Spearfishing Equipment
The spearfishing equipment check-list
Speargun or Handspear
Well maintained speargun and or handspear. It is a good idea to carry a spare speargun or handspear in case something gets broken. There have been times when something busted on my speargun and I was still able to fish some reef species with my trusty handspear.
Wetsuit
A full body or steamer wetsuit is recommended for all climates, the spring style suits will not protect you from stingers. Depending on your climate the wetsuit should be around 3mm-5mm in thickness.
Hood & Gloves
I see a lot of divers not using hoods or gloves, however these divers will eventually get stung by jellyfish and other stingers. The hood and globes will also help you to retain your body-heat.
Mask & Snorkel
A good fitting mask is an essential piece of spearfishing equipment. If the mask does not fit your face properly it will allow water to get in and cause pain and discomfort to the diver. Likewise the snorkel needs to be comfortable in the mouth.
Fins or Flippers
When it comes to fins size does matter, generally the bigger the better. Big fins will give big propulsion though the water with less effort. Less effort means more oxygen and long, deeper dives.
Dive knife
Sometimes forgotten about, the dive knife is a must have piece of spearfishing equipment. The dive knife can cut you out of a tangle, kill a fighting fish and even be used as a weapon if attacked by a shark!
Flag, Float & Line
The diving flag and line are attached to a float. The flag warns boats that you are diving in the area and the float keeps it visible above the waves. The line anchors the flag & float to the ocean floor, or alternatively attaches to the end of the speargun or diver.
Weight belt
Newcomers to the sport of spearfishing sometimes overlook the weight belt as being essential spearfishing equipment, however it is. Without the weight belt it will be very difficult to dive below the surface. The weight belt provides the diver with a neutral buoyancy.
Other spearfishing equipment
Dive bag – used to hold all your spearfishing equipment, usually big a durable.
Mesh bags – to hold fish and spare spearfishing equipment, attached to the float.
Spare shafts, tips (spear heads), bridles, line, etc.