Recently, the spearfishing equipment industry has really exploded, and there’s tons of new stuff coming out all the time.
Although spearfishing gear is constantly changing, some essentials haven’t.
Spearguns and speargun accessories, scuba diving gear, wetsuits, masks, snorkeling fins, underwater cameras, and spearfishing equipment knives are essential spearfishing accessories.
Since there are numerous kinds of spears used in several sporting activities, it’s important to make sure that you’re using just the right type of equipment suited to your needs.
But which ones are the best?
It’s hard to choose spearfishing equipment since there are so many options. Check out some of your favorite and essential spearing gear for 2024.
Critical Spearfishing Equipment
Spearfishing is an intense sport that can be enjoyed by all ages. If you are new to spearing, then it is important to research what equipment and gear you need before taking your first dive.
Spearfishing supplies near me are available online, which makes it easier than ever to start spearing up fresh seafood on a budget.
Before you purchase anything, take the time to evaluate your needs and figure out what spearfishing equipment list will work best for your adventure.
As a spearfisherman you know that your success is largely dependent on the equipment that you have and use. Spearfishing supplies are essential when it comes to spearing, so if you haven’t already stocked up on these items, now is the time to do so.
You’ll need access to spearfishing gear and equipment like mask, fins and snorkel, scuba diving gear with equipment checklist.
Here are the basic spearfishing equipment you need when just starting out:
Fishing License
It is important to know that you will need a fishing license to spearfish. A fishing license allows you to legally spearfish within your state.
The price varies depending on what state you live in, but this is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need before going out on your first spearfishing trip.
For all of the gear, equipment, and supplies needed to go spearfishing in the US, it’s best to get in touch with an online retailer like Spearfishing Stuff. They have everything from dive equipment checklist, diving equipment near me, commercial diving supplies and gear hawaii.
Spearguns
The first spearfishing gear you’ll need is a speargun. These guns come in two styles, single shot and multi-shot.
If you plan to use your spearfishing gun for hunting purposes, then a single-shot is the better choice. For underwater photography or recreational fishing, you’ll want the multi-shot variety.
The length of a speargun depends on how far you plan to dive. A good rule of thumb is that if you want to dive deeper than 20 feet, then you’ll need an extra long gun.
Polespears
A pole spear is a long shaft with a sharp point on the end. It is also called a speargun and it is used to catch fish by shooting the point into them. The shaft can be made of wood, aluminum, steel or fiberglass.
The first pole spears were made out of bamboo and had many differences from modern day models. Early pole spears had one single piece of bamboo that was not hollowed at the bottom so that it could have a pointed tip attached.
Today’s pole spears are often hollow which means that they are lighter than early ones because less material is used to make them and their weight can be distributed evenly on the spearfishing supplies near me so they are easier to handle.
Plespears help divers in exploring new areas of the sea floor as well as stalking prey such as fish and crustaceans.
Hawaiian Slings
The Hawaiian sling is an essential piece of equipment in the spearfishing gear. The sling can be used to shoot a fish, hoist it up and out of the water, or to simply get a better view of your surroundings while diving.
The Hawaiian sling is typically made with a length of rope or cordage and tied at one end with a weight on the other end.
Commercial diving supplies are essential when you are spearfishing because they give you more mobility underwater and allow you to dive deeper.
Wetsuits & Rash Guards
The most important piece of equipment that you need is a wetsuit. A wetsuit will keep you warm and protect your skin from cuts, scrapes, and other nasty injuries.
You can purchase them in a variety of thicknesses depending on the water temperature to ensure that you stay warm and safe from the environment. The best way to keep your equipment clean is to rinse them off after each use with fresh water.
Rash guards are also an essential part of any dive equipment checklist because they help reduce skin damage caused by excessive sun exposure.
Wetsuits also provide protection against cuts and scrapes during the spearfishing process.
Freediving Fins
Diving fins are one of the most important spearfishing gears. Diving fins help you swim better and faster underwater by kicking against the water. Freediving fins are designed to be shorter and lighter in weight so that divers can walk on land easier.
The best freediving fins should have a flexible blade that is not too stiff and they should be able to flex with the foot joint.
Some diving fins also come with an attachment for rubber or metal toe-pockets that hold your toes close together.
Wear diving socks when wearing your dive fin because it provides insulation from cold temperatures, reduces blisters, and protects feet from abrasions from sharp objects such as coral or shells.
Dive Mask & Snorkels
Dive equipment is essential to any spearfisherman. The dive mask will protect your eyes from the salt water and allow you to see under water.
The snorkel allows you to breathe when your mouth isn’t in the water, meaning you can dive deeper without worrying about running out of air. Both these pieces of equipment are necessary for spearfishing.
Dive Knives
A dive knife is your weapon for spearfishing. The dive knife will help you cut a fish and gut the animal, as well as provide you with a backup in case your primary speargun fails.
Along with the spear gun, it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment. Choose a knife that feels right in your hand, has at least a four-inch blade and is corrosion resistant.
Additional Spearfishing Equipment:
A spearfisher’s equipment is what makes the diving a success. The equipment can be divided into two categories: spearfishing gear and spearfishing supplies.
Spearfishing gear comprises of spearguns, floats, snorkels, masks and fins while supplies usually include a buoyancy compensator (BC), safety sausage, dive flag, and dive light.
The most important gear to have on hand when going into the water is an emergency floatation device that will keep you afloat while waiting for help to arrive.
Here are additional equipment needed for spearfishing;
Spearfishing Gloves
Diving gloves are essential if you’re going to be spearfishing. They protect your hands against the rough surfaces of coral and rocks while still allowing you to grip your spear.
With a good set of gloves, you can safely explore the depths without worrying about cuts and scrapes. There are many different types and sizes of diving gloves available, so it’s important to know what is best suited for your needs before making a purchase.
Diving Weight Belt
A weight belt is a safety device that is worn around the waist to provide ballast and stability. It can also be used to support items such as a camera or water bottle on the surface.
Weight belts can be made of various materials, including rubber, neoprene, polyester, and nylon. A weight belt is designed to distribute the load of weights evenly around the wearer’s body so that they do not ride up towards their neck or slip down towards their hips.
Dive Floats (Flags) & Stringer
Dive floats are an essential piece of equipment that are designed to be attached to the end of a spearfishing stringer, and they allow divers to surface with their catch while staying submerged.
Floats come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and they help divers identify their catch even when it’s underwater. When you’re assembling your dive gear, make sure you have plenty of stringers on hand.
Spearfishing Flashlight
A spearfishing flashlight is an important piece of equipment that helps you see in the dark. With it, you will be able to see beneath the surface of the water and find potential prey with ease.
Not only does a flashlight help to locate fish, but it also makes spearfishers safer by allowing them to see what is in their path before they walk into it.
The most important thing to consider when purchasing a spearfisher’s flashlight is how deep your dives are going to be. If you’re spearfishing in shallow water, a less powerful flashlight should do just fine.
But, if you’re diving deeper than 10 meters (or 33 feet) however, it’s best to invest in a more powerful light as these depths can obscure visibility and make it difficult to spot what’s below the surface.
Are you a beginner in spearfishing? Check our “Spearfishing for Beginners Guide“.
Optional Spearfishing Equipment List:
The list of equipment needed for spearfishing varies based on who you’re talking to. In general, you should start with a mask, fins and snorkel set. You’ll also need a wetsuit or drysuit and a spearfishing knife to cut through fishing line. A buoyancy compensator is necessary if you plan to dive deep and an air tank is necessary if your plan is to stay on the surface.
Here is the list of optional spearfishing accessories kit that may be needed for your next fishing adventure:
Spearfishing Gear bag
Start your spearfishing journey by picking up a spearfishing supplies kit with all the essentials. Spearfishing equipment is all about getting the right gear for your underwater adventures.
Make sure to include a dive mask, snorkel, fins and booties in your kit.
For your speargun and gun weights, invest in a good quality stainless steel spearfisherman’s belt and watch out for saltwater corrosion on aluminum weights.
To put all the gears, you need a high-quality gear bag or backpack. Dive bag will keep your equipment safe from water damage.
Freediving Watches
Another optional piece of equipment is a spearfishing watch. Freediving watches are designed to measure depth, time and decompression levels.
Most freediving watches will also have an alarm which sounds when the diver has reached their maximum depth level. It is important to use a proper dive watch because of the risk of developing decompression sickness or the bends.
Booties (Spearfishing Equipment)
Booties are a type of gear that covers the foot and are typically worn while spearfishing. Diving boots can be made from different materials, but neoprene is the most popular material to use when making booties.
They come in many different styles including cut-off booties and full coverage booties.Choose your booties according to your personal preference (size, shape and style).
Optional Spearfishing Equipment: Dive Socks
Lightweight dive socks are usually ideal because they offer more warmth than heavy or thick boots. Choose ones that have a good grip, so you don’t lose your footing on rocks or slippery surfaces.
Spearfishing Reel
Another optional piece of equipment when it comes to spearfishing is the reel. The reels are what keep the line from getting tangled.
Without a reel, your speargun would be useless and you would have to manually pull in each fish that you catch. When selecting a reel, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
You need to decide if you want a single or double handle reel.
Where to buy equipment for Spearfishing?
Spearfishing supplies can be purchased at local sporting goods stores, dive shops, or online on Amazon, eBay and Craigslist. Make sure they’re Coast Guard approved so that you know they’re safe! Spearfishing accessories kits are available too!
They include things like a mask, snorkel and fins. You may also want to invest in a spearfishing vest or harness for easy carrying during your dives.
If your diving equipment checklist includes all of these essential pieces, then your next task is deciding on where to go fishing!
Check out these top ten spots and get ready to take home some fish!
- Santa Rosa Island, Florida
- Great Barrier Reef, Australia
- Cayman Islands, Caribbean Sea
- Kona Coast, Hawaii
- Palau’s Lagoon + Mariana Trench; Western Pacific Ocean (Marine Protected Area
- Chagos Archipelago, Indian Ocean
- Cocos Island Marine Reserve, Costa Rica
- Palawan, Philippines
- Socorro Islands, Eastern Pacific Ocean
- The Bahamas
The best place is Hawaii because there are tons of species to catch including Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Snapper, Opah, Wahoo and Ono. Make sure you bring back what you catch so other people can enjoy the fruits of your labor too!
Bottom Line
Spearfishing equipment is an investment that can provide you with many years of enjoyment. However, it’s important to not just buy the first spearfishing gear kit you see.
You need to make sure that you’re getting something that will best meet your needs.
Spearfishing supplies and accessories are only available through a few select companies, which means they might be hard to find in your local area.
Diving equipment is a vast topic that can be confusing to those who are new. Spearfishers should make sure they know the basics of diving gear, scuba gear and spearfishing supplies before going out on their first dive.
The more you know about all of your options, the better equipped you will be to make an informed decision.
Having a list of equipment and gear at hand also makes it easier to make a quick purchase if something happens to break or go missing.
Even though this is likely not something that would happen in the course of normal use, it’s always best to prepare for any scenario.
Do you have everything you need? We hope so! 🙂
Let us know if you have any questions!
FAQs
What is the best type of spearfishing equipment for beginners?
It is best for beginners to start with a basic speargun, such as a pneumatic or a breakaway model. These types of spearguns are easier to handle and reload, and they allow for a bit more accuracy compared to other types.
How do I choose the right size speargun for my body?
The size of the speargun depends on the size of the person using it. A general rule of thumb is to choose a speargun that is about the same length as your arm span. This will allow for better control and accuracy when aiming.
What is the best type of spear for spearfishing?
The best type of spear for spearfishing depends on the type of fish you are targeting. For larger fish, use a bigger spear with multiple prongs. For smaller fish, a single prong spear is sufficient.
How do I know what type of wetsuit to buy?
The type of wetsuit to buy depends on the water temperature and the amount of time you will be spending in the water. For colder water temperatures, buy a full wetsuit with a hood. For warmer water, a shorty wetsuit or a spring suit may be sufficient.
How do I choose the right fins for spearfishing?
The right fins for spearfishing should be comfortable and provide good propulsion. Fins with a longer blade are generally better for diving deeper, while shorter blades are better for faster movement.
What type of mask should I buy for spearfishing?
The type of mask to buy for spearfishing should provide a clear and unobstructed view of the underwater environment. A mask with a low-volume design allows for easier equalization when diving deeper.
What is the best type of snorkel for spearfishing?
The best type of snorkel for spearfishing is one that is low-profile and has a dry top design. This helps to reduce drag and allow for easier breathing.
How do I choose the right weight belt for spearfishing?
The right weight belt for spearfishing should be comfortable and allow for proper buoyancy control. It is important to choose a weight belt that fits correctly and is not too loose or too tight.
What is the best type of dive computer for spearfishing?
The best type of dive computer for spearfishing is one that is reliable and provides accurate depth and dive time data. A dive computer with a gauge mode is also helpful, as it allows for tracking of vital dive information while hunting.
How do I care for my spearfishing equipment?
To care for your spearfishing equipment, it is important to rinse all gear thoroughly with fresh water after each use to remove salt and sand. Store gear in a cool, dry place and to regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
