Spearfishing is an epic way to get up close and personal with the ocean, not to mention the fish that call it home. It flips the script on traditional fishing and provides an exciting new technique for catching a feed. Now diving head-first into spearfishing can be daunting, but lucky the lads from Back2basics are here to point you in the right direction.
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Essential spearfishing gear
When it comes to choosing the right gear, it pays to start from the top and work your way down. First up is a good mask . If you can’t see clearly, you’re already making life difficult for yourself. Pair it up with a snorkel and you’re sorted for surface work. It’s always worth trying a few masks on in-store too, because the right fit will make all the difference. Look for something that’s comfortable on your face, with a watertight seal.
Next up is your wetsuit . Staying warm in the water isn’t only for comfort, it helps you stay relaxed, focused and in the zone for longer. Match your suit with an appropriate weight belt , so you’re properly weighted for your setup and the conditions. Once you’ve got that balance right, moving through the water becomes a piece of cake.
On your feet, fins do their fair share of the heavy lifting. Plastic fins are a great starting point if you’re new to the sport and don’t want to break the bank. Down the track, composite and carbon fins will give you a bit more performance, but they come with a price tag to match. Whatever you choose, make sure they fit snug with your socks and feel natural in the water.
Then there’s the speargun , the bit everyone gets excited about. A 1.1m (110cm) gun is a solid all-rounder and a great place to begin. It gives you a nice balance between manoeuvrability and reach, whether you’re poking around reefy structure or taking a crack at a passing pelagic. Most are rubber powered with one or two rubbers, and they come in aluminium, carbon and timber barrels. Our tip? Start with the best one you can comfortably afford, then get to know it like the back of your hand.
Get the fit and setup right
Mask fit test
Place the mask gently on your face without using the strap and breathe in through your nose. If it seals lightly and stays put, you’re on the money. If it drops off or leaks air, try another model. A good fit is worth its weight in gold.
Stay warm and properly weighted
Your wetsuit helps keep your core temp steady, while your weight belt offsets the suit’s natural buoyancy. When the balance is right, you’ll use less energy, feel more relaxed and spend less time fighting to stay where you want to be. Aim for neutral buoyancy at the depth you’ll typically be diving, and make small adjustments until it feels right.
Right-length gun and rubbers
A 110cm gun is a great middle ground for beginners because it offers decent reach without feeling too clunky. Running one or two rubbers keeps things simple and predictable while you learn. In the early days, a simple setup will be your best bud and the more familiar your gear feels, the better your confidence and accuracy will be.
Three secrets for clean, close shots
1. Be non-threatening
This is a big one! Slow everything down and move like you belong there. Kick gently, keep a low profile and settle on the bottom when you can. Fish are far more likely to come within range when you’re calm and not charging around at 100 miles an hour. Relaxed movements can often close the distance for you.
2. Know your gear
Spend time with your exact setup before the pressure’s on. De-fog your mask properly, check your gear and get familiar with how your speargun shoots. Practising on a target is a ripper way to learn where the shaft lands and how your gun behaves in the water. When your chance comes, you want to feel confident taking a quick, clean and humane shot.
3. Get close… then get closer
One of the golden rules of spearfishing is don’t rush the shot! Hold off until you can clearly make out the finer details of your target (the eye, cheek pattern or other clear features) - If you can’t see those details, you’re probably still too far away. Stay patient, keep calm and close the gap properly. If your breath is running low, surface, reset and wait for a better opportunity. No dramas.
Safety and reef etiquette
When it comes to spearfishing, patience beats panic every time. If a shot feels rushed, let it go. Breathe up, reset and wait for another chance. Keep your movements smooth, stay aware of your bottom time and always prioritise a quick, humane kill.
Just as importantly, brush up on your local rules before you hit the water. Know your species limits, respect the reef and only take what you need. A little bit of care goes a long way out there. Not only will you enjoy your time in the big blue more, but you’ll also be helping keep it healthy for the next dive.
Ready to dive in? Swing past your local BCF store to get decked out with the right gear, then ease into the basics and build your confidence one dive at a time.
Spearfishing 101 FAQ
1. What gear do you need to start spearfishing?
If you’re looking to get into spearfishing, you’ll need a mask, snorkel, wetsuit, weight belt, fins and of course… a speargun. The perfect setup for a beginner should feel comfortable, fit properly and suit the type of water you’ll be diving in.
2. What speargun is right for a beginner?
A 110cm speargun is a great all-rounder for beginners, offering the perfect balance between reach and manoeuvrability. These beauties are simple to use, go great on the reef and offer new spearos a solid starting point for building their confidence in the water.
3. How do I know if my spearfishing mask fits correctly?
A simple way to test if your mask fit is on the money, is to place it on your face without using the strap and breathe in gently through your nose. If it seals lightly and stays in place, it’s a good fit. If it drops off or leaks air, you should try another mask.
4. How much weight should I use for spearfishing?
You should use enough weight to help you reach neutral buoyancy at the depth you normally dive. The right amount will depend on your wetsuit, body size and conditions, so it’s best to make small adjustments until you feel balanced and comfortable in the water.
5. What are the best beginner spearfishing tips?
Some of the best beginner spearfishing tips are to slow down, stay calm and get comfortable with your gear before taking a shot. Being patient, closing the distance properly and only taking clean, humane shots will help you become a safer and more effective spearo.
About the author
BCFing Experts
The BCFing Experts have done more than their fair share of boating, camping, fishing, hiking, four-wheel driving and much much more! Whether you're tackling tough tracks in Tassie or chasing big barra up North, the BCFing Experts have the know-how to make your next outdoor adventure a pearler
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