Spearfishing is hunting fish underwater with a handheld spear or speargun, using breath-hold diving or snorkeling
Spearfishing combines the stealth of hunting with the immediacy of being in the water with your target. You locate fish by sight, approach without startling them, and take the shot at close range — usually within arm's reach or a few feet. The method is quieter and more selective than most other fishing, and it puts you directly in the fish's world rather than casting from shore or a boat.
The basic setup is simple: a spear or speargun, a mask and fins, and the ability to hold your breath long enough to find and take a fish. What makes it work is understanding how fish behave underwater, how to move without alarming them, and how to handle the spear safely in an environment where mistakes happen fast and far from help.
Key Takeaways
- Spearfishing requires a mask, fins, and either a handheld spear or a speargun, plus training in breath-hold diving and water safety before you start.
- Fish are most visible and least wary in clear water during early morning or late afternoon, and in areas with structure like rocks, reefs, or kelp where they hunt and hide.
- Approach fish slowly and from behind or below their line of sight, moving only when they are not looking directly at you, and stay still when they turn toward you.
- State regulations vary widely on where you can spearfish, what species you can take, and whether you need a license — check your local fish and game rules before you go.
- Never spearfish alone, never dive beyond your training, and always tell someone on shore where you are and when you expect to return.
Gear you need to start
A mask and fins are non-negotiable. The mask lets you see clearly underwater; the fins give you the speed and control to approach fish and move through current. Buy a mask that fits your face without gaps — hold it to your face without the strap and breathe in gently; it should stay on. Fins should be snug but not painful; you will wear them for hours and need to move efficiently.
Your spear or speargun depends on the fish you are targeting and your comfort level. A handheld spear (also called a pole spear) is a shaft with a barbed or multi-pronged head, usually 4 to 8 feet long. You hold it and thrust it at fish within arm's reach. It is simple, quiet, and good for learning because you stay in control and can feel the fish. A speargun uses a rubber band or spring to propel a shaft or bolt at fish several feet away. Spearguns are faster and reach farther, but they require more training to use safely and accurately.
Add a weight belt to help you descend and stay neutral underwater — how much weight depends on your body composition and the thickness of your wetsuit. A snorkel lets you breathe at the surface while watching for fish without lifting your head. A dive knife or line cutter is safety gear in case you get tangled in kelp or line. Wear a wetsuit for warmth and protection, even in warm water — it keeps you visible to other divers and boaters, and it protects your skin from sun and scrapes.
Where to find fish and when to go
Fish are easiest to see and approach in clear water — visibility of at least 20 feet is ideal for learning. Murky water makes spotting fish harder and increases the risk of surprises. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times because the sun is low, the water is often calmer, and fish are actively feeding. Midday sun creates glare and pushes many fish into deeper or shadier water.
Look for structure — places where fish live and hunt. Rocky reefs, kelp forests, boulder fields, and drop-offs all hold fish. Fish use these areas for shelter and to ambush prey, so they concentrate there. Shallow reefs in 15 to 40 feet of water are good starting points. Avoid sandy flats with no cover; fish there are exposed and spook easily.
Check the tide and current. Fish feed more actively during moving water, and current brings food. Slack tide (the moment between incoming and outgoing) is often slower. A light current helps you approach fish because they face into it and do not see you coming from behind. Strong current makes it hard to stay still and control your approach.
How to approach and take a fish
The approach is everything. Fish have excellent peripheral vision and sense vibrations in the water. Move slowly and deliberately — sudden movements alarm them. Descend at an angle rather than straight down, and position yourself below and behind the fish if you can. Fish look up and forward more than they look down and back. Stay still when the fish turns toward you or looks in your direction; resume moving only when it looks away.
Get as close as you can before you commit to the shot. With a handheld spear, you want to be within 3 to 5 feet. With a speargun, you can take shots from 10 to 20 feet, but closer is always better — accuracy drops fast with distance. Aim for the head or the area just behind the gills; a clean shot kills the fish quickly and prevents it from thrashing and escaping.
After the shot, secure the fish immediately. If you are using a speargun, the shaft is usually attached to a line connected to a float or your belt. Reel the fish in hand-over-hand and control it — a large fish can pull you around or tangle you in line. If you are using a handheld spear, keep the fish on the spear and move to the surface or to a secure location before removing it. Never let a speared fish loose in the water; it will die slowly and you may lose it.
Breath-hold diving and safety
Spearfishing is breath-hold diving — you dive on a single breath and return to the surface. This is fundamentally different from scuba, where you carry air. You have a limited time underwater, and your body's oxygen demand increases with depth and exertion. Never push your limits. Start in shallow water (10 to 15 feet), practice holding your breath at the surface first, and learn to recognize the signs of oxygen deprivation: tingling lips, tunnel vision, or an urge to breathe that feels overwhelming.
Never dive alone. Always have a partner on the surface watching you. If you lose consciousness underwater, a partner can pull you out. Establish a signal system: a raised hand means you are okay, a wave means come back now. Your partner should never dive while you are underwater. Tell someone on shore where you are diving, what time you started, and when you expect to return. If you do not check in, they know to call for help.
Avoid shallow water blackout, a dangerous condition where you lose consciousness on the way up after a deep dive. It happens because your oxygen level drops below the point where your brain can stay conscious, but you do not feel the urge to breathe. The only prevention is to never hyperventilate before a dive (it tricks your body into thinking you have more oxygen than you do) and to surface well before you feel desperate for air. If you are new to breath-hold diving, take a course from an instructor certified in freediving or breath-hold diving safety.
Regulations and licensing
Spearfishing rules vary by state and sometimes by county or specific water body. Some states require a fishing license; others require a separate spearfishing license or diving permit. Many states prohibit spearfishing in certain areas — marine reserves, state parks, and some beaches are off-limits. Species restrictions are common: some fish are protected year-round, others have seasons, and size limits apply to most game fish.
Check your state's fish and game website or call the local office before you go. The rules change, and ignorance is not a defense. Some states also restrict the type of spear you can use — spearguns may be banned in certain areas, or only certain spear types are legal. A few states prohibit spearfishing entirely in saltwater or freshwater.
If you are diving on private land or in a marina, get permission from the owner. If you are diving near a boat launch or popular beach, be aware of other water users and stay out of swimming areas. Wear a dive flag (a red flag with a white diagonal stripe) on a float to mark your location and alert boats to your presence.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Rushing the approach is the most common error. Beginners see a fish and try to close the distance too fast, which spooks it. Slow down. The fish will often stay put if you move deliberately and stay out of its direct line of sight. Patience pays off.
Overestimating your breath-hold capacity is dangerous. You are not as good at holding your breath as you think you are, and depth and cold water make it harder. Start shallow, stay shallow, and come up when you feel the first real urge to breathe — not when you are desperate. Build your comfort and capacity over many dives, not in a single session.
Diving in poor visibility or alone is a recipe for trouble. Visibility hides hazards and makes it harder to spot fish, but more importantly, it makes it harder for your partner to see you if something goes wrong. Murky water also makes fish more skittish because they cannot see you coming. Wait for clear water and good conditions.
Neglecting to check regulations costs money and can result in fines. Spearfishing the wrong species, in the wrong season, or in a closed area is illegal in most places. Know the rules before you enter the water.
Preparing fish you have taken
A speared fish dies quickly if you made a clean shot, but it may still move and bleed. Keep it on the spear or in a secure container until you are back on shore or in the boat. Once you are ready to process it, place the fish on a clean surface and dispatch it humanely if it is still alive — a sharp blow to the head or a cut across the gills ends suffering fast.
Bleed the fish by cutting the gills and letting it drain into the water or a bucket. This removes blood, which darkens the meat and shortens shelf life. Gut the fish as soon as you can — bacteria in the gut spoil the meat quickly. Rinse the cavity with fresh water and pack the fish on ice if you are not cooking it immediately. Most fish stay good for two to three days on ice; longer than that and quality declines.
Different fish require different handling. Delicate white fish like grouper or snapper should be iced whole and gutted at home. Oily fish like mackerel or tuna benefit from being filleted and iced quickly. Learn the fish you are targeting and how to handle them well — good technique in the water means nothing if you ruin the meat on the way home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to spearfish?
Most states require a fishing license, and some require an additional spearfishing or diving permit. Rules vary by state and sometimes by county. Check your state's fish and game website or call the local office before you dive — the cost is usually modest and the fine for diving without one is not.
What is the difference between a spear and a speargun?
A handheld spear is a shaft you thrust at fish within arm's reach — it is simple, quiet, and good for learning. A speargun uses rubber bands or springs to propel a shaft several feet away, giving you more range but requiring more training and safety discipline. Beginners often start with a handheld spear to build approach skills.
How deep can I safely dive on a single breath?
Depth depends on your training and experience. Most beginners should stay in 15 to 25 feet of water. Deeper dives increase the risk of shallow water blackout and nitrogen narcosis, and they require specific training. Take a freediving course before attempting deep dives, and never push beyond your comfort level.
What do I do if I get tangled in kelp or line?
Stay calm and do not thrash — thrashing tangles you more. Move slowly and deliberately to free yourself. This is why a dive knife or line cutter is essential safety gear. If you cannot free yourself quickly, drop your weight belt to gain buoyancy and ascend slowly. Your partner should be watching and ready to help.
Can I spearfish in freshwater lakes and rivers?
Some states allow it; others do not. Freshwater spearfishing is less common than saltwater, and regulations are stricter in many places. Check your state's rules — some states prohibit it entirely, while others allow it for certain species in certain seasons. Always verify before you go.