Expert Article
The Art of Spearfishing
The hunter keeps relaxed, and the hunted keep vigil – for a game of thrills, for a game of fishing
The practice of spearfishing dates back hundreds of years. During the prehistoric period, cave paintings depicted spearfishing by primitive humans. Although it isn't as common today, it still gets a lot of attention for appearing inhumane to the fish. Despite this, spearfishing is an environmentally friendly method of fishing. It differs from commercial fishing, which casts a wide net in the sea and captures anything it encounters. As spearfishing is highly selective, only the targeted fish is involved in the hunt. If done correctly, spearfishing can be exhilarating and a great way to experience an 'alien' world and meet countless sea creatures.
To prepare for the hunt, here is a list to check before your trip:
- Gear
- Techniques
- Where to fish?
- The Golden Rule
Gear
There are a few pieces of equipment that are crucial to spearfishing. You first need a (1) fishing license (Sina). The process is easy and affordable, and the proceeds go to preserve the fish and their environment. Following that are the primary (2) snorkel, (3) mask, (4) wet suit, and (5) fins. Additionally, a (6) weight belt will help you counteract the buoyancy of the wetsuit and make underwater swimming easier. The use of gloves and a sharp knife is not required but is highly recommended. It is impossible to predict when you will need to cut a line, brain a fish, or fend for yourself.
The spear is the most essential piece of equipment. You have a few options in terms of what you are hunting for or where you are hunting. One is the pole spear, which is best suited for shallow water. As the most basic spear, the pole spear requires you to use your strength to penetrate, hold, and pull the fish. There is a spear gun available for deep-sea hunters. There is a trigger mechanism on all spear guns that hold the spear in place along the barrel until it is fired. It is important to note that each spear type has advantages and disadvantages. The dive can be done with either option, depending on the conditions.
Techniques
Having acquired the gear, let's move on to the techniques. Spearfishing uses three techniques - deploying one over the other depends on the environment and distance from the shore. There are three types of spearfishing: shallow water spearfishing, free-dive spearfishing, and scuba diving spearfishing. Each requires varying skill levels and presents unique challenges. Native fishers suggest free-dive spearfishing is the most authentic method (Helmy).
The simplest form of spearfishing is shallow water spearfishing. This technique is best if you come from the shore or use a kayak, bodyboard, or boat. It doesn't require all the essential equipment since you are over or below the water's surface.
When spearfishing by scuba diving, you have the opportunity to dive for longer periods, reach deeper depths, and have the chance to catch bigger fish. Despite this, most areas have heavily regulated scuba diving spearfishing to discourage people from engaging in such an activity ("Statute, Codes, and Regulations") .
In contrast, free-dive spearfishing requires both mastery of breathing techniques and skills in maneuvering underwater for it to be successful. As a guide to best practices, here are a few recommendations:
Start with low dives until you get comfortable within the water
Get used to equalizing with the mask on – cover your nose, and blow the air out until you hear the popping sound
Relax your mind and body to minimize wasteful movements, and maximize energy levels
The movement has to be natural and illusive to catch a fish
'Be a fish' – fish are intuitive and are well aware of your intentions
Where to fish?
You can try spearfishing in many places, but some spots are better than others. In choosing a destination, you must consider the type of fish you want to catch, your skill level, local restrictions, and the water conditions. Generally, you want to find areas with clear water and plenty of fish. There are many popular spearfishing destinations worldwide, including the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Bahamas, and the Mediterranean Sea. San Diego, also known as The West Coast Spearfish Capital of the World, maybe a good option if you want to stay close to home (Marko). The La Jolla area of San Diego is my personal favorite. You can visit plenty of other places around the world - don't limit yourself.
The Golden Rule
Always dive with a buddy - never dive alone. In addition to sharing your experience with someone, it can also save your life one day. At the very least, communicate your location to someone so they know exactly where you are diving if you cannot find a buddy.
In terms of excitement and addictiveness, spearfishing is among the most exciting sports. Despite this, it still has its dangers, and if you respect them, you can maximize the thrill, capture a meal, and even take a few photos worthy of social media if you're lucky enough. Having said that, go ahead and enjoy - happy hunting!
Work Cited
Helmy, Sam. “The Bajau Tribe Has Evolved to Be Able to Dive Deeper and Longer.”DeeperBlue.com, 30 Apr. 2018, https://www.deeperblue.com/tribe-that-has-evolved-to-be-able-to-dive-deeper-and-longer/.
Marko. “Spearfishing in San Diego: The Complete Guide.” FishingBooker Blog, 23 Aug. 2022, https://fishingbooker.com/blog/spearfishing-in-san-diego/.
Sina, Tanya. “Spearfishing in California: All You Need to Know.” Fishingbooker, 21 Sept. 2022, https://www.slo-fishing.si/fishing-trips-charters/583-spearfishing-in-california#:~:text=Spearfishing%20in%20California%20requires%20a,can%60t%20be%20used%20interchangeably.
“Statutes, Codes, and Regulations” Legal Research Tools from Casetext, 21 Sept, 2022, https://casetext.com/regulation/california-code-of-regulations/title-14-natural-resources/division-1-fish-and-game-commission-department-of-fish-and-game/subdivision-1-fish-amphibians-and-reptiles/chapter-4-ocean-fishing/article-1-ocean-a.
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