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 spearfishing or freediving. These are the essentials you need, what to look for, and where to invest wisely.

Mask, Snorkel, and Fins: The Foundation of Your Setup

Your mask is the most personal piece of gear you'll own. A low-volume mask designed for freediving is what you want — it sits close to your face, reduces the air needed to equalize, and gives you a wide field of vision. Fit matters more than brand, so try several masks on before buying. A mask that leaks or sits uncomfortably will ruin every dive.

For your snorkel, keep it simple — a basic J-tube snorkel without purge valves or splash guards works best for spearfishing. Bulky snorkels create drag and tend to flood more than simple designs. For fins, long-blade freediving fins provide the power and efficiency you need to get to depth with less effort. Plastic blades are perfectly fine for beginners; you can upgrade to fiberglass or carbon fiber later once you know what stiffness and blade length you prefer.

Wetsuit and Weight Belt: Warmth and Buoyancy Control

Your wetsuit thickness depends on your local water temperature. In warm tropical water, a 1.5mm to 3mm suit is plenty. In temperate waters like California, a 5mm to 7mm suit is standard. For cold water diving, 7mm or thicker with a hood, gloves, and boots is necessary. An open-cell wetsuit provides the best warmth-to-flexibility ratio, though closed-cell suits are easier to put on and more durable for beginners.

A rubber or silicone weight belt with lead weights lets you fine-tune your buoyancy. Start with a basic Marseilles-style rubber belt — it stays in place better than nylon and won't ride up during your dive. Proper weighting is critical for efficient diving, so take the time to dial it in with testing rather than guessing.

Speargun: Choosing Your First Weapon

For beginners, a mid-range band-powered speargun in the 90cm to 110cm range is the most versatile starting point. This size handles most reef fish and works well in the visibility conditions you'll encounter as a new diver. Look for a speargun with a reliable trigger mechanism, a comfortable grip, and at least one strong band.

Don't overthink your first speargun purchase. You'll develop preferences for gun length, band configuration, and handle style as you gain experience. Start with something affordable and functional, learn to use it well, and then upgrade to a specialized gun once you know what type of diving and fish you're targeting most often.

Float, Flag, and Knife: Essential Safety Gear

A dive float with a dive flag is required in most areas and is critical for safety. It marks your position for boats, gives you a surface rest station, and provides a place to store your catch. A floatline connects the float to your speargun or weight belt, keeping your setup together and giving big fish something to fight against on the surface.

A sharp dive knife strapped to your arm or leg is a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment. It allows you to cut yourself free from tangled line, kelp, or other underwater hazards. Choose a knife with a secure sheath and a blade that's easy to deploy one-handed while underwater. Never dive without one.

Keep It Simple and Start Diving

The best spearfishing gear for a beginner is equipment that's reliable, fits well, and lets you focus on learning rather than troubleshooting. Start with the basics, borrow or buy used where you can, and upgrade strategically as your skills and preferences develop. The water is waiting — don't let gear paralysis keep you on shore. For more spearfishing gear advice and beginner tips, visit SpearFactor.com.