Are you wondering how to spearfish? The activity is growing in popularity thanks to its action-packed styling that combines a host of different skills with a thrill and joy that no other form of fishing can offer.
One of the most common questions asked by the spearfishing world is how they can improve their technique and become a true Master of the Hunt. There are plenty of guides out there to help you learn how to spearfish better. But to turn you into a Huntmaster, we have put together our top ten tips to make your next trip more productive, fun and sustainable.
Welcome to a top 10 on How To Spearfish.
1. NEVER Do It Alone
Whether you are wetsuit spearfishing in the deep blue or if you are going for a quick rock-hopping session at your local secret spot, NEVER go alone. Even in shallow water, there is a high risk of having a samba or a shallow-water blackout. Your diving buddy can be the determining factor between a life and death situation.
2. Planning The Right Gear
This is one of the most crucial aspects of any wetsuit spearfishing trip. Ensuring you have the right gear for your target fish is crucial. With spearfishing, there is no “one-size-fits-all”, so it is important to scout where you wish to head out, and what you want to catch before leaving the house. Do your research and make sure you are using the best possible wetsuit, speargun, float, and any other accessories that you may need.
3. Stay Relaxed
This one may sound cliché but in the spearfishing world, staying relaxed is often the differentiator between a good and great Spearo. Spearfishing delivers the thrill of the hunt, but fish can easily be spooked, so you must stay as calm as possible when diving. The tension in your body when diving increases your involuntary body movement, frightening your target and forcing you to resurface empty-handed. Practice holding your breath underwater in a static position while remaining as calm as possible to prepare you for the real Hunt.
4. Wear Gloves
Underwater, your hands are your most important tools. Keep them protected from being scratched by coral, lobsters, and very fast-moving fish that may be caught on your shaft. Wearing gloves not only keeps the scratches away, but it improves your grip when handling your fish, avoiding the sleepless nights from seeing your dinner slip between your fingers.
5. Carry A Sharp Knife
Having a high-quality dive knife with you can transform your trip. Any spearo knows that when a fish is caught on the shaft, that is when the true mission starts. Having a knife handy is crucial when your fish is trying to swim away or flap itself off your boat, to confirm the catch. It is also important to have a knife on you in case you are caught in net or rope, or you see some fish struggling in a string that needs rescuing.
6. Choose The Right Wetsuit
There is nothing more frustrating than having to cut your trip short because you are too cold. When it comes to underwater diving and wetsuit spearfishing, making sure you are wearing the right suit to keep you warm, while still giving you the freedom to move freely means you’ll be able to extend your time in the water. Choosing the right thickness for the water temperature you are diving in is also crucial because getting too warm and stuffy in a wetsuit can surely destroy the experience.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
As with any hobby, the only way you will improve your aim and techniques is to practice as often as possible. Becoming a true Hunt Master requires time and constant practice at targeting floating objects to improve your aim and skill.
8. Use Freediving Fins
A popular trait in the spearfishing world is to use freediving fins when heading out into the ocean. These fins have been specifically designed to help you to not only move faster through the water but also reduce the energy it takes to swim. This is a great investment to ensure you remain as efficient as possible while spearfishing.
9. Use A Weight Belt
Diving without a weight belt is torture for any spearo. Naturally, your wetsuit will make you much more buoyant, forcing you to float. Adding weights via a belt or vest allows you to be neutrally buoyant, meaning diving down to catch some fish becomes much easier than fighting against a floatie.
10. Make Yourself As Small As Possible
This might seem a strange statement, but the bigger your presence in the water, the more likely a fish is to be scared away. Keep your arms and legs as close together as possible when in the water and reduce the amount of baggage you have with you on a dive, and you will be able to remain as hidden as possible and enjoy a bigger haul!
No matter whether you are completely new to the spearfishing world, or have years of experience if you are looking to learn how to spearfish better, Hunt Master is here to help you. We are passionate about expanding the sport and giving enthusiasts the knowledge and equipment to take their dives to the next level.
Our dedicated team has over five decades of spearfishing experience, which has allowed us to create a wide range of products to help meet the growing demands of hunters. Of course, having the right equipment is no use if you do not know how to use it, which is why Hunt Master also hosts regular events and courses, allowing you to develop your skills. So, if you want to improve your skills and become a spearfishing master, get in touch today!