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Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught
Grow Your Knowledge
“Join our exclusive Spearfishing Master Classes, podcast, and exclusive diving content powered by Bret Whitman’s SpearFactor—the ultimate resource for spearfishing enthusiasts! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned diver, these classes are designed to elevate your skills and deepen your understanding of the sport. Drawing directly from the knowledge shared on the SpearFactor podcast and Bret's 25 years of experience, you’ll benefit from expert advice on everything from breath-hold techniques and selecting the right gear to advanced hunting strategies for targeting various species.
Each episode features insights from top guests who have appeared on SpearFactor podcast offering you access to the same valuable tips and expertise that have shaped many successful divers. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your technique or take your spearfishing journey to the next level, these master classes—backed SpearFactor is your gateway to becoming a more skilled and knowledgeable diver”
How to Read the Ocean for Spearfishing: Currents, Tides, Swell, and Conditions
Whether you're a seasoned spearo or just starting out, one skill separates good spearfishers from great ones — the ability to read the ocean. Understanding water conditions, fish behavior, and underwater terrain can mean the difference between coming home with a cooler full of fish or just a great story about the one that got away. 1. Know Your Water Visibility Visibility is the first thing every spearfisher checks. Clear, blue water with 15+ meters of visibility is ideal, bu
Bill McIntyre
2 days ago2 min read
Common Spearfishing Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them
Every spearfisher makes mistakes early on — it's part of the learning curve. But some beginner spearfishing mistakes can ruin an entire dive day, damage expensive gear, or even put you in a dangerous situation underwater. The good news is that most of these errors are completely avoidable once you know what to watch for. After years of diving and mentoring newer spearfishers, I've seen the same handful of mistakes come up over and over again. Whether you're gearing up for you
Bret Whitman
Sep 15, 20244 min read
Freediving Techniques for Spearfishing: Breath-Holding, Equalization, and Safety
Freediving is the engine that drives spearfishing. Without solid breath-holding skills, efficient equalization, and disciplined safety habits, even the best spearfishing gear in the world won't help you land fish consistently. Mastering freediving techniques is what separates casual snorkelers from confident, capable spearfishers who can hunt at depth and stay calm under pressure. Whether you're just getting started or looking to push your depth and bottom time, the fundament
Bret Whitman
May 1, 20244 min read
California Spiny Lobster Season: A Freediver's Complete Guide to Gear, Regulations, and Techniques
Lobster season in California is one of the most exciting times of the year for freedivers and spearfishers alike. Hunting California spiny lobster by hand while freediving is a uniquely thrilling experience — crawling along dark reefs with a flashlight, spotting antennae poking out of a crevice, and making the grab. It's an adrenaline rush that keeps divers coming back season after season. Whether you're a first-time lobster diver or gearing up for another season, having the
Bret Whitman
Oct 20, 20233 min read
How Water Temperature Affects Fish Behavior: A Spearfisher's Guide to Finding Fish
If you want to consistently find and land fish while spearfishing, understanding water temperature is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Fish are cold-blooded animals whose entire behavior — feeding, breeding, and movement patterns — is directly driven by the temperature of the water they live in. Knowing how temperature affects your target species gives you a massive advantage over divers who simply jump in and hope for the best. Every species of fish has a pref
Bret Whitman
Sep 28, 20233 min read
Dry Land Training for Spearfishing and Freediving: How to Stay Dive-Ready Year Round
Spearfishing and freediving are physically demanding sports that require a unique combination of lung capacity, cardiovascular fitness, core strength, and mental discipline. The divers who perform best in the water are the ones who train consistently on land — especially during the off-season when cold water, rough conditions, or travel make regular ocean diving difficult. The good news is that you don't need the ocean to stay in peak diving shape. With the right dry land tra
Bret Whitman
Aug 14, 20233 min read
How to Shoot Bigger Fish While Spearfishing: 5 Rules That Actually Work
Every spearfisher wants to land bigger fish. But consistently connecting with trophy-sized targets isn't about luck — it's about preparation, discipline, and making smart decisions before you ever pull the trigger. The divers who regularly bring home impressive catches all follow the same core principles, and once you understand them, your results will change dramatically. Whether you're chasing pelagics offshore or hunting reef species in close, these five rules will help yo
Bret Whitman
Jul 21, 20233 min read
How to Care for Your Saltwater Fishing Boat: Maintenance Tips Every Spearfisher Needs
A saltwater boat is one of the biggest investments a spearfisher can make. It opens up access to deeper water, offshore structure, and fish that shore divers simply can't reach. But saltwater is brutal on boats — corrosion, salt buildup, and UV damage will destroy even the toughest vessel if you don't stay on top of maintenance. Taking care of your boat after every trip isn't optional; it's what keeps your investment running safely for years. Whether you own a center console,
Bret Whitman
Mar 4, 20233 min read
How to Stay in Freediving Shape While Landlocked: Training Tips for Spearfishers Far from the Ocean
Not every spearfisher has the luxury of living near the coast. If you're landlocked — whether by geography, work, or life circumstances — staying in freediving shape takes intentional effort and a structured training plan. The good news is that some of the most effective freediving training doesn't require the ocean at all. You can maintain and even improve your breath-hold, fitness, and dive readiness from anywhere. Whether you live hours from the nearest coastline or you're
Bret Whitman
Mar 1, 20233 min read
Speargun Maintenance: How to Care for Your Speargun and Make It Last
A quality speargun is a serious investment, and taking proper care of it ensures reliable performance dive after dive. Saltwater, sand, and UV exposure will degrade your speargun's bands, shaft, trigger mechanism, and handle material if you neglect maintenance. The divers who take five minutes after each session to care for their gear are the ones whose equipment lasts for years instead of months. Whether you're running a basic pole spear or a high-end roller gun, these spear
Bret Whitman
Feb 27, 20233 min read
Wetsuit Care Guide: How to Clean, Store, and Extend the Life of Your Diving Wetsuit
A quality wetsuit is one of the most important pieces of spearfishing and freediving gear you own. It keeps you warm, protects you from stings and scrapes, and allows you to stay in the water longer. But wetsuits are also one of the most commonly neglected pieces of dive equipment. Salt, sun, and improper storage break down neoprene fast, turning an expensive suit into a stiff, cracked, foul-smelling mess. With a few simple care habits, you can dramatically extend the life of
Bret Whitman
Feb 27, 20233 min read
3 Remote Spearfishing Spots in Baja California You Need to Dive
Baja California is one of the most incredible spearfishing destinations on the planet. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, warm Pacific and Sea of Cortez waters, and an astonishing diversity of gamefish, Baja offers world-class diving that rivals anywhere in the world. But the real magic happens when you leave the tourist towns behind and venture into the remote stretches of coastline where the pressure is low and the fish are plentiful. These three remote spearfishing spots
Bret Whitman
Feb 25, 20233 min read
Beginner Spearfishing Gear Guide: Simple Recommendations to Get You Started
Getting into spearfishing can feel overwhelming when you start looking at gear. There are dozens of brands, endless options, and a lot of conflicting opinions online. The reality is that you don't need the most expensive equipment to get started — you need reliable, functional spearfishing gear that lets you focus on developing your skills in the water rather than worrying about your setup. Here's my straightforward, simplified gear guide for anyone looking to get into spearf
Bret Whitman
Oct 14, 20223 min read
How to Hunt White Seabass: Spearfishing Tips, Techniques, and What You Need to Know
White seabass are one of the most prized and challenging gamefish for spearfishers along the California coast. They're fast, skittish, and incredibly rewarding to land. Unlike many reef species that hold tight to structure and give you time to set up a shot, white seabass often appear and vanish in seconds. Landing one consistently requires patience, stealth, and a solid understanding of their behavior. Whether you've been chasing white seabass for years or you're targeting t
Bret Whitman
May 15, 20223 min read
7 Spearfishing Safety Tips for Safer and More Effective Hunting
Spearfishing safety isn't just about avoiding danger — it's about building the habits that make you a more effective, confident, and consistent hunter. The safest divers are almost always the most productive ones, because the same discipline that keeps you alive also puts you in the best position to find and land fish. Every time you enter the water, these seven spearfishing safety tips should be at the top of your mind. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced spearfisher
Bret Whitman
Apr 24, 20223 min read
How to Aim a Speargun: Aiming Techniques for Band, Pneumatic, and Roller Spearguns
Accurate shooting is one of the most critical skills in spearfishing. A perfectly placed shot means a clean kill, a secured fish, and minimal gear damage. A poor shot means a lost shaft, a wounded fish, or a long, exhausting fight that could have been avoided. The way you aim your speargun depends on the type of gun you're using, and understanding the differences between aiming techniques will immediately improve your accuracy. Whether you're shooting a band-powered Euro gun,
Bret Whitman
Jul 17, 20214 min read
5 Ways to Dive Solo Safer: Safety Tips for Solo Spearfishing
Obviously, I will start by saying that the absolute safest way to dive is with a buddy, and my preferred method as well. But for some...
Bret Whitman
Jul 2, 20212 min read
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Spearfishing Boat
1. The size of the boat is crucial. Be realistic about where you intend to take your boat. Do you plan to go 100 miles offshore? Do you...
Bret Whitman
Jun 2, 20213 min read
How to Keep Lobster Fresh After Catching: Care, Storage, and Handling Tips
So now that you have grabbed yourself a nice lobster dinner, what should you do with your lobster in between catching it and eating it?...
Bret Whitman
Nov 7, 20202 min read
Should You Keep Giant Lobster? Size, Ethics, and Regulations for Spearfishers
With lobster season open here in California, there’s been a lot of pictures showing some impressive catches. This sparks lots of...
Bret Whitman
Oct 14, 20202 min read
How to Tune Your Fish Finder for Spearfishing: Sensitivity, Frequency, and Settings Guide
Welcome to part 2 of the series on sonar and fish finders. In part 1, we learned about what sonar is and how to interpret what we are...
Bret Whitman
Sep 26, 20204 min read
How to Read a Fish Finder for Spearfishing: Understanding Sonar and Side Scan
In this blog series, I will explain how to interpret side scan and downward looking sonar to find structure and fish. This post is part 1...
Bret Whitman
Sep 12, 20206 min read
Spearfishing in Poor Visibility: Tips and Techniques for Murky Water
Tips, tricks, and techniques to spearfish in poor visibility. There are way to make spearfishing in murky water safer and more enjoyable.
Bret Whitman
May 25, 20206 min read
How to Make DIY Spearfishing Floats: Cheap, Tough, and They Actually Work
DIY Homemade spearfishing floats. Cheap, tough, easy, and best of all, they work!
Bret Whitman
Apr 22, 20204 min read
How to Make DIY Spearfishing Flashers: Cheap, Easy, and Deadly Effective
Flashers are one of the most useful tools in a spearfisher's arsenal for attracting curious fish within shooting range. But commercial flashers can be expensive, and the truth is you can make your own that are just as effective for a fraction of the cost. I used homemade flashers on a Baja trip and brought fish in close enough to shoot with a pole spear. Here's a conversation I had with Jon from Cast and Spear about the setup, plus a complete step-by-step build guide. Materia
Bret Whitman
Mar 22, 20202 min read
How to Make DIY Spearfishing Targets for Pool Practice
One hour of target practice for spearfishing can give you more insight about you and your equipment than an entire season of spearfishing.
Bret Whitman
Mar 6, 20202 min read
A Beginner's Guide to Spearfishing San Diego: Species, Spots, Gear, and Techniques
A beginners complete guide to spearfishing California
Bret Whitman
Feb 18, 202018 min read
How to Get Sponsored in Spearfishing: 10 Tips That Actually Work
Getting sponsored in spearfishing is a goal for many divers, but most people go about it the wrong way. Sponsorship isn't about free gear — it's a business relationship where you provide value to a company in exchange for support. Brands want ambassadors who can reach an audience, create quality content, and represent their products authentically. Whether you're just starting to build your profile or you've been diving for years and want to take the next step, these ten tips
Bret Whitman
Jan 13, 20203 min read
Ear Problems in Freediving and Spearfishing: Prevention, Treatment, and When to See a Doctor
Ear problems are one of the most common and frustrating issues that freedivers and spearfishers deal with. After years of battling ear infections, equalization difficulties, and painful inflammation that kept me out of the water for weeks at a time, I've learned the hard way what works and what doesn't when it comes to protecting your ears. If you've ever had to sit on the beach watching perfect conditions go to waste because of an ear issue, this guide is for you. Understand
Bret Whitman
Dec 31, 20193 min read
5 Ways to Stay in Diving Shape During the Off-Season: Fitness Tips for Spearfishers
If you live somewhere with a real winter, you know the frustration of watching the dive season shut down while you sit on the couch losing the fitness you built all summer. Cold water, rough conditions, and short days can keep even the most dedicated spearfishers out of the ocean for months at a time. But losing your diving fitness during the off-season means spending the first weeks of next season getting back to baseline instead of hunting effectively from day one. The good
Bret Whitman
Dec 15, 20193 min read
Bluefin Tuna Spearfishing Tips and Tactics: How to Find, Approach, and Shoot Bluefin
Shooting a bluefin tuna while spearfishing is one of the most exhilarating and challenging feats in the sport. These are fast, intelligent, and powerful fish that demand precise technique, smart positioning, and a captain who knows how to put you on the fish. Having the right gear is only half the equation — knowing the tactics and strategies for finding and approaching bluefin is what actually puts the shaft in the fish. Nick Garcia from Nitro Gun Co. breaks down his proven
Bret Whitman
Nov 16, 20193 min read
Bluefin Tuna Spearfishing Gear: What You Need to Land the Biggest Fish in the Ocean
Bluefin tuna are the ultimate test of spearfishing gear. These fish are incredibly powerful, blindingly fast, and can weigh hundreds of pounds. If your equipment isn't built to handle the fight, you'll lose the fish, your shaft, and possibly your entire rig. There's no room for weak links when you're targeting bluefin — every component from your speargun to your floatline needs to be up to the challenge. Nick Garcia from Nitro Gun Co. shares his personal gear recommendations
Bret Whitman
Nov 16, 20193 min read
How to Get Legal Documents to Fish in Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide for Spearfishers
Fishing the waters of Mexico is a bucket-list experience for spearfishers chasing yellowtail, wahoo, dorado, roosterfish, and a dozen other incredible species. But before you load up the truck and head south of the border, there's a critical checklist of legal documents you need to have in order. Getting caught without the proper paperwork can result in heavy fines, confiscated gear, and a trip-ending encounter with Mexican authorities. The process has become more involved in
Bret Whitman
Nov 4, 20193 min read
Daytime Lobster Hunting: How to Find and Catch California Spiny Lobster During the Day
Most people assume lobster hunting is strictly a nighttime activity, but that's simply not true. You can be extremely successful hunting California spiny lobster during daylight hours if you know where to look and how to approach the hunt differently. Daytime lobster diving offers better visibility, safer conditions, and the chance to find bugs that nobody else is targeting because everyone is waiting for dark. The secret to daytime lobster hunting is understanding that lobst
Bret Whitman
Oct 10, 20193 min read
The Ultimate Spearfishing Road Trip Packing List: Gear, Documents, and Essentials
A spearfishing road trip to a remote destination like Baja, Western Australia, or the African coast is the adventure of a lifetime. But nothing kills the vibe faster than realizing you forgot a critical piece of gear, left your fishing license at home, or don't have the right tools to handle a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Proper trip preparation is just as important as the diving itself. I've put together a comprehensive packing list based on years of spearfishing road
Bret Whitman
Sep 21, 20194 min read
How to Care for Your Tuna After the Hunt: Braining, Bleeding, Gutting, and Chilling
How to care for your tuna.
Imagine catching or spearing the fish of a lifetime only to have the flesh ruin due to improper care.
Bret Whitman
Sep 17, 20194 min read
Best Freediving Fins for Spearfishing: Plastic, Fiberglass, and Carbon Fiber Compared
Choosing the right freediving fins is one of the most important gear decisions a new spearfisher will make. Your fins are your engine underwater — they determine how efficiently you move, how much energy you burn on each dive, and how quickly you can get to depth and back to the surface. With three main fin materials to choose from — plastic, fiberglass, and carbon fiber — it's easy to get overwhelmed, especially when prices range from under $100 to well over $500. Here's my
Bret Whitman
Sep 6, 20193 min read
Quick Links for Spearfishing Rigging: Pros, Cons, and How to Use Them
When it comes to spearfishing gear, every connection point in your rigging matters. Whether you're chasing bluefin tuna offshore or stalking white sea bass along the kelp line, the hardware linking your speargun to your floatline can mean the difference between landing the fish of a lifetime and watching it swim away with your shaft. That's why choosing the right connector is one of the most important rigging decisions you'll make. Quick links have become my go-to connector f
Bret Whitman
Sep 5, 20194 min read
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