The Spearfisher's Guide to Reading the Ocean

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, but don't count out green or slightly murky water — many prized species like snapper and grouper actually prefer lower-viz conditions close to structure. Check local dive reports, tide charts, and recent rainfall before every session. Post-rain dives often mean poor viz due to freshwater runoff, especially near river mouths.

2. Work the Structure

Fish don't randomly roam the open ocean — they live around structure. Reefs, rocky outcrops, kelp forests, drop-offs, and even wrecks all attract fish because they provide shelter, feeding opportunities, and ambush points. When you enter the water, scan the bottom for ledges and caves. These are where the big fish hide. Approach slowly, neutralize your buoyancy, and let the fish come to you rather than chasing them.

3. Understand Tides and Currents

Tides and currents drive fish activity. Many experienced spearos swear by the incoming tide — as water pushes onto the reef, it brings baitfish, which in turn draws in larger predators. A gentle current can actually work in your favor, allowing you to drift along a reef wall effortlessly while scanning for targets. Strong currents, however, make breath-hold diving dangerous and exhausting. Always plan your entry and exit around the tidal flow.

4. Be Patient — The Ocean Rewards the Still

One of the biggest mistakes new spearfishers make is moving too much. Every kick of your fins sends vibrations through the water that spook fish. Instead, master the art of the static dive — descend calmly, hover near the bottom, and wait. Curious fish will often circle back to investigate a still diver. This technique, known as 'playing dead,' is one of the most effective ways to bag fish that would otherwise bolt.

5. Safety First — Always Dive with a Buddy

Spearfishing is one of the most rewarding sports in the ocean, but it comes with real risks. Shallow water blackout (SWB) is a silent killer that can strike even experienced divers — it happens with no warning when oxygen levels drop during ascent. The rule is simple: never dive alone, ever. One diver is in the water while their buddy watches from the surface. Rotate roles and always keep eyes on each other. No fish is worth your life.

Reading the ocean is a skill that takes time, experience, and a whole lot of wet hours. But every dive teaches you something new. Stay curious, stay safe, and keep diving. The ocean has a way of giving back to those who respect it.