Your first spearfishing day: the gear checklist
What you need to get started, what can wait, and the one thing first-timers forget almost every time.
What to buy first
- A speargun. Obviously. Our speargun guide covers lengths and types.
- A float with a dive flag, and a float line tied to it. In Puerto Rico you need a dive flag in the water when you’re diving. It doesn’t have to be on a float, but if you’re swimming along, a float with a flag is the way to go.
- A catch bag you can tie to your float. Some people prefer a fish stringer. That one’s personal preference.
- A good knife.
- Gloves.
That pretty much gets you started. You’ll also need your mask, snorkel, fins and a DRNA recreational fishing license (from age 13).
What can wait
- A flashlight, if you want to look under rock ledges.
- Lobster snares, pole spears and other add-ons. Good to have later, but beyond the basics when you’re just getting started.
What first-timers forget
The flag. Most people don’t know they need a dive flag in the water marking where they are. A lot of people also picture spearfishing off the main beaches, and you’re not going to catch anything there. You have to swim out and get off the beaten path, to places where people don’t go. That’s usually where the best stuff is, and it’s exactly where boats need to see your flag. (Spearfishing is also not allowed within 100 feet of the coast. See the rules summary.)
The knife. Well, they don’t forget it. They lose it. Knives get lost all the time out there.
Our two safety rules
- Try not to go alone. Go with a buddy, so if something happens to you, there’s someone there to help.
- Never point a loaded speargun at anyone. You’d be surprised how many stories we’ve heard. It’s just to avoid an accident.
Come in and we’ll put a starter kit together with you, from the gun to the float line.