So, you’ve decided to take up spearfishing, have you? Good choice. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of diving beneath the surface, the quiet calm of the underwater world, and the thrill of landing your first catch. But before you start chasing fish, you’ll need the right gear. As someone who’s spent countless hours spearfishing along the Welsh coast, I’ve learned a thing or two about what’s essential for beginners. Let me guide you through the gear you’ll need to get started.
1. Speargun: The Main Tool of the Trade
At the heart of your kit is the speargun. Now, as a beginner, you don’t need to go all out and buy the most expensive one on the market. Start simple, get comfortable, and build up from there.
There are two main types of spearguns:
- Band-powered spearguns: These are powered by elastic bands and are the most common type of speargun. They’re easy to use, reliable, and relatively quiet underwater.
- Pneumatic spearguns: These are powered by compressed air. They’re more compact but tend to be noisier when fired.
For most beginners, I’d recommend starting with a band-powered speargun. They’re easier to maintain, and you can adjust the number of bands for more or less power. Around the rocky shores of Llandudno, where visibility isn’t always perfect, a shorter speargun (around 75cm) will do just fine for targeting fish like bass and pollock.
Practical Tip: Don’t go overboard with size. A medium-length speargun is more versatile for various conditions, especially in the UK where waters can be a bit murky. Read my post on choosing a speargun here.
2. Wetsuit: Your Armour Against the Cold
In UK waters, especially here in Wales, a good wetsuit is non-negotiable. Even in summer, the water can be chilly, and you don’t want to cut your dive short because you’re freezing.
When choosing a wetsuit for spearfishing, you want something that’s:
- Warm: For UK waters, you’ll need a 5mm wetsuit. In the colder months, or if you’re particularly prone to the cold, you might want a 7mm suit.
- Flexible: Spearfishing involves a lot of movement—swimming, diving, and reloading your speargun. Make sure the suit has enough flexibility to allow you to move comfortably.
Camouflage wetsuits are also popular among spearos. They help you blend into the environment, making it easier to approach fish without spooking them. But for beginners, don’t worry too much about the camo pattern; focus more on warmth and fit.
Practical Tip: Make sure your wetsuit fits snugly, but not so tight that it restricts your movement or breathing. A well-fitted suit will trap a thin layer of water that your body heats up, keeping you warm throughout your dive.
3. Fins: Boosting Your Speed Underwater
Next up, you’ll need a good pair of fins. These will help you move efficiently through the water, conserve energy, and dive deeper. There are two types to consider:
- Closed-heel fins: These are like wearing a shoe—your foot fits snugly inside. They’re more comfortable and warmer, which is ideal for UK waters.
- Open-heel fins: These require a neoprene boot and tend to be more adjustable. They’re better for colder dives but can be bulkier.
For spearfishing, you’ll want long-blade fins. These give you more propulsion with each kick, helping you dive deeper and swim faster with less effort.
Practical Tip: If you’re diving in rocky areas (which you will be if you’re spearfishing in Wales), make sure your fins are durable. You don’t want to end up with split fins because you’ve kicked a rock.
4. Mask and Snorkel: Your Eyes and Breathing Gear
A good mask and snorkel are essential for spearfishing. The mask allows you to see clearly underwater, while the snorkel lets you breathe while keeping your head in the water as you search for fish.
When choosing a mask:
- Low volume: A low-volume mask is easier to equalise and reduces the pressure on your face as you dive deeper.
- Fit: Make sure it creates a good seal around your face to prevent water from leaking in.
Your snorkel should be simple—avoid fancy ones with lots of gadgets. A basic J-shaped snorkel is perfect for spearfishing. Keep it simple so that you can focus on the fish, not on your gear.
Practical Tip: Before using your new mask, clean the inside of the lens with toothpaste (non-abrasive) to prevent fogging. You don’t want your view of the underwater world ruined by a fogged-up mask.
5. Weight Belt: Achieving Neutral Buoyancy
Buoyancy is critical in spearfishing. If you’re too buoyant, you’ll struggle to stay under the water. If you’re too heavy, you’ll sink like a rock. This is where a weight belt comes in handy.
A weight belt allows you to adjust your buoyancy. By adding or removing weights, you can achieve neutral buoyancy, meaning you’ll stay at a constant depth without having to swim up or down.
For beginners, I’d recommend a rubber weight belt with a quick-release buckle. Rubber belts are more comfortable and prevent the weights from sliding around.
Practical Tip: Start with a small amount of weight and add more as needed. You’ll want to be buoyant enough to float on the surface but heavy enough to stay submerged when you dive.
6. Knife: A Lifesaving Tool
A spearfishing knife is more than just a tool for dispatching fish. It’s an essential piece of safety gear. If you ever get tangled in a line or kelp, your knife could save your life.
Choose a knife that:
- Has a sharp, stainless-steel blade: This will resist corrosion in saltwater.
- Has a good sheath: You want the knife to be easily accessible, so a leg or arm-mounted sheath is ideal.
Practical Tip: Keep your knife sharp, and always make sure it’s secured in its sheath. You don’t want it slipping out while you’re diving.
7. Float and Flag: Safety First
A spearfishing float serves two purposes:
- It marks your location so that boats can see you and avoid the area.
- It allows you to attach your speargun or catch while you’re swimming.
Floats are especially important in areas with boat traffic. Here in Llandudno, we’ve got plenty of pleasure boats and fishing vessels, so making sure you’re visible is crucial.
Practical Tip: Attach a dive flag to your float. This is an internationally recognised symbol that alerts others that there’s a diver below. It’s an essential safety precaution.
8. Gloves and Boots: Protect Your Extremities
Spearfishing in colder waters can be tough on your hands and feet. A good pair of neoprene gloves and boots will keep you warm and protect you from cuts and scrapes.
- Gloves: You’ll need gloves to protect your hands from the cold, as well as from rocks and fish spines. Go for 3mm to 5mm neoprene gloves, depending on the water temperature and your tolerance.
- Boots: If you’re wearing open-heel fins, you’ll need a pair of boots.
Practical Tip: Make sure your gloves and boots fit snugly to avoid water getting in. Loose-fitting gear will let in cold water, which defeats the purpose!
9. Dive Computer: Keeping Track of Time and Depth
While not essential for absolute beginners, a dive computer is a great tool once you start getting more serious about spearfishing. It keeps track of your depth, dive time, and surface intervals, helping you stay safe while diving.
As a beginner, you don’t need to rush out and buy one straight away, but it’s something to consider as you progress in the sport.
Practical Tip: If you’re on a budget, consider a simple depth gauge or watch to keep track of your dives initially.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Your First Spearfishing Trip
Spearfishing is one of those sports where having the right gear makes all the difference. It’s not just about catching fish—it’s about being comfortable, safe, and efficient in the water. Start with the basics, and as you gain experience, you can invest in more specialised equipment.
Remember, it’s not about having the fanciest kit; it’s about using what works best for you and your local environment. Up here in North Wales, with the cold waters and rocky shorelines, practical, reliable gear is what will see you through.
So, grab your gear, get out there, and enjoy the underwater world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of surfacing with your first catch—it’s the beginning of a lifelong passion.