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To get comfortable with spearfishing, start out in shallow water and fish above the water line. This does not require total body submersion. There are different ways to perform shallow water spearfishing. It can be as easy as standing onshore and spearing fish with a sharpened stick. You can also stand in the water, stand on rocks, or use a kayak as a spearfishing platform. In shallow water you can use a technique known as "stalking" where you hunt fish that are just below the surface, on the surface, or near rocks and ridges. Different types of fish have different behaviors that you will learn to recognize over time. While in shallow water, you can spearfish just below the surface using a snorkel to enter the water for a short period of time. Above the water line spearfishing may be the safest method because it avoids the dangers of underwater diving. Free dive spearfishing is an underwater method of spearfishing that requires a breathing apparatus. To achieve great diving technique, breathe deeply, arch your back as you would diving into a swimming pool, and enter the water head first with your fins in the air allowing your weight to push you towards the bottom. Quietly glide through the water to observe the ocean life and locate your desired fish. Use a dive mask for longer dives and a snorkel for shorter dives. If you are wearing a wetsuit, you will need a weight belt. Be sure not to kick your legs for momentum until you are completely submerged into the water, and then only make slight movements so that you do not frighten your prey. Once you reach your desired location in the water, creep slowly towards the fish using your free hand to navigate yourself. Gently kick your legs and hide or camouflage yourself from your prey wherever possible. Spearfishing presents more challenges than the standard rod and line fishing because you are in the water as a predator hunting prey. Some of the dangers include sharks, anglers (individuals fishing with a rod and line), and those spearfishing who may mistake you for prey or accidentally hit you with a spear. Always have a partner when spearfishing so that you can look out for each other, especially if you are deep dive spearfishing. When using a pole spear, extend your arm halfway out so that there is room to lengthen your reach at the final moment of attack. Once you've established that the fish is within range of the fully released spear, extend your arm and release the spear in one smooth movement, aiming for the head of the fish. If using a speargun while shallow water or deep dive spearfishing, you do not have to extend your arm to release a spear, simply release the safety and point the speargun at your target. Aim for the base of the skull where the spine connects because it immediately kills the fish and prevents suffering. After hitting your target, grab either the fish or the protruding point of the spear to control the flapping fish. Be sure that you are close enough to the fish and have a good aim so that you have a greater likelihood of killing the fish as opposed to just harming it. Consider carrying a knife during your dive to ensure a humane process. You may need to use your knife to kill the fish so that it does not suffer. Be sure that your spear is prepared and ready to go prior to entering the water. You will not be able to prepare the spear while in the water because your hands should be free whenever possible. Whether spearfishing for sport or hunting for food to eat, be sure to know what type of fish that you wish to harvest. The focus on trophy hunting is size, but when hunting for edible fish, parrotfish, lionfish, triggerfish, and small Snapper are all good targets because they are generally safe and many people enjoy the taste. Always avoid large and dangerous ocean life, including the poisonous weever fish. After spearing your prey, hook it to your fish carrier or place it in a designated location if you plan to continue spearfishing. Wearing gloves will prevent you from harming your hands when you are handling fish with sharp spines. Be aware that the blood from the fish speared may attract other ocean life.
Start with shallow water spearfishing. Go free dive spearfishing. Follow safety guidelines. Target your prey. Spear your prey. Hook the fish.