4 Spearfishing Techniques for Beginners

4 Spearfishing Techniques for Beginners

Spearfishing is an activity where you hunt for fish using a particular type of underwater spear gun. It’s gradually becoming popular among deep-sea divers and freedivers. But like any other sporting activity, it has a learning curve you must tackle to become successful. As a beginner trying to enhance your spearfishing skills, learning a few techniques is essential to make you enjoy this activity.

Fundamentally, if you want to catch a fish, you must first learn to think like a fish. In this article, you’ll not only learn how to think like a fish but also learn four incredible spearfishing techniques that can make your experience enjoyable as a beginner. Read on for the insight.

1. Adhere to the General Rules of Spearfishing

To enjoy any sport, you must abide by the rules. Here are some of the standard spearfishing rules that you need to know:

• Get a Good Speargun and Be Careful With It

Getting a good speargun is your top priority towards becoming a good ‘spearo.’ If you need one, you can use the Neptonics ultimate guide to selection of a good speargun. A shorter speargun is ideal for fishing in cramped spaces, while a longer one suffices for open water and big game. Shorter speargun bands are typically more powerful but require more strength to load. Finally, flopper tips work well for reef fish, while slip tips are better suited for blue-water fish and more delicate fish.

A speargun is as dangerous as your firearm and can be fatal if you fire at someone. Consider turning on the safety pin when you’re not using it, and never point at any other person.

• Don’t Chase Fish

Never reveal your motive to the fish. If the fish notice you’re on the hunt, they’ll be scared and swim away. So, practice stealthiness and camouflaging techniques. You can only chase fish if they’ve torn off your shaft, and you have to kill them.

• Be Comfortable in Water

While in the water, don’t flap around, or the fish will sense that you’re in predator mode. Take a deep breath, relax, and swim confidently.

2. Spearfishing at Surface

Spearfishing from the surface is the first essential technique you need to master. You learn how to float on water armed with a speargun. Doing this will make you get used to shooting. You don’t have to dive deep to catch fish. Well, this may not be fun initially, but most professional ‘spearos’ begin by learning how to spearfish at the water’s surface. As time goes by, you’ll learn to dive into deeper levels, but you should first understand surface diving techniques.

Your freediving mask may limit your view while in the water. So, look in all directions to locate fish. Fish typically don’t swim at the surface, but some meters below. So, you’ll have to shoot downwards in most cases. Sometimes it may be challenging to hit the target, especially if it’s far from you. Luckily, the gravitational pull enables your spear shaft to move faster, increasing your chances of hitting your prey.

3. Diving at Midwater Level

Another essential spearfishing technique is freediving at the mid-water level (20 to 40 feet). But it has an associated strain since your body uses a lot of energy to move muscles with a single breath of air. You can stay underwater for as long as you’re comfortable, but as a beginner, you should aim to spend 90 seconds underwater and then return to the surface for recovery. It’d also help if you had a friend who could watch while you’re underwater.

Diving at the mid-water level is enjoyable when you’re near kelp and have a desire to hunt fish at the same level or close to the bottom. At this level, it’s not easy to see fish beyond seven feet, but this may also vary depending on the day. To overcome this, look around horizontally instead of downwards for better visibility.

4. Spearfishing From Ambush

Spearfishing by ambush can be a great way to catch fish. First, you must hyperventilate to replenish your body’s oxygen supply and dive to the bottom. Look for an area where you can camouflage, so the fish doesn’t know you’re there. You can lie flat on a rock or close to seaweed. Then, keep as still and quiet as possible with your speargun pointed upward. Remember to hold onto something that can keep you in the same position.

With time, fish will start swimming very close to you, making it easy to fire a shot at your target. It can be closer than when you’re hunting at the surface or mid-level. The only problem you could encounter at this level is when they swim close but at a higher level than you. Their bellies are silver-ish and camouflaged against the surface, making it difficult to see them. But if you see them and can identify your target, don’t hesitate to shoot immediately; the fish may not tarry for long.

Conclusion

Spearfishing for beginners can be challenging. Going slow and taking time to understand this sport is the best way to begin your spearfishing journey. Concentrate on acquiring excellent spearfishing skills. Be patient with yourself, and you’ll master the ins and outs gradually. It may take time, but eventually, you’ll hone your fitness, improve your agility in the water, and become an excellent ‘spearo.’