There are few hunting activities that bring people back to humanity’s ancient roots and give them a strong feeling of accomplishment like spear hunting does. Using all your strength and force to push the spear down through the water and through the side of a fish unknowingly swimming beside you is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. The process of actually being able to spear a fish, however, can be a tricky one, but there are a few important tips to learn in order to learn how to spear fish.
First, the most important thing is to make sure that you are in a location with accessible fish. This may sound like an obvious tip, but it needs to be remembered that this is not like fishing in deep waters with a fishing pole. The fish for this endeavor need to be located within the distance of your spearing abilities, whether you are merely using your own power or that of a speargun. The waters should be on the shallow side, and be clear so that it is easy to find and see the fish.
The next step is to locate a fish that is unaware of your presence and is of the correct size and type for you to be catching. This can typically be done by finding a spot in the weeds where fish will congregate to rest and avoid the heat and the traffic of the main area in the body of water. As you move through the water, stir up as little dirt as possible and move as slowly and discretely as you can. If too much commotion is caused by your movement, the fish will notice and most likely they will flee to calmer waters and you will be unable to spear them.
Once a fish has been located that you feel is fits the proper qualities for your fishing desires, one of two courses of action needs to be taken depending on what type of spear fishing you are doing. If you are spearing from above water, you need to get yourself above the fish, withing distance of the stab of your spear or your speargun’s fire. Then, aim the spear right below the fish’s head, because due to the refraction of the water, the fish is not exactly where it appears to be. At this time, very swiftly, either thrust your spear forward with your arm, or fire your speargun at your target.
If you are instead submerging yourself to spear the fish while you are underwater, you need to continue the pattern of slow movements that do not stir up much commotion as you descend below the waterline. Do not kick your legs while you are underwater. Instead, pull yourself to the bottom using your free hand, and then use that hand to move along the bottom very discretely so that the fish is not disturbed. As you approach the fish, again make sure that your spear or speargun will be able to reach the fish from where you are located. In this situation, take careful aim at the fish’s head, and spear the fish.
Once your fish has been hit with the spear, rush to it and either grab the fish or the end of the spear that went through it so that the fish cannot escape. After you have secured the fish from getting away from you, take it to the surface and then to the shore in order to take care of it in normal fashion.
Spearfishing can be a tough task to master, but once the skill to perform is attained, it is an experience that will provide thrill and excitement for years to come. Spearing a fish is a primitive skill that has been overtaken by new technology, but the heart of it is still the same. The predator outsmarting the prey.