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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 Spear Wahoo: Bluewater Tactics for the Fastest Fish in the Ocean
There are very few moments in spearfishing that match the rush of watching a wahoo materialize out of the blue. One second you're hanging in open water scanning the void, and the next there's a torpedo with vertical stripes screaming past you at highway speed. Wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri) are the fastest fish most divers will ever encounter — capable of bursts exceeding 60 miles per hour — and spearing one on a single breath is one of the ultimate tests of bluewater skill.
Bret Whitman
1 hour ago6 min read
Spearfishing Mu (Big Eye Emperor): Hawaii's Most Elusive Reef Prize
If you've spent any time diving in Hawaii, you've probably seen a mu — and you've almost certainly failed to get close enough for a shot. The big eye emperor (Monotaxis grandoculis), known simply as "mu" throughout the Hawaiian Islands, is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and difficult reef fish to spear in the Pacific. They're not the biggest fish on the reef, they're not the fastest, and they don't hide in holes. They just outsmart you. Every time you think yo
Bret Whitman
2 days ago7 min read
The 2026 World Freshwater Spearfishing Championship: Everything You Need to Know
If you haven't heard, the 2026 World Freshwater Spearfishing Championship is happening this week at Lake Taupo, New Zealand — and it's shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in the freshwater spearfishing world.
Bret Whitman
3 days ago5 min read
The Seven Species of Coral Trout: A Diver's Guide to Identification, Habitat, and Hunting
Coral Trout are some of the most beautiful and tastiest fish in the world
Bret Whitman
5 days ago5 min read
How to Hunt Yellowtail: The West Coast Diver's Complete Species Guide
Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) is the fish most West Coast divers dream about. Big, fast, and incredibly powerful, a quality yellowtail will test everything from your breath-hold to your shooting judgment. I've chased yellowtail off the California coast and down into Baja, and I can honestly say there's no other hunt quite like it. The speed of the chase, the depth you often need to reach them, and the sheer size of a big YT makes landing one a genuinely hard-earned achievement
Bret Whitman
6 days ago4 min read
Oregon Opens Rivers and Streams to Spearfishing for Bass and Walleye in 2026
Beautiful rivers are now open to spearfishing
Bret Whitman
7 days ago4 min read
Spearfishing Australia: A Region-by-Region Guide to Game Fish, Seasons, Hazards, and Charters
Australia is truly a wild place with massive animals on all sections of the continent.
Bret Whitman
Mar 316 min read
Spearfishing Cobia: Spring Migration Tactics, Gear, and Sight Fishing Tips
How to spearfish cobia. Complete guide covering habitat, behavior, gear, shot placement, and tips for finding and landing these powerful migratory fish while freediving.
Bret Whitman
Mar 27 min read
Freshwater Spearfishing in the Interior States: The Ultimate Guide to Diving Inland Waters
Spearfishing lake trout in clear mountain water-diver Jake Lords holds a Mackinaw after a freshwater dive.
Bret Whitman
Mar 114 min read
How to Hunt Lionfish: A Diver's Complete Guide to Gear, Technique, and Safety
I'll be honest — when I first heard someone describe lionfish hunting as "the most important thing a diver can do for the reef," I thought it was a bit dramatic. Then I got in the water in the Florida Keys and saw what these fish are actually doing to a reef ecosystem. After that first dive, I became a convert. Lionfish (Pterois volitans and Pterois miles) are native to the Indo-Pacific, but since the 1980s they've spread across the Gulf of America, Atlantic Coast, and Caribb
Bret Whitman
Feb 276 min read
Hawaii's Shallow Water Blackout Bill: What Every Diver Needs to Know About HB 1765 and Freediving Safety
Hawaii is on the verge of passing one of the most significant pieces of spearfishing safety legislation in the United States. House Bill 1765, introduced in the 2026 legislative session, would require every speargun and pole spear sold, leased, or rented in Hawaii to carry a warning label about the dangers of shallow water blackout. The bill is backed by divers, water safety advocates, dive shop owners, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. If it passes, it could
Bret Whitman
Feb 277 min read
How to Learn Spearfishing Online: What a Good Course Covers and Why It Matters
Online Spearfishing course that actually teaches you how to hunt
Bret Whitman
Feb 235 min read
Michigan Just Opened Great Lakes Spearfishing for Walleye, Pike, and Lake Trout: What You Need to Know for April 2026
Brett Leable joining some freshwater diving with his son. If you haven't heard the news yet, Michigan just made one of the biggest moves in the history of freshwater spearfishing in the United States. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission voted unanimously to expand underwater spearfishing regulations across all four Great Lakes bordering the state — Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior. Starting in April 2026, freedivers will be able to legally target walleye, north
Bret Whitman
Feb 236 min read
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
Bret Whitman
Feb 202 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
Saltwater Boat Maintenance for Spearfishers: How to Rinse, Protect, and Store Your Boat
Owning a saltwater boat is the fastest way to access the best spearfishing spots — deep reefs, offshore pinnacles, and remote coastline that shore divers can only dream about. But saltwater is one of the most destructive environments on the planet for boats. Corrosion, salt crystal buildup, UV degradation, and marine growth will quietly destroy your hull, engine, and electronics if you let your guard down. The difference between a boat that lasts two seasons and one that runs
Bret Whitman
Mar 4, 20234 min read
How to Train for Freediving While Landlocked: Breath-Hold, Pool, and Fitness Tips for Spearfishers
Not every spearfisher lives within driving distance of the coast. Whether you're stuck in the middle of the country, traveling for work, or sitting out a long winter season, being landlocked doesn't have to mean losing your freediving fitness. In fact, some of the most effective freediving training happens outside the ocean entirely. The divers who show up to their first dive of the season in peak condition are the ones who trained consistently on land while everyone else sat
Bret Whitman
Mar 1, 20235 min read
How to Maintain Your Speargun: Cleaning, Band Care, Shaft Inspection, and Storage Tips
A speargun is the most critical piece of equipment a spearfisher owns, and the difference between a gun that fires reliably for years and one that fails at the worst possible moment comes down to maintenance. Saltwater, sand, UV exposure, and the sheer stress of loading and firing will wear down bands, corrode metal, and stiffen trigger mechanisms if you don't stay on top of care. The good news is that speargun maintenance is simple, takes only a few minutes after each sessio
Bret Whitman
Feb 27, 20235 min read
How to Care for Your Wetsuit: Rinse, Dry, Store, and Repair Your Neoprene the Right Way
A quality spearfishing or freediving wetsuit is one of your most expensive and essential pieces of dive gear. It keeps you warm in cold water, protects your skin from stings, scrapes, and UV exposure, and directly determines how long you can stay in the water comfortably. But neoprene is surprisingly fragile when it comes to salt, heat, UV light, and improper handling. The same suit that lasts one diver three months can last another diver three years — the difference is entir
Bret Whitman
Feb 27, 20234 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 people diving with a buddy is just not possible, and they are going to dive without a partner regardless. Solo spearfishing carries real risks that you need to take seriously. Here are five tips that will help minimize the danger if you find yourself diving alone. Choose Your Dive Sites Carefully The easiest solo safety tip is simply being smar
Bret Whitman
Jul 2, 20213 min read
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Spearfishing Boat
Buying a boat for spearfishing is one of the biggest investments you can make as a diver. A boat opens up access to offshore structure, deeper water, and fish that shore divers simply can't reach. But boat ownership comes with real costs and considerations that can quickly turn a dream purchase into a financial headache if you're not prepared. Before you sign on the dotted line, think carefully about these three critical factors. Boat Size: Match the Vessel to Your Actual Nee
Bret Whitman
Jun 2, 20213 min read
How to Keep Lobster Fresh After Catching: Care, Storage, and Handling Tips
So you've grabbed yourself a nice lobster dinner while freediving — congratulations. But what should you do with your lobster between catching it and eating it? Proper handling and storage makes the difference between a restaurant-quality meal and a rubbery, off-tasting disappointment. Here's how to care for your California spiny lobster catch from the moment it comes out of the water. Keeping Your Lobster Alive Until You're Ready to Cook If you want to keep your lobster aliv
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 truly impressive catches. Giant California spiny lobsters weighing 10 pounds or more spark important questions about age, reproduction, and conservation. Should you keep a giant lobster, or release it after the photo? Here's what the science says. How Old Are Giant Lobsters? A legal-size California spiny lobster measuring 3.25 inches in carapace length and weighing around one pound takes
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 17, 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 17, 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
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