4 Basics Of Spearfishing 

In the past, human ancestors used to find and catch their own food for survival. For people living near oceans and rivers, fishing with a spear was one of the oldest methods of bringing food to feed their families. Fast forward to the advanced civilizations today, spearfishing remains but is practiced for many other purposes.  

Spearfishing allows you to capture large fish and comes with high selectivity. You can dive into the water, use the right gear, and master some more spearfishing techniques. However, if you’re just starting with spearfishing or perhaps considering pursuing it as a hobby for veterans, it pays to know more about its basics. 

Read on for more information about spearfishing.  

• Prioritize Safety Above The Rest  

Spearfishing is considered a sport; like any other sport, it should be treated with safety precautions. To note, spearfishing can be exhilarating but challenging at the same time. Simply put, there is no room for errors and carelessness as you’ll be deep down underwater, and failure to execute the necessary safety tips can lead to fatal injuries and serious accidents. 

With that in mind, proper training is necessary before you level up in your spearfishing journey. You need to be a good diver and swimmer to get more advanced in spearfishing. Divers must also be certified in either freediving or scuba diving and at the appropriate depths for spearfishing training. Fortunately, there are scuba diving classes that you can enroll in and learn more about safety precautions while underwater.

Furthermore, spearfishing in any body of water presents different kinds of risks and dangers. Therefore, always prioritize safety above anything else. Don’t dive into areas that are too advanced for your skill level or experience level; keep your hands and weapons visible, and take all possible safety precautions as much as necessary.

• Invest In Quality Spearfishing Gear  

Spearfishing requires quite a bit of equipment, and a large part of your spearfishing journey goes to the quality of your gear used. For one, you’ll need to invest in diving gear, fins, spear shafts, wetsuits, dive watches, and many more. And there’s no question how critical it is to choose the best spear shafts. Fortunately, you can find some of the best ones from the Neptonics site and other reputable spearfishing gear shops. 

To help you get started, it’s best to list them down and purchase them according to priorities. However, note that these gear and tools should always come with high quality and durability to ensure your safety. Your spearfishing success generally relies on these tools, so it’s crucial that they’re made of durable materials.

• Conduct A Thorough Research  

It’s also recommended to research and read as much information and articles about spearfishing. Spearfishing doesn’t stop with learning how to dive, swim, and target a fish; there is more knowledge to be learned. For one, you’ll need to constantly look into diving spots and other types of bodies of water, especially since unfamiliar spots should be researched well first before exploring them. 

This is not a new sport, so you’ll likely find helpful and wide resources online and in libraries or other facilities. While you may have practiced doing the actual sport a few more times than you can count, there are more tips, techniques, and new insights you can gain from reading books and references.  

Besides doing personal research, you can join communities, forums, and other organizations related to spearfishing. This can serve as an interactive way of researching and learning more about it. Whether you want to learn about techniques, the best spearfishing gear, or diving spots, being part of a community can be helpful, especially since you can gain more insights from other enthusiasts.

• Practice Targeting A Fish  

As mentioned, spearfishing requires many skills, like swimming and diving. But one of the focal skills you should practice is how to target a fish. You can dive down and reach the point where the fish usually swims underneath. And after diving and swimming, it’s best to relax once you have spotted a fish you want to target, as swimming too hard and moving too much will create disruptions that alert the fish of your existence.  

In spearfishing, you also need to be stealthy. Put the speargun in your dominant hand as soon as you’re in the perfect spot. Extend your arm once the fish gets close and wait until you have a clear shot. This can be a good position when you want to target a fish. Practice doing this for some time, even in the swimming pool, so you’ll know the right position and techniques for targeting a fish. 

Conclusion  

It’s best to start slow and easy if you have just recently pursued spearfishing as a hobby. Try to spend more time in the water and master your diving and swimming skills. Once you’re done with that, apply the tips above, and you’ll be ready to tackle an actual spearfishing moment. 

Eventually, you’ll be able to catch your first fish through spearfishing. And you’ll realize how your preparation and practice will all be worth it.