spearfishing

Spearfishing is the practice of catching fish using a spear or a similar pole or harpoon. It is one of the oldest forms of fishing, with historical evidence from ancient Mediterranean, Asian, and Pacific cultures. In modern practice, spearfishing typically occurs underwater through freediving or scuba diving, using a hand-held pole spear or a speargun.

Divers use masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, and sometimes weights and floats with signal flags. The spear tips may be barbed or paralyzer points, and spears can be either pole spears or spearguns. Techniques rely on stealth, buoyancy control, and an understanding of fish behavior, water clarity, and approach angles.

Regulation and safety: Laws vary widely; many places regulate species, size limits, seasons, and equipment, and require licenses, dive flags, or catch documentation. Protected species are common in some regions. Safety concerns include drowning, entanglement, and issues related to diving equipment and ear or sinus pressure changes.

Environment and ethics: When practiced responsibly, spearfishing can be selective and have low bycatch compared with other methods, but overfishing and habitat damage can occur if regulation and monitoring are weak. Conservation-minded practitioners emphasize adherence to local rules, quotas, and reef health.