Spearfishing Gear: Choose the Right Gear for Spearfishing in 2023

Choosing the right spearfishing gear can be tough.

You’ve got so many different brands (and quality levels) to choose from. Then there’s the type of spearfishing you’ll be doing. Where you’re actually going. The amount you want to spend. It’s a lot to consider. And I’ll admit, over the years I’ve spent (and wasted) more money on spearfishing equipment than I can ever tell my wife!

In this guide, my goal is to simplify things for you. Giving you options for spearfishing gear when you’re a beginner who is new to the sport, an advanced diver who’s looking for the best gear, or when budget is no option and you are happy to buy the top of the line equipment.

Keep reading to discover the gear you need to get out in the water, and start spearing more fish.

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Spearfishing Gear: Choose the Right Gear for Spearfishing in 2023

UPDATE 14th July 2023: In order to give you the best advice on the spearfishing gear to buy, we’re out in the water testing new gear for spearfishing almost every month. This post is one of our most popular round-up’s, and I’m happy to say I stand behind everything in this list. We’ve put so much equipment to the test, keep reading to see the spearfishing gear that performs best. 

 

Does Your Spearfishing Gear Make a Difference?

When it comes to spearing fish, the gear you’re using does make a difference. You need power, range and accuracy from your speargun, but many of the most popular models are average at best. Then you’ve got all the other gear for spearfishing. From plastic freedive fins to expensive carbon fiber. Your gloves, wetsuit, dive knife, mask.

You’ve got lots of decisions to make, and not all spearfishing stores give great advice.

Of course, being able to swim with confidence and the ability to hold your breath underwater are key to this sport. And as someone who started spearfishing with a pole spear and cheap snorkelling set, you can definitely get in the water with very little. But armed with the right spearfishing gear, the sport get’s a whole lot more fun.

You can spend longer in the water. You’ll burn less energy on a dive so you can explore more dive sites. Diving deeper and for longer, you’ll quickly start landing bigger and bigger fish, as you push your limits and discover just how exciting spearfishing can be. That’s how I grew to love this sport. And you’ll find me in the water most days of the week.

 

My Thoughts on the Best Spearfishing Gear

With time, I quickly became the spearfishing expert in my circle of friends. And they kept asking for advice. Recommendations. What spearfishing gear I’d use. Where should I go. These questions actually provided my first inspiration to start this blog, as a place I could put together all my thoughts. And share it with readers like you.

In this guide, you’ll get my thoughts on every bit of spearfishing gear you’ll ever need.

I’ll explain why you might want to buy it, and give you three options on the products I’d recommend for beginners, advanced, and top of the line purchases. These are the exact same recommendations I’d make to my friends. The advice I’d give to my little sister, or a close mate. Or even a random in a bar as we’re swapping trophy stories over a few beers. It’s also the gear for spearfishing I actually use myself. All the reviews are impartial (I’m not sponsored – at least, not yet).

And I’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time researching, testing, and putting this spearfishing gear to the test. I’d also love to hear from you, if you’ve got any comments you’d like to share on spearfishing products you’ve used (good or bad). You can leave a comment, or reach out directly to me here.

 

Fundamental Gear: Get a Speargun

One of the most important pieces of spearfishing gear is your speargun. You need a way to hunt the fish you’re targeting, and a speargun is your best bet. In simplest terms, a speargun is an underwater hunting device, that fires a spear. It’s not rocket science, but there have been some pretty cool speargun innovations in recent years.

The most popular type of speargun is powered by a sling, rubber “power” bands that stretch and use the tension release to power your shot. Because of their straightforward design, I generally recommend people buy a simple banded speargun. They’re easy to use, and my go-to favorite is Rob Allen’s Tuna Railgun.

You do have some alternative types of spearguns though:

• Pneumatic spearguns: Use compressed air and an inner piston to fire a shot.
• Euro style spearguns: Band powered, sleek and slim for easy maneuverability.
• American style spearguns: Band powered, heavy duty for extreme durability.
• Railgun spearguns: Euro inspired with a supportive rail for added strength.
• Roller spearguns: Innovative design gives more power in a smaller speargun.

More: See our detailed write-up on spearguns.

 

What to consider when buying a speargun?

The two most important things when choosing a speargun are where you’ll be spearfishing, and the fish you’re intending to catch.

Because for this piece of spearfishing gear, there’s a trade off. The longer your speargun is, the more range you’ll have. The downside, is that longer spearguns are harder to use underwater. So it’s an important question to think about, considering you can buy spearguns from 35cm in length to well over 150cm.

Smaller spearguns can be powered up by adding a second band (most will have space for this, but it’s worthwhile to check). Alternatively you can shorten the stock bands to give your speargun more power too. Just make sure you don’t cut them too short it’s impossible to load. And be wary of the strain you’re putting on the trigger mechanism. These can fail, especially on cheaper models that aren’t fully stainless steel.

In terms of length, my advice:

• If you’re spearfishing in caves and close quarters: Get a 60-80cm speargun.
• If you’re spearfishing from the shore or along a reef: Get a 90-120cm speargun.
• If you’re spearfishing off a boat in open water: Get a 130cm++ bluewater speargun.

More: See our guide to the best spearguns you can buy.

Finally, a word of warning to those of you who are new to the sport. Never load or shoot your speargun while on land. Your speargun isn’t designed for this. At best, you’ll bend the shaft when it hits the ground and you’ll have to buy a new one. At worst, your shooting line will act like a bungee. Bringing your spear flying back to you at considerable speed. Shooting a speargun out of water is not safe.

 

Which Speargun Should You Buy?

Best Beginner and All-Round Speargun:

If you’re looking for the best, all-round speargun, get your hands on the Rob Allen Tuna Railgun.

It’s the perfect combination of value, power and durability, that’ll serve you well in most spearfishing conditions. I’m a fan of Rob Allen’s quality across his spearfishing gear, and where this particular brand shines is their spearguns. Accurate, with plenty of range. Simple and easy to use. And it comes ready-to-go, right out of the box.

Barrel lengths available from 70cm to 150cm.

 

Best Speargun for Advanced Users:

Upgrading to a Meandros Argo speargun is something I wish I did years earlier.

It’s Euro-styled so incredibly streamlined in the water, yet I’ve shot some incredible fish with it and it has performed perfectly. The reverse roller trigger mechanism gives you a little extra band stretch, and the cuttlefish shaped barrel makes even longer models easy to handle. It shoots like a laser, and the bonus reel is a nice touch.

Barrel lengths available from 85cm to 130cm.

 

The Top of the Line Speargun:

You’ve got a whole lot to love with Riffe’s Marauder series speargun, it’s absolute perfection.

From the beautiful teak barrel to the heavy-duty shaft and innovative mag track (that helps snap shafts in place as you reload), you will be very happy once you get your hands on one of these. It’s a heavy-duty American style speargun, that can fit up to 3 powerbands for an incredible amount of power. This is one of my all-time favorite spearguns.

Barrel lengths available from 47″ to 63″ (that’s roughly 120cm to 160cm).

 

Speargun Alternatives: The Pole Spear

When I first started spearfishing, I used a pole spear. Being new to the sport, super young and completely broke, it was the only practical option.

Plus, I stumbled upon it completely by accident, buying it from a neighbors yard sale for $5. It was a length of aluminum, with a five pronged tip. These were a little bent, and the rubber ended up snapping within the first couple of months. But it was enough for me to land my first fish. And much more practical than dropping hundreds of dollars on a speargun.

Pole spears work well when you’re spearfishing along a reef, or from the shore. Because they’re quite a simple tool.

A length of aluminum, fiberglass, or a carbon fiber rod makes up the pole. On one end you’ll find a pronged or flopper tip. On the other, is a loop of rubber that’s fixed to the butt of the spear. That’s all there is to it. What I like is how little can go wrong, and if you’re new to the sport learning to spearfish with a pole spear will teach you some great techniques.

To use a pole spear, you thread your thumb into the rubber loop, stretching the rubber as you slide your hand up the pole spear towards the tip. Clench the shaft as you aim, and then to fire you simply release your grip. On a pole spear you’ll get 4 to 6 feet of range, which is great for targeting smaller or reef fish.

More: Learn the pole spear tips that’ll make you better at spearfishing.

 

Which Pole Spear Should You Buy?

Pole spears are a great piece of spearfishing gear as they help you master the fundamental techniques. You’ve got to get in close to your prey, you’ve got to learn how to be stealthy, and how to properly set up your shots. I also like the speed a pole spear allows when you’re spearfishing. Reloading is done in seconds, unlike the 20 or 30 seconds it can take with your speargun. So if you do miss a fish, a pole spear gives you a better chance at a second shot.

More: See our guide to the best pole spears for spearfishing

 

Best Beginner and All-Round Pole Spear:

In my opinion, the best pole spear for spearfishing is something simple, like the 5′ Scuba Choice Fiberglass Pole Spear.

It’s short enough that it’s easy to handle, whole getting a decent amount of stretch for your range. The three-pronged paralyzer tip is perfect for smaller fish, and it’s light and comfortable to spearfish with. I found the accuracy was good in close quarters, though you might want to get the 7′ option for a little more range.

 

Best Pole Spear for Advanced Users:

You would upgrade to Salvimar’s Aluminum pole spear if you’re looking for a more versatile piece of spearfishing gear.

For me, one of the best aspects of this pole spear is that it breaks down, so it can easily be stored with all your other spearfishing equipment. It’s light but incredibly sturdy, and once you start targeting bigger fish, I would highly recommend swapping out the pronged tip for a single point and flopper. It’s better at keeping larger fish on your spear.

 

The Top of the Line Pole Spear:

Finally, upgrading to a pole spear like Headhunter Predator will ensure you’ve got one of the best pole spears in the market in your hands.

Designed with a two-piece shaft, it’s a combination composite and carbon fiber that’s lighter and more durable than aluminum. And at a little over 9′ in length, you’ll get an incredible amount of range. Though the winner for me is the innovative slip tip system, that sits securely on the end of the shaft, ready for easy deployment into your fish.

The stainless steel cable ensures that whatever you do catch, your pole spear won’t get damaged with a large thrashing fish on the end of your spear.

 

Speargun Alternatives: The Hawaiian Sling

With a slight modification to how a typical pole spear works, the Hawaiian Sling is more like an underwater bow and arrow.

It’s a type of spearfishing gear that’s been relatively unchanged for decades, because they’re so simple. And they work so well. Plus, in many locations where spearguns are banned, you are still allowed to use hand-powered devices, like a Hawaiian Sling. In the Bahamas, they’re one of your only options for spearfishing gear.

In the most basic terms, a Hawaiian Sling is a short handle of wood with a hollow center that allows the shaft to pass through. Instead of attaching the bands to the butt (like a pole spear), in a Hawaiian Sling they’re attached to the handle, that the shaft slots into. You draw the rubbers back to release, much like a slingshot or bow and arrow.

Once you’ve lined up your shot, you release and the shaft will be sent flying towards your target fish.

Compared to the basic pole spear, where a Hawaiian Sling shines is in their power and range. They fire a thinner, heavier shaft faster, and with more distance. So you’re able to target bigger fish than what you’d typically be hunting with a pole spear alone. They’re also pretty easy for beginners to use.

More: See our comparison of pole spears to Hawaiian slings

 

Which Hawaiian Sling Should You Buy?

When we were out testing the different types of Hawaiian Slings, I realized you could potentially even make your own at home. The most basic models are simply a hollow tube of wood with a length of rubber attached. But in our testing, I found that having a pistol grip handle is key. It’s easier to hold in the water, and when you draw it back you can put more power into each shot you’re taking, so you get more power and range.

More: See our reviews of the best Hawaiian Slings for spearfishing

 

Best Beginner and All-Round Hawaiian Sling:

In my opinion, Hammerhead’s Hawaiian Sling combo kit is a great option, that’ll suit spearfishing at all levels.

Available with either a traditional and pistol grip handle, it’s a beautiful wooden handle that’s capable of shooting a variety of different shaft widths. Made in Hawaii, following the success of traditional spearfishing techniques in the local area, if you need a sling that’ll get the job done, it’s just a smart buy.

 

Best Hawaiian Sling for Advanced Users:

If you’re trying to get more range with a Hawaiian Sling, this option from Sea Archer is a great piece of spearfishing gear.

The design is more like a bow than a traditional sling, with the rubber powering the shot. What I like is the ability to add a reel to this model, which allows you to target even bigger fish than you’d be comfortable spearing (because you won’t lose your shafts). It’s powerful, and a great alternative to spearguns if you’re in an area you’re not allowed to use them.

Oh, and it doesn’t come with shafts, so you’ll need to buy these as well.

 

The Top of the Line Pole Spear:

For me, one of my favorite Hawaiian Slings was this particular model from Koah.

It’s cut from a beautiful piece of wood, while being fitted with both a pistol grip handle and a supportive wrist brace. Allowing you to draw a little more power than you would if you were relying on your grip strength alone. While not quite as aerodynamic in the water as the Sea Archer, you can feel the difference in quality with this particular Hawaiian Sling.

Just remember, you will need to order your shafts separately.

 

Fundamental Gear: Get a Spearfishing Mask

Next, you’ll need to sort your vision if you want to see anything underwater. You need a spearfishing mask. Notice I said mask. Not swim goggles.

Swimming goggles are great if you plan to stay on the surface, but once you start diving underwater to chase a fish, you’ll need a way to equalize the air inside the goggles. Otherwise the changing pressure can literally suck your eyes out of their sockets – and that’s not good.

What you want is a proper dive or snorkelling mask, as these will also work for spearfishing.

Of course, not all dive masks are created equal, and there is a big difference between a cheap plastic snorkelling set and high-quality freediving mask. More than just the materials, you’ve got to think about the volume of air that’s trapped within your spearfishing mask. The less air it holds the better, as it means you burn less air from your lungs each time you equalize. We call these low volume spearfishing masks, and they’re a critical piece of spearfishing gear.

Finally, look at the lenses. You want dual lenses in your spearfishing mask, and ideally these have a bit of an angle to them so you maximize your field of vision. Oh, and stay away from anything with a tint, as it only hinders your ability to spear fish.

If you were going out to buy the perfect mask, my advice would be to look for a low-profile mask that’s been designed for spearfishing. With clear lenses, and a dark silicone skirt. It should also fit well. Because what’s most important with this piece of spearfishing gear is the fit and seal the mask creates on your face. The better the fit, the less water will leak in.

 

How to ensure my spearfishing mask fits?

My advice here is simple, go down to your local dive shop and start trying on a few models.

This is perfectly fine to do, though you may want to ask the shop assistant’s help (and encouragement) before opening any cases. They will have models available to try.

Then, simply hold the mask to your face (without using the strap), and breathe in through your nose. It should “suck” onto your face, and remain in place once you let it go. Of course, each person has a slightly different face shape, and some masks will fit better than others. Your job is to know which particular model and style works the best for you.

Make sure you also price compare online, as often the big spearfishing brands will run discounts and you can likely find it’s much cheaper to shop online. That’s not to say you shouldn’t support local businesses, but if cash is an issue – you should be putting your money to the best possible use.

 

Which spearfishing mask should you buy?

In my opinion, a good mask is one of the most critical pieces of spearfishing gear to get right. Otherwise, you’re not going to see anything underwater, and that makes it almost impossible to take home a decent catch of fish. Plus, it’s incredibly annoying to have to stop every few minutes to drain the water leaking into your mask.

More: See our breakdown of the best spearfishing masks

 

Best Beginner and All-Round Spearfishing Mask:

One of the best value spearfishing masks is the Omer Alien model. You’ll see people wearing it whenever you’re spearfishing.

Because it’s just a solid buy, and has been designed for freedive spearfishing. The mirrored lenses are a nice touch, and all-up it’s a low-volume spearfishing mask that’ll get the job done. For me, I like how well it seals and the soft silicon skirt, and how streamlined it is in the water.

The Omer Alien mask also offers a nice wide view out into your peripherals, so you’ll always see the fish coming.

 

Best Spearfishing Mask for Advanced Users:

Right now I’ve got a lot of love for the Cressi Nano spearfishing mask.

Inside you’ll find three innovations that make this one of the best performing spearfishing masks for most conditions. It’s low volume, so you waste less air equalizing. The angled teardrop lenses enable you to see more of your hunting area, and the buckle system Cressi developed for their spearfishing masks is virtually indestructible.

Plus, it’s one of the only low volume masks that doesn’t press into my forehead, making it extremely comfortable spending a day in the water.

 

The Top of the Line Spearfishing Mask:

The first thing I noticed about the Atomic Venom frameless spearfishing mask is how soft the seal really is.

Co-moulded with two types of silicon, it provides a great seal (even if you’re like me and sporting a bit of a beard). The wide angle frames expand your normal scope of vision, and they’ve created a unique lens that allows 96% of visible light through, ensuring you enjoy crystal-clear vision, no matter where you’re spearfishing.

Dubbed the mask of choice by two of the instructors I interviewed for my book, “Learn to Hold Your Breath Like a Pro,” get this spearfishing mask and you can thank me later.

 

 

Fundamental Gear: Get a Spearfishing Snorkel

Breathing while you’re in the water comes next. What you need is a piece of spearfishing gear that allows you to look at everything happening underwater, from the surface.

The most simple definition is that your snorkel is a tube which allows you to breathe while your face is underwater. The top of the tube sits above the water, while the bottom is inside your mouth. It blocks any water from entering your mouth, so that you can float, face down quite comfortably.

You need a spearfishing snorkel.

Spearfishing without one just isn’t fun. And I know, I’ve tried. I actually broke the attachment that connects my mask and snorkel on a trip (it’s called a snorkel keeper), after pulling a little too hard to get these out of my gear bag. But instead of taking 10 minutes to hack together a way to reconnect it, I decided to leave the snorkel in my car and just go spearfishing without it. That was a big mistake. It made it much more difficult to breathe and swim out to our spearfishing spot, and I couldn’t ever just “relax and float” on the surface.

Before buying the first snorkel you see, there are a few things you should be looking for with this piece of spearfishing gear.

 

What to look for with a spearfishing snorkel?

Like most equipment for spearfishing, there are different models and types available.

When it comes to snorkels, you’ll find three key distinctions at the dive store. Some snorkels are designed for beginners, who are still getting comfortable on the surface. Others are designed for scuba, to allow you to breathe on the surface without wasting the air in your tanks. And there are some designed for freediving. Free diving snorkels are what you want.

For features, what’s most important is the curve to the mouthpiece. This should be sitting right in front of your mouth, without requiring any pressure from your teeth to keep it in place. The goal is to keep your mouth as relaxed as possible in the water, so you’re not sore or cramped the following day.

I’d also recommend avoiding the gimmicks which come with spearfishing snorkels. Manufacturers are getting fancier and fancier with all the attachments they’re adding, to get you to buy the latest piece of gear. You don’t need things like the stopper at the top (to prevent water coming in), or the purge valves at the bottom. These add unnecessary weight to your snorkel, and they’ll flop around more while you’re spearfishing underwater (because you don’t keep your snorkel in your mouth while you’re freediving). All these features add another layer of failure in your spearfishing gear.

Oh, and make sure the tube isn’t too flexible. You want some flex, but it needs to be sturdy enough to hold it’s shape while you’re swimming fast, or fighting a current.

 

Which spearfishing snorkel should you buy?

Ultimately, you want a simple spearfishing snorkel that fits comfortably in your mouth. One that is going to sit firm against the side of your head while you’re swimming on the surface or spearfishing on the bottom. And doesn’t have any unnecessary upgrades that’ll get in the way (or fail), when you’re trying to catch a monster fish.

 

Best Beginner and All-Round Spearfishing Snorkel:

Cressi are known for their freediving gear, and they’ve got a classic snorkel option that’s pretty hard to beat.

It’s soft and flexible, with a large diameter tube that allows you to breathe as deep as you like. It’s got a nice curve, and the rigid plastic helps it stay upright in all conditions.

For the price, it’s one of the best options you’ll find – if you’re just looking for a basic snorkel to get the job done.

 

Best Spearfishing Snorkel for Advanced Users:

For the longest time I’ve been spearfishing with a Mares snorkel, as it’s just so comfortable in the water.

Streamlined with a basic J curve design, this snorkel is lightweight, and easy to wear even if you’re going to be spearfishing all day. The large diameter tube adds very little resistance to your breathing, and it sits in close to my head so it’s not always pulling at my mask when I’m diving through the waves on the surface.

Slightly flexible in the bottom, they’ve got the angles right for it to sit easily in your mouth, and ensure you’ll have a great day spearfishing.

 

The Top of the Line Spearfishing Snorkel:

If you ask me what’s one of the best snorkels you can buy, my choice would be Omer’s Zoom Snorkel.

Ergonomically designed to contour to the side of your face, this ensures it tucks away nicely and stay away from your field of vision while you’re spearfishing. The 0.8″ inner diameter of the tube (20mm) allows you to breathe freely, and despite being listed as flexible, it’s actually nice and rigid. You’ll have no problems for it staying in place while you’re spearfishing.

Plus, the green camo pattern is a nice touch.

 

 

Fundamental Gear: Get Your Spearfishing Fins

If you want to glide effortlessly through the water, one particularly critical piece of spearfishing gear are your fins.

A good pair of spearfishing fins will help you easily dive down to hunting depth, using the least amount of energy possible. Efficiency is critical, because the more energy you burn as you kick, the faster your air will run out.

If you’ve ever used fins before for snorkeling, you’ll notice a key difference with the fins I’m recommending. Because spearfishing fins are designed to help you free dive, they are insanely long.

This gives you a ton of extra propulsion underwater.

If you’re just starting out don’t overthink it, a cheap pair of polymer plastic fins will be fine to start your spearfishing adventures.

Though if you’ve got money to spend you can opt for fiberglass or even carbon fiber fins.

• Polymer plastic spearfishing fins will lose their shape over time.
• Fiberglass spearfishing fins are durable and will not bend, but are more expensive.
• Carbon fiber spearfishing fins are the most efficient, but they’re the priciest and also quite fragile.

What’s most important with spearfishing fins is the fit.

Too tight, and you’ll get cramps in the arch of your foot while you’re diving.

Too loose and you’ll lose power in your kicks, get blisters where the boot rubs, and potentially even lose your fins entirely if they slip off in the water.

Your foot needs to be comfortable inside of the foot pocket.

Just remember you’ll probably also be wearing a pair of neoprene socks, so ensure you’ve got enough room in the boot when trying them on in the store, or if you’re measuring to buy online.

The last consideration you need to make when buying spearfishing fins is on the stiffness of the blades.

And this comes down to how fit you are. A beginner or someone with weaker leg muscles will need soft blades. Most people can get away with medium blades, and if you’re a strong swimmer or highly athletic you could even go for stiff spearfishing fins.

For someone learning how to spear fish, I’d stick with a trusted brand for your spearfishing fins and remember you don’t need to spend a ton of cash on this piece of spearfishing gear.

Rob Allen is one of the best spearfishing brands out there, and they make a great beginners fin to help you get in the water and hunting your first fish.

Everything else you need to go spearfishing

Right, now with these few pieces of critical spearfishing gear you’ve got the basics covered.

You can swim around comfortably on the surface, search for the fish, and dive down to take your shot. But let me tell you. I’ve spent more time in the water with a speargun than most people in this world, and there’s a few more pieces of spearfishing gear to buy.

Spearfishing gear that’ll make you more comfortable.

That keeps you safer, and better equipped to spear fish in the open ocean.

Because that’s what you’re after right?

While you can certainly start with the critical items only, I highly recommend investing in these additional pieces of spearfishing gear.

Additional spearfishing gear: A comfortable wetsuit

Sure, in the middle of summer you won’t hesitate to jump in the water in a swimsuit alone.

But once the temperatures start to drop, you’re going to want a spearfishing wetsuit.

You see, the neoprene rubber a wetsuit is made from acts as an insulator.

Protecting your body from the cooler ocean temperatures sucking away your warmth.

The downside is wetsuits are very floaty, and you’ll need a weight belt (and weights) to offset this so you can actually make it to the bottom to go spearfishing.

There are many different types of spearfishing wetsuit, from the surfer-style wetsuits with a zip up the back, to two-piece versions with both high pants, and an overall-style “Farmer John” wetsuit.

But right about now your biggest question to answer is how thick your spearfishing wetsuit needs to be.

The thicker the neoprene, the better it insulates you from the water.

Generally, here’s what you’re looking at:

• Above 85 degrees, you probably need a 1.5mm wetsuit (at most).
• From 85 to about 75 degrees, you need a 3mm wetsuit.
• From 75 to about 65 degrees, you need a 5mm wetsuit.
• Anything below 65 degrees, you’re looking at 7mm (or more) for your wetsuit.

For me, I usually spearfish in a 5.5mm wetsuit. It’s a bit thicker than what my buddies use, but I tend to get cold easy and I’d much rather flush a little water through my wetsuit to cool down than to be unable to get warm as I go spearfishing.

Now, onto the print.

There’s a growing trend of camouflage-styled wetsuits that are marketed directly at those going spearfishing.

I’ve used a ton of plain black wetsuits in my time, and camo spearfishing wetsuits as well, and I’ve got to say, there is a slight difference. Having your outline broken up by the camo print can help you close in those last couple of feet, so long as you’ve got your spearfishing techniques down.

Finally, you need to understand the difference between open and closed cell.

It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, but essentially, it’s just a fancy way of saying this:

• Closed cell wetsuits are lined with nylon making them very easy to put on
• Open cell wetsuits don’t have this, making them very difficult to put on

The difference, is that open cell wetsuits are much more flexible, and will keep you much warmer in the water.

Most spearo’s I know used open-cell wetsuits.

Personally, I’d recommend buying a Farmer John cut with a good green camo print, and I couldn’t be happier with my buy earlier this year of the Salvimar N.A.T. It’s one of the best wetsuits I’ve found that fits my athletic frame, without needing to be custom-made.

Additional spearfishing gear: Quick-release weight belt

If you’re spearfishing in a wetsuit a weight belt becomes an important piece of spearfishing gear.

Otherwise you’ll never get to the bottom.

A weight belt is essentially just a belt loaded down with a bunch of weights, to offset the buoyancy of your wetsuit. The weight belt makes it easier for you to swim to the bottom, and much easier to stay down there and spearfish.

The trick is to get the weights right.

But there’s a few things to consider when choosing how much weight to use:

• The depth you’re planning to dive to go spearfishing
• The thickness of your spearfishing wetsuit
• The saltiness of the water
• The composition of your body

All of these will affect the amount of weight to use.

Of course, you could overload your weight belt and you’d hit the bottom lightning fast.

But you’d be in trouble once you try to return to the surface.

You need to find the perfect balance, of weights that let you spearfish effectively, yet still kick your way to the surface when you inevitably need to breathe again.

There’s a whole science to this, but in short you want to find the right amount of weight that leaves you positively buoyant on the surface (so you float), but only barely.

That way when you start to dive, it’s much easier because you’re not having to fight the massive buoyancy of your wetsuit.

As a general rule, to find the amount of weight you need take the thickness of your wetsuit then + 2 to get a starting point.

For example:

• 3mm wetsuit = 3 + 2 = 5kg of weight
• 5mm wetsuit = 5 + 2 = 7kg of weight

Just remember, these are rough guidelines assuming you’re about 80kg in weight.

• If you’re lighter, I’d only add 1.5kg of weight.
• If you’re heavier, I’d add perhaps 2.5kg of weight.

Your goal is to get yourself floating in the water so your eyes are above the water.

• If you’re too high, add on a little weight.
• If you’re too low, drop a little of the weight.

The idea is that you’ll eventually hit the perfect amount of weight, that sees you remain positively buoyant in depths up to about 7 meters, and once you dive deeper your buoyancy shifts into the negative, so you can glide effortlessly to the bottom.

As a beginner, it may also pay to keep your weight belt a little lighter than you need, just till you get comfortable with all of your spearfishing gear. You don’t want to be fighting for buoyancy as you’re trying to spear your first fish!

Right, now most spearfishing weight belts come in either rubber or nylon.

I highly recommend buying a rubber weight belt.

Rubber weight belts wont slip from side to side as you’re spearfishing, and they also have a little elasticity so they don’t get loose and jerk around when you’re spearfishing deep.

Oh, and make sure whatever weight belt you buy has a one-handed release.

If you ever get into trouble in the water, you want to be able to drop your weights at a moment’s notice. It can help you get to the surface if you’re in trouble, as it’s much easier to replace a weight belt than it is your life.

And don’t forget your weights.

Additional spearfishing gear: Float line, flag and stringer

Always, always use a spearfishing flag and float when you’re in the water.

It’s an important piece of spearfishing gear as it helps you to stay safe.

Because the most dangerous thing when you’re spearfishing isn’t your speargun. Or the sharks. It’s the guys zooming around in their boats.

Get hit by a hull or a propeller and it’s game over, so it’s important you’re highly visible to everyone else in the water.

It’s also an easy lifeline.

You can hang onto your float if you get cramps and need to catch a breather on the surface, and it provides an anchor you can use to connect to your speargun.

The spearfishing float I’m using these days is this little beauty from Rob Allen. The hard shell means it’ll stand up to anything I can throw at it, and it’s sleek and aerodynamic in the water. Plus, it’s easy to hang onto if I grab it when I need a breather.

And don’t forget the flag.

In some areas it’s a legal requirement to have a “diver below” flag, which makes your float a thousand percent more visible.

Perfect if you’re worried about boat traffic, or if the sea’s a bit rough and you want to make it easy for your boat to keep an eye on you.

Attached to my spearfishing float is my fish stringer.

It’s pretty simple, a loop of metal that you can thread the fish you catch right onto, while some others are more like a “T” shaped bit of wire. What I like best though is it’s fast. I can get a fish off my spear and onto my stringer in about ten seconds.

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My spearfishing float, flag and fish stringer then connect to my speargun with about 30 to 35 meters of float line when I’m spearfishing from the shore. Here’s a good option for you to buy.

Connecting your speargun to your float works for two reasons.

First, it means your speargun isn’t loose.

If I need to drop it to check out a hold full of lobsters, my shaft gets stuck in the reef, or I manage to shoot something that’s too big to handle, I can let the speargun go.

I just need to kick back to the surface and my float is there to reel it back in (or to take a breath and go back down to untangle it from the reef).

But it’s also for safety.

When I was younger I had a close call with a friendly little bull shark.

I hadn’t noticed him hanging around, (he kept just out of sight), but as soon as I speared a little bream he swam right in to attach the fish too. In a few seconds it was all over, with the shark swimming away happily munching on his free feed.

I shudder when I think what would have happened if that fish was closer to me.

Or worse, clipped onto the base of my speargun or my weight belt. I’d probably have a piece of me missing. It was after this I setup my spearfishing float line, having previously thought it was a waste of time. These days, I never keep my catch on me, it’s just not safe.

Additional spearfishing gear: A sharp dive knife

Having a spearfishing knife ready to go is a smart idea. You never really know what could happen in the ocean, and over the years I’ve found it to be an important piece of spearfishing gear. But not to fight off any monsters of the deep.

• Your speargun is the weapon.
• Your dive knife is a tool.

My dive knife primarily gets used for dispatching my catch.

You see, far too many people have heard that blood in the water attracts sharks.

Everyone knows that.

But what they don’t usually know is there’s a bigger shark attractant.

A dying fish.

Notice I don’t say dead fish.

Dying.

A fish that’s struggling on the end of your spear (or still kicking on your fish stringer) is like a beacon to any sharks in the area.

Because sharks hunt using vibration sensors in their bodies, that are finely attuned to the energy signals that a struggling fish gives out.

It’s like ringing a dinner bell that brings the sharks in. You don’t want this.

The best way to overcome this natural instinct built in to sharks is to quickly and humanely dispatch any fish you catch. That way they’re no longer struggling, and you’re much safer in the water.

The other benefit to having a dive knife is getting untangled.

With your float line, the mono connecting to your shaft, and of course all the discarded trash and fishing line that gets left in the water, the ocean can be a dangerous place. Especially if you get snagged.

With limited air getting tangled up underwater can be a death sentence, and having a dive knife handy may just save your life if you can cut yourself free.

You need a spearfishing knife that’s small and easy to use, is comfortable to wear, and you can quickly and effectively draw one-handed.

I always opt for a dive knife that has a serrated “sawing edge” and a hook to quickly cut fishing line. I also prefer pointed tips (it helps me to dispatch my catch), but you will need to be a little careful as you use it.

This is a great dive knife when you’re starting to spearfish.

Additional spearfishing gear: Robust dive gloves

One thing you’ll notice after spending an hour or so in the water is just how soft your hands get.

The water soaks your skin, and what wouldn’t even leave a scratch normally can tear a large gash in your hands.

And that’s before you even start spearfishing.

Catching lobsters. Wrestling with fish. Even just hanging onto a ledge to peer into a cave can slice your fingertips open.

A good pair of dive gloves needs to be part of your spearfishing gear.

Much like your spearfishing wetsuit, your dive gloves need to be a comfortable fit, so you’ve still got full range of motion with your fingers.

You want to be able to hold your speargun tight, and also grab onto anything you need as you’re spearfishing.

For me, what normally goes first on my dive gloves are the pads of my fingers. I’m always reaching into caves, hanging onto rocks as the waves crash over me, and basically putting my dive gloves through the works.

Most brands simply don’t cut it, and I wear them out halfway through the season.

A good pair of spearfishing gloves will have reinforced palms and fingertips, offering more than enough protection to keep your hands safe.

Personally, one of the only ones I’ve found to suit me are the Ocean Strike Kevlar gloves.

They’re far sturdier than anything else I’ve tried, and the sealed seams ensure there’s also very little water leakage so my hands stay toasty warm. This is a big plus as I tend to get cold fast in the water, and the first thing to lose feeling is usually my fingertips.

Don’t buy any other dive gloves, you need a pair of these.

Additional spearfishing gear: Gear bag to throw it all in

As a kid I kept my spearfishing gear in a large plastic trunk, that quickly earned a permanent place in the trunk of my car. It stopped the water from my wetsuit soaking through into my trunk, and also helped contain the lovely smell of fish that you can’t help but bring home.

But once I started getting invited out on boats with my friends, the tub just wasn’t practical.

It took up too much space, was a bit unsightly, and would slide all over the place every time we hit a wave and the boat moved.

Plus, it wasn’t very cool.

Which I quickly learnt was the feeling that many boat owners seem to go for.

I needed an upgrade.

That’s when I bought my first spearfishing bag. It was essentially just a waterproof duffel, that functioned exactly the same as the cheap plastic tub I’d been using. With two key benefits.

First, it was much more compact, so it could be packed in under the bow with everyone else’s spearfishing gear.

I was no longer the one lugging around a giant plastic tub.

It was also much easier to carry, with a shoulder strap I could actually have my hands free when climbing in and out of the boat.

These days I keep my gear in one of these.

It’s basically just a rugged, super-sized version of the bright red “dry” bags you see everyone selling. With extra pockets so you can keep your phone dry, it’s even got a nifty little cap you can use to drain out any water inside.

Of course, I still need to wash this bag at the end of a spearfishing session along with my other gear, but it’s much more practical than what I used to use. Oh, and you’re also going to want a cover for your speargun.

Spearguns tend to scratch up easy and you don’t want your rubbers getting blasted from direct sun all day on the boat (it ages your bands far quicker, and they’ll break and need to be replaced).

If you luck out you may even get one when you purchase a speargun, but if not, you could always buy something like what I use.

A simple cover keeps my spearguns protected when I’m not in the water, makes them easier to carry when I’m headed to or from a dive, and also makes my spearguns a little less obvious to anyone looking.

 

Wrapping up the spearfishing gear mega-post

Phew. That was rather long.

And thanks for reading it through.

I hope everything I’ve shared gives you a good insight into the spearfishing gear you need to start spearfishing.

To recap, I’ve got each piece of spearfishing gear you need listed here.

It can be a bit of investment at the start I agree, but there’s one key thing to remember.

Once you’ve bought your spearfishing gear there are no ongoing costs.

None.

All it takes is for you to head down to the shore, gear up with your spearfishing equipment, and swim out in the ocean to catch your dinner.

My spearfishing gear has paid for itself many times over, with the amount of fresh seafood I bring home after a dive, not to mention just how much fun it is to actually go spearfishing.

There’s nothing in the world quite like spearfishing.

If you’ve any questions at all, on any of the product recommendations or anything to do with spearfishing at all, drop me a message or leave a comment below.

I love hearing from my readers, and if I can help you to get started spearfishing – even better!

Happy spearin’