Spearfishing is gaining popularity as one of the most exciting water sports in the world. It combines swimming in the ocean with the thrill of hunting your own healthy and tasty fish. Every weekend hundreds of Americans launch their boats and yachts for the prospect of an exciting time and some delicious, freshly caught seafood.

SPEARFISHING BASICS:

In the modern digitally-enhanced, world not many people can boast about hunting and killing fish underwater with their own hands without the help of convenient fishing equipment. The basics of spearfishing can be broken down into three key sections;

Step 1: Find a good location where you can find plenty of fish.

Step 2: Identify the fish and shoot it with a spear gun or a hand-held spear.

Step 3: Secure the fish and bring it above water.

Although it sounds simple, freshwater spearfishing is a complex sport that requires excellent diving skills and proper training. However, once you’ve become an expert, there’s nothing more thrilling than exploring the rarely-traveled underwater road to hunt among the elusive marine life.

TOP SPEARFISHING LOCATIONS:

The U.S. coast offers some of the best spearfishing locations all over the world. People who have their own boats can enjoy exploring the beautiful waters of the Atlantic for the perfect spearfishing spot! Here are some of our top picks for spearfishing in the West Coast.

North California for Ling Cod:

North Carolina offers some unique conditions and productive reefs that are ideal for spearfishing. In winter months, the visibility under the water can reach up to 40 feet making it the ideal spot for divers. The ocean waters near North California are full of Ling Cod, which is the biggest fish in that region. It’s the primary target for expert spear fishermen and line anglers due to its size and delicious taste.

The Ling Cod can be accessed from the shore, which makes it a perfect fish for beginners in spearfishing. They usually hide in crevices and holes along the rocky reef to avoid predators like seals and to protect their eggs. The biggest Ling Cod was recorded to be whopping 56lbs!

Southern California for Yellowtail:

California is a big state with a long shoreline and plenty of spearfishing opportunities. The variety of fish can change from place to place. Southern California is famous for its Yellowtail population as well as White Sea Bass, Halibut, Barracuda, Red Snapper, and a variety of other rockfish.

Yellowtails are easier to get by free diving during the warmer weather. The waters around Southern California and Channel Island have great visibility for scuba divers and provide the ideal setting for spearfishing. You can also sail toward Catalina and San Clemente islands during summers for Yellowtails of up to 30 pounds!

White Sea Bass is usually found around Point Conception and the Channel Islands and offer a challenging hunt. They get spooked easily and you can only catch them by free diving and using a good spear gun. Halibuts are quite common and can be caught all along the beaches and the islands. You can spear a Halibut up to 35 pounds by simply snorkeling as little as 10 feet offshore with pole spears!

Striped Bass from Block Island:

Block Island is located nine miles from Rhode Island’s mainland and is the smallest chunk of the scattered archipelago of New England. The water around the island is usually teeming with wonderful sea life including a variety of fish population such as Winter Flounder, Blackfish, Cunner, and Fluke. You can also find big game fish like Swordfish and Tuna as you go further offshore.

Most spearfishermen are intrigued with Block Island to bag the elusive, big, and powerful Striped Bass with its delicious thick white fillets. On sunny days the waters calm down and are lit with shafts of sunlight which reflect off the silver-green scales of the Striped Bass making it easier to find. However, you should be aware that Rhode Island has limited spearfishing of Striped Bass to two fish a day with a minimum length of 28 inches.

You can also find some exotic fishes in the waters near Rhode Island that hitch a ride through the Gulf Stream and end up in the area. These include species such as Filefish, Triggerfish, and the voracious Lizardfish.

Off To Florida Waters For Mackerels:

Florida is famous for its miles and miles of gorgeous white sand beaches, sparkling waters, and tropical weather. The state boasts the biggest boat market and is vital to the U.S. fishing industry. The crystal azure waters of the sunshine state are teaming with a variety of fish species including Mackerels, Sailfish, Barracudas, and Snappers. The temperate climate from autumn to late spring created ideal conditions for fishermen as well as expert and beginners of spearfishing.

If you have your own sailboat or yacht, you can sail the waters of Florida year round to hunt for seafood. Most local harbors are only 20 minutes by boat from the Gulf Stream, which attracts all types and sizes of fish due to its warm waters. Exploring the reefs of Florida is a must for any spearfishing enthusiast!

STAYING SAFE WHILE SPEARFISHING

With the right equipment, training, and a proper water vessel, spearfishing can be an exhilarating and memorable experience. However, it is not without its risk as with any other water sport. Here are a few tips that can help avoid major trouble while hunting your next prized beauty:

• Safety always comes first. Don’t try anything that might be outside your comfort zone or poses greater risks.
• Keep it ethical. There are certain laws regarding the catch limits and which size and species to target. Stay within these limitations to maintain high standards and quality of the fish you catch.
• Watch and listen to experienced hunters to gain valuable knowledge about the right methods of spearfishing.
• Begin with a pole spear to refine your skills before taking up a spear gun. This is especially important for young and inexperienced spear fishermen.

Enjoy the thrill of the underwater hunt but keep a calm and level head at all times!

Head off to the open ocean for a spot of fishing in your own boat with Performance Yacht Sales. We are the top brokerage company in Miami for all kinds of affordable personal boats including sailboat yachts and power sailboats. Contact us today to become the owner of your very own luxury water vessel!