Spearfishing is an exciting and primal way to catch fish that blends freediving with hunting skill. Whether you're exploring reefs or the open sea, having the right gear is key for safety and success. Here’s a quick guide to the essential equipment you need to get started:
 

1. Speargun or Pole Spear

This is your main hunting tool.

• Spearguns (band or pneumatic) offer range and power, ideal for bigger fish.

• Pole spears are simpler and great for beginners or shallow reef dives. They can also be reloaded much faster than spearguns.
   

2. Mask and Snorkel

A good-quality low-volume mask gives better visibility and easier equalisation. This reduces the pressure you feel on your face as you descend. If you're diving shallower than 20m then you don't have to take this into consideration. Pair your mask with a softer J-style snorkel to breathe comfortably while scanning for fish from the surface.
 

3. Fins and Booties

Long-blade freediving fins provide efficiency and power with minimal effort, which is vital when diving repeatedly and conserving oxygen. These come in carbon, fibreglass and plastic variants. Each with its own pros and cons. Finding the right fins takes a lot of trial and error so don't feel disheartened if your first pair doesn't fit you like Cinderella's slipper. Getting the right pair of booties also helps with the comfort of your fins. Be sure to try these on in the shop and then put your fins on to prevent buying fins with a foot pocket that is too small.
 

4. Wetsuit

A well-fitting wetsuit keeps you warm, protected from sunburn, stings, and abrasions. Wetsuits also contribute to buoyancy and your comfort in the water. A good colour pattern can help you blend in with the environment and keep you more hidden, making hunting easier. Choose one suited to your local water temperature. Usually 3/2mm is used on the North Coast with a 5mm for the colder water in the Cape.
 

5. Weight Belt

To help you get to depth while wearing a wetsuit, a rubber weight belt with adjustable weights is essential. Too much or too little weight can affect your safety as well as your comfort in the water, so adjust carefully. A good rule of thumb for the amount of weight to use is that, without any air in your lungs you should float at eye-level in the water. 
 

6. Dive Knife

Always carry a small dive knife — for safety, dispatching fish quickly, or cutting tangled line. This is an essential part of your gear.
 

7. Buoy / Float

A surface float with a dive flag (optional) makes you visible to boats and other spearfishermen while providing a place to rest, store fish, and attach extra gear.
 

Final Tip: Safety First

Never spearfish alone, know your limits, and always respect local regulations and marine life. With the right gear and mindset, spearfishing can be one of the most rewarding ocean adventures.