfishing clubs, dive shops, online forums
Start in a Pool: Practice breath-holds, swimming with fins, loading your gun
Easy First Spots: Shallow reefs, clear water, lots of fish
Target Easy Species: Grunts, small snappers, invasive lionfish

Remember: Spearfishing is a marathon, not a sprint. My first year, I was happy hitting anything. Now I pass on 90% of shots waiting for the right fish.

Gear Maintenance: Make It Last

Good gear costs money. Here's how I make mine last:

After Every Dive:

Rinse everything in fresh water
Work speargun mechanism 10 times
Inspect bands for nicks
Dry wetsuit inside-out, out of sun
Sharpen spear tip

Monthly:

Disassemble and grease speargun
Replace worn bands (they stretch)
Check mask skirt for tears
Inspect weight belt release

Yearly:

Professional speargun service
Replace mask strap
New knife (saltwater destroys everything)
Update safety gear

FAQs

What's the best spearfishing setup for beginners?

Start with a 90cm speargun with single band, low-volume mask, simple snorkel, long-blade freediving fins, 3mm wetsuit, weight belt with quick release, dive knife, and float with flag. Budget $800-1200 for quality used gear that'll last years.

How deep do I need to dive for spearfishing?

Most of my fish come from 15-30 feet. Beginners can be successful in 10 feet of water. I know guys who feed their families spearing in knee-deep flats. Depth isn't everything – fish behavior and shot placement matter more.

Is spearfishing dangerous?

Like any ocean sport, there are risks. But following basic safety rules makes it very safe. In 15 years, I've had more injuries from kayak fishing hooks than spearfishing. Biggest danger is shallow water blackout from poor breathing technique.

Can you spearfish from a kayak?

Absolutely! I use my fishing kayak as a mobile dive platform. Just need proper safety gear and flag setup. Great for accessing spots boats can't reach.

What's the hardest part about learning to spearfish?

Breath-holding feels unnatural at first. Your brain screams "breathe!" when you have plenty of oxygen left. Take a freediving course to learn proper techniques. Second hardest is learning to relax – tense muscles burn oxygen faster.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You need to be comfortable in water, but fins do most of the work. I've taught 60-year-olds who swim laps twice a week. If you can swim 200 yards without stopping and tread water for 10 minutes, you're ready.

What about sharks?

I see sharks regularly. They're curious but rarely aggressive. Keep fish on your float (not your belt), stay calm if approached, and never spear with sharks already present. More dangerous is boat traffic – always use a proper dive flag.

When's the best time to go spearfishing?

Early morning (first 2 hours after sunrise) and late afternoon (2 hours before sunset). Slack tide gives best visibility. Avoid full moons – fish feed all night and hide during day. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest fish.

Final Thoughts: Just Get in the Water

I still remember my first successful shot – a grunt no bigger than my hand in 8 feet of murky water. I was so excited I forgot to hold my breath on the way up and nearly passed out. That tiny fish tasted better than any restaurant meal because I'd earned it.

Spearfishing isn't just about filling the freezer (though that's nice). It's about becoming part of the ocean instead of just floating on top. It's about knowing exactly where your food comes from. It's about the meditation of the hunt and the rush of the perfect shot.

Start simple. Get basic gear. Find a mentor. Make mistakes in shallow water. Soon enough, you'll be passing on these same lessons to the next generation of spearfishers.

The ocean's waiting. Time to get wet.

Remember to check current regulations in your area and always prioritize safety. When in doubt, don't shoot. There's always another fish.