Freedive Spearfishing: What’s it About?
What is Freedive Spearfishing?
Freedive spearfishing is a sport unlike any other. It combines the rigors of freediving with the challenges and excitement of hunting. A spearfisherman, armed with a band-powered speargun or polespear, holds their breath and dives to the bottom of a lake, river, or sea in pursuit of fish. Once on the bottom, the spearfisherman must use available cover and relaxed body language to approach his target fish. After a fish is harvested, it is used to provide food for the spearfisherman and his family.
A Spearfisherman’s Mindset
The mindset of a spearfisherman is that of the hunter. He wants to connect himself with the natural world and become a direct participant in the food chain in a sustainable way. When a spearfisherman enters the water, his goal is to provide food for himself and those close to him, while interacting with the environment in a unique way.
Underwater Spearfishing is . . .
Selective - Spearfishermen only impact fish they plan to harvest, and leave the rest alone.
Sporting - Spearfishing presents a significant physical and mental challenge. A spearfisherman must hunt wild game underwater, while holding their breath.
Low Impact - Spearfishing, unlike conventional angling, leaves no waste and has no bycatch. After a spearfisherman exits the water he leaves no fishing line, lead sinkers, or hooks behind. The only fish that are disturbed or killed are the ones he plans to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is underwater spearfishing considered the same as land, ice, or boat-based spearfishing?
While both methods technically use a spear, they are different strategies of harvesting fish and are subject to different legislation.
Is spearfishing safe?
Safety is a primary concern for most spearos. Spearfishermen use floats and flags to notify boaters of their presence. Spears are always tethered to the gun or dive float, so they don’t go flying off into the distance.
Is spearfishing humane?
Spearfishing is just as humane as any other form of hunting. The fish is dispatched either immediately when it’s speared, or soon after when the spearfisherman brings it in.
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