Nothing makes a fish bigger thanalmost being caught

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

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.

Coral Trout are some of the most beautiful and tastiest fish in the world

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

Beautiful rivers are now open to spearfishing

Australia is truly a wild place with massive animals on all sections of the continent.

How to spearfish cobia. Complete guide covering habitat, behavior, gear, shot placement, and tips for finding and landing these powerful migratory fish while freediving.

Spearfishing lake trout in clear mountain water-diver Jake Lords holds a Mackinaw after a freshwater dive.

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

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

Online Spearfishing course that actually teaches you how to hunt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

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

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

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

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

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...

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...

Tips, tricks, and techniques to spearfish in poor visibility. There are way to make spearfishing in murky water safer and more enjoyable.

DIY Homemade spearfishing floats. Cheap, tough, easy, and best of all, they work!

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

One hour of target practice for spearfishing can give you more insight about you and your equipment than an entire season of spearfishing.

A beginners complete guide to spearfishing California

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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