10 Beginner Spearfishing Tips (That’ll Save You Time, Fish, and Frustration)

So, you’ve seen those youtube videos of divers dropping down, holding their breath, and surfacing with dinner in hand — and now you’re thinking: That looks epic. I want to do my own catch and cook.

We don’t blame you. Spearfishing is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with the ocean. It builds confidence, helps you understand the underwater world in a whole new way, and lets you put food on the table in the most ethical, hands-on style of fishing there is.

But here’s the truth: spearfishing will humble you quickly if you don’t prepare properly. That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of beginner spearfishing tips to help you start the right way, safely, confidently, and sustainably.

1. Start With a Freediving Course

The biggest mistake new spearos make? Skipping the freediving foundations.

A freediving course teaches you how to equalise, relax, extend your breath-hold, and stay safe. These skills are essential before you even think about holding a speargun.

Think of it like learning to drive on the racetrack without ever getting a driving lesson. Sure, you might move the car forward, but it won’t end well.

Once you’ve nailed freediving basics, a spearfishing course becomes way more productive - you’ll progress faster and enjoy the sport much more.

Check out our Beginner Freediver Course here

2. Learn to Relax Underwater

Fish sense tension. If you’re thrashing around or looking panicked, they’ll be gone before you even see them.

Move slowly, control your finning, and try to blend in with the environment. Once you learn to become part of the ocean, you’ll find fish often get curious and come closer on their own.

3. Keep Your Gear Simple

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to start spearfishing. Stick to the basics:

• Low-volume mask (Read our top mask picks here)

• Long freediving fins

• Wetsuit suited to your local water temperature

• Weight belt with proper weighting

• Basic float and float line

• Pole spear or a 75–90cm railgun

Start small. As you gain experience, you’ll naturally figure out what gear suits your diving style best.

4. Know Your Fish & Size Limits

Sustainability is everything in spearfishing. Learn your local fish species, carry a laminated size/bag limit chart, or use an app like NSW FishSmart.

If you don’t know what it is, don’t shoot it. Selective, sustainable spearfishing is what keeps this lifestyle ethical and ocean-friendly.

5. Never Spearfish Alone

This is non-negotiable. Always dive with a buddy. Shallow water blackout is a risk even in shallow dives, and accidents happen.

Follow the golden rule: one up, one down.

6. Respect Your Surface Time

Most of your dive happens at the surface. Use that time to recover properly before the next dive.

A simple rule: for every 1 minute underwater, spend at least 2 minutes on the surface. This reduces your risk of blackout and improves your bottom time.

7. Stop Chasing Fish

You’ll never out-swim a fish. Instead, use aspetto — the ambush technique. Drop down, stay still, tuck in your fins, and let the fish come to you.

Patience always wins in spearfishing.

8. Take Only What You’ll Eat

Spearfishing is about quality, not quantity. Take one or two fish you know you’ll enjoy, and leave the rest. Respecting your catch is what makes this sport so rewarding.

9. Rinse & Check Your Gear

Saltwater destroys equipment if you don’t look after it. Rinse everything in freshwater after each dive, check for rust or wear, and replace worn parts before they fail.

10. Train Out of the Water Too

You’ll progress faster if you build fitness and comfort with your breath-hold outside the water. Dry breathwork, CO₂ tables, mobility work, and even light cardio make a massive difference when you dive.

Don't Forget to Check Local Rules and Regulations

Respecting local rules and regulations is one of the most important parts of being a responsible spearo. Every region has its own protected species, size limits, bag limits, and seasonal closures designed to protect fish stocks and marine ecosystems. Before heading out, always check the latest rules and make sure you hold the correct recreational fishing license, it’s your responsibility to stay legal and sustainable. If you’re diving in New South Wales, you can grab your license and find up-to-date information through the official NSW Recreational Fishing Fee page.

Final Thoughts

Spearfishing isn’t just about catching fish - it’s about building water confidence, connecting with nature, and learning to respect the ocean.

The fastest way to get started the right way? Learn to freedive first. From there, a dedicated spearfishing course will take your skills to the next level.

At Deep Sensations Freediving, we run small-group Beginner Freediver Courses that set you up with proper skills, and Spearfishing Courses that teach you to hunt ethically and dive safely.

Start with a Freediving Course

Level up with a Spearfishing Course

Got questions? DM us on Instagram or drop by one of our community events. We’re always keen for a yarn and a fish tale.