Why you need a camo spearfishing wetsuit

diving in a camo spearfishing wetsuit

One of my favourite innovations in spearfishing is the open cell camo spearfishing wetsuit.

When I first started spearfishing, we had minimal choice. Everything was closed cell, which meant you were using thicker and less comfortable options in the water. These traditional wetsuits worked to keep you warm, but they didn’t offer any real advantages to an underwater hunter.

Today though, you’re almost spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the best spearfishing wetsuit. But one question that always comes up – is it worth it to get a camo wetsuit for spearfishing?


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Why you need a camo spearfishing wetsuit

Now, I’ve seen and heard arguments from both sides. On the one hand, it’s hard to argue that it’s much harder to spot my dive buddy against the reef when he’s wearing a brown-green camo wetsuit. But, on the other hand, does it matter to the fish what you’re wearing while spearfishing?

 

What do the pro’s think about camo wetsuits

So I asked the professionals, a few friends who make a living spearfishing and here’s what they had to say:

“It doesn’t matter about the colour. Avoid bright reds or fluro sections in your wetsuit that might attract a shark for a bite. Instead, pick a comfortable wetsuit for longer in the water.” – Trish T.

“The camouflage print will break up your outline underwater, but that’s about it. The fish will still see you, and stay away if you’re making too much noise or movement. Focus on improving your spearfishing techniques before investing hundreds of dollars in gear.” – Michael S.

“100% get a camo wetsuit. Even if it’s only a slight edge, that small advantage could be the ‘make or break’ factor in landing your catch. Why put yourself at a disadvantage?” – Steve C.

 

why you need a camo wetsuit

Thinking about it now, I agree that a camouflage print is mainly for the diver.

I spearfished successfully for years in a plain black surfer-style wetsuit, and while newer open-cell neoprene is much more comfortable in the water, it’s hard to pinpoint the difference. However, I feel like I can get closer to my target fish now, and it matters to me what I wear.

I feel much cooler decked out in camo print, armed with my speargun, dive knife, and spearfishing gear.

 

A camo spearfishing wetsuit will…

  • Help you to blend in against your background underwater
  • Give you an edge against skittish reef fish if you can sit motionless in ambush
  • Break up your lateral lines underwater to trick fish into thinking you’re smaller than you actually are

 

A camo spearfishing wetsuit will not…

  • Help you stay unnoticed if you’re splashing or moving too quickly
  • Turn you invisible underwater, you need to develop a proper stalking technique
  • Instantly make you better at spearfishing. It’s a sport you need to work at with practice and patience

camo spearfishing wetsuit

What’s most important in a wetsuit for spearfishing is the fit, the style, and the materials. We cover everything you need to know in our buyer’s guide to the best spearfishing wetsuits. In short – you want to choose something comfortable to wear, thick enough to keep you warm in the water where you’ll be spearfishing and preferably open cell.

My favourite wetsuit at the moment is the two-piece 3.5mm Salvimar N.A.T.

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Final thoughts: Get a camo wetsuit

Ultimately, I’m a big fan of the camo print.

It makes you less obvious underwater, which, combined with good spearfishing techniques, means you’ll be able to get closer to your target fish. With good stalking underwater, a camo spearfishing wetsuit can help you close in on those last couple of feet. You are making it that much easier to land your shot.

Just make sure that your wetsuit’s particular camo print style matches the environment where you’ll be spearfishing.

I mostly reef dive, so I prefer a green or brown camo print better to match the colouring of the surrounding rocks and weeds. You’ll want a blue camouflage in open water instead, so your outline isn’t entirely obvious to any big pelagic fish you’re hunting. Oh, and don’t forget the pattern. You want lots of big splotches to break up your outline. Not minor differences that all look the same from a distance.

TL:DR – Get a camo spearfishing wetsuit. You’ll thank me for it. 

 

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