Spearo Style: Spearfishing Style and Skills
Spearfishing is an ancient method of hunting fish underwater using a speargun or pole spear while freediving. Unlike traditional fishing, spearfishing requires skill, patience, and an understanding of the ocean environment.
Spearfishing is an exciting and rewarding way to connect with the underwater world, combining the thrill of the hunt with the beauty of the ocean. If you're looking to get started as a spearo, having the right gear and training is crucial for success and safety.
The equipment used for spearfishing is similar to that used for freediving. Accessing professional training for freediving can significantly improve your skills as a spearo, by teaching you proper breathing and diving techniques.
Skills and Training for Spearfishing
Spearfishing isn't just about having the right gear—it also requires specific skills and training to ensure safety and effectiveness. Here are a few key areas to focus on as you begin your spearfishing journey:
Freediving Techniques: Most spearfishing is done on a single breath, learning proper freediving techniques is crucial. Spending time training yourself in apnea or breath-holding underwater will increase your bottom time, improve your relaxation underwater, and make your dives more efficient.
Stalking and Approach: Fish are highly sensitive to movement and noise. Learning how to approach your target stealthily by minimizing bubbles, moving slowly, and using the environment to your advantage is essential for success.
Local Rules and Regulations: Many coastal areas require a fishing license or special spearfishing permit. Some regions have closed seasons when fishing for certain species is not allowed or areas where spearfishing is prohibited. It is important that you always check the local rules and conventions around spearfishing in your area.
Understanding Marine Life: Knowing the behavior of different fish species and their habitats will significantly improve your hunting strategy. Ethical spearos also learn about size and catch limits to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
Safety and Buddy System: Never spearfish alone. Diving with a buddy ensures that someone is there to assist in case of emergencies, such as shallow water blackout or entanglement. Taking a freediving or spearfishing safety course is highly recommended.
The Importance of Camouflage in Spearfishing
Stealth is key when hunting. Fish have evolved to be extremely aware of their surroundings, making them difficult to approach. Camouflage wetsuits, like the Aropec Camo Blue Wetsuit and the C4 Extreme Camo, help break up your silhouette, allowing you to blend in with the ocean floor or reef structures. This reduces the likelihood of scaring fish away, increasing your chances of getting close enough for a clean and ethical shot. Camouflage patterns vary based on the environment—some are designed for blue water spearfishing, while others mimic rocky or reef backgrounds. Choose the spearfishing camouflage that is most like the environment where you will be hunting for maximum effectiveness.
Spearfishing Starter Essentials
1. Wetsuit: Stay Warm and Stay Hidden
When choosing a spearfishing wetsuit the key considerations are warmth, protection, and stealth. Freediving suits tend to be tight fitting with a focus on aerodynamics. In contrast, spearfishing suits focus on mobility. Your suit should be tight enough to provide thermal protection, but enable ease of mobility. Many spearfishing wetsuits come in cool camouflage prints. These prints are blue or green and are intended to blend into the water. These prints are said to confuse fish making your presence undetectable underwater.
Our Pick: AROPEC 2 PIECE CAMO BLUE SPEARFISHING 2MM WETSUIT
The AROPEC 2 PIECE CAMO BLUE SPEARFISHING 2MM WETSUIT provides excellent insulation while blending seamlessly into the underwater environment. The blue Camouflage print looks great on land but goes undetected underwater. Get closer to your target without startling them and improve your chances of a successful hunt.
Regular Price $ 4,000.00 MXN; Shop Now: $ 3,200.00 MXN
2. Mask and Snorkel: See Clearly, Dive Confidently
As with freediving, when you are spearfishing you want to choose a low volume mask, so that you minimize effort when equalizing underwater. A low volume mask will also provide a wide field of vision which will help you with the hunt.
Our Pick: C4 PLASMA MIRROR SPEARFISHING MASK AND C4 MISTRAL BLUE CAMO SNORKEL
A low-volume freediving mask like the C4 PLASMA MIRROR SPEARFISHING MASK AND C4 MISTRAL BLUE CAMO SNORKEL are essentials for spearfishing. In a cool blue camo print, it pairs perfectly with your Aropec Blue Camo suit. The low volume mask provides a snug fit and a wide field of vision, making it easier to spot fish and navigate the underwater environment. Choosing a high-quality mask ensures better visibility, reduces drag, and ensures a comfortable dive experience.
Regular Price: $ 2,400.00 MXN Shop Now $ 2,000.00 MXN
3. Neoprene Socks and Gloves: Protection and Comfort
Spearfishing requires long hours in the water, often in rough conditions. Neoprene socks and gloves provide extra warmth and protection against sharp rocks, coral, and marine life. They also improve grip and reduce hand fatigue, allowing you to handle your speargun and other equipment more effectively.
Our pick: AROPEC 2MM CAMO BLUE SPEARFISHING SOCK and AROPEC BLUE CAMO 2MM SPEARFISHING DIVING GLOVES
The 2mm neoprene AROPEC BLUE CAMO 2MM SPEARFISHING DIVING GLOVES offers tough yet flexible protection for your hands. Designed in the same blue camouflage print as the Aropec wetsuit you will stay concealed and protected for your hunt.
Regular Price $ 800.00 MXN Shop Now$ 650.00 MXN
The AROPEC 2MM CAMO BLUE SPEARFISHING SOCK offers non-slip rubber sole for traction and safety. Keep your feet warm and protected while hunting in these socks that coordinate perfectly to match your AROPEC CAMO BLUE 2-piece wetsuit.
Regular Price: $ 700.00 MXN Shop Now $ 560.00 MXN
4. Long Blade Fins: Power and Distance
Spearos use long blade fins because they provide greater efficiency, power, and control while diving. Unlike shorter fins, long blades are specifically designed to optimize movement in the water, allowing spearfishers to cover more distance with less effort and conserve oxygen—critical for freediving and spearfishing.
Our Pick: SEAC SHOUT S700 BLACK LONG FINS
The SEAC Shout S700 fins are an excellent choice for new spearos, offering a well-balanced combination of power, efficiency, and comfort. Their moderate stiffness provides strong propulsion while minimizing leg fatigue, allowing beginners to dive longer with less effort. The ergonomic full-foot pocket ensures a secure and comfortable fit, reducing foot strain during extended use. Constructed from high-quality technopolymer, these fins are both durable and lightweight, enhancing control and maneuverability—essential for those still developing their kicking technique. Designed for versatility, they perform well in both shallow reef environments and deeper dives, making them a reliable option for spearfishers of all skill levels.
Regular Price: $ 2,800.00 MXN Shop Now $ 2,200.00 MXN
5. Weight Belt: Control Your Buoyancy
A weight belt is crucial for helping spearfishers maintain neutral buoyancy.. A well-fitted belt ensures better control over your depth and movement, making it easier to glide effortlessly through the water.
Our Pick: SEAC BLACK ADJUSTABLE NYLON BELT
If you’re a beginner, diving in shallower waters, or want a budget-friendly choice, the SEAC Black Adjustable Nylon Belt is our top pick. At only 600 MXN this belt combines durability and affordability – Nylon is strong and resistant to wear, making this belt a cost-effective option for casual spearfishers. With an adjustable buckle it is easier to adjust, and the lighter material is designed for diving in shallow waters, making it a more comfortable option for beginner spearos.
Regular Price $ 750.00 MXN Shop Now $ 600.00 MXN
6. Buoy: Stay Seen, Stay Safe
A Buoy is a must-have for every spearfisher. Not only does it help mark your location for boats and other divers, but it also provides a place to rest and store your catch. Some buoys even have built-in flag attachments to signal your presence to others in the water, making your dive much safer.
Our Pick: BONASSI TORPEDO BUOY
The Bonassi Torpedo Buoy is essential for spearfishers, ensuring safety, visibility, and gear management. Its bright PVC construction and flag make you easily visible to boats, reducing accident risks. The 25m floating line keeps you tethered for security, while four vulcanized plastic rings let you attach essential accessories like extra spearguns or a catch bag. Designed for minimal drag at 88cm x 28cm, it tows effortlessly, allowing for smooth movement in the water. This buoy is a must-have for spearfishers who prioritize efficiency, organization, and safety.
Shop Now: $ 750.00 MXN
7. Speargun: The Right Tool for the Hunt
A good speargun allows for accurate shots and reduces the risk of injury to the fish, ensuring a quick and humane catch. Choosing the right size speargun depends on the type of fish you’re targeting and the environment you’re diving in—shorter spearguns for reef hunting and longer ones for open water.
Our pick: MARES STRIKE ELEMENT SLING GUN
The Mares Strike Element Sling Gun stands out because it’s built for precision, stealth, and reliability. The anti-corrosive extruded aluminum barrel not only ensures durability but also provides a rigid and stable shooting platform, which is key for accurate shots. Unlike bulkier spearguns, its low-profile design reduces drag in the water, making it easier to maneuver and track fish smoothly.
What really makes this speargun special is the indigo latex circular slings—these aren’t just powerful; they also help with stealth by minimizing UV reflection, meaning less chance of spooking your target. The simplified design also means fewer potential failure points, ensuring consistency and dependability in any underwater environment. Whether you're an experienced spearfisher or just starting, Mares delivers a balanced mix of power, precision, and ease of use, making it one of the best choices on the market.
Shop Now: 3100 MXN-3300 MXN
Start Your Spearfishing Journey Today
Spearfishing is an incredible way to experience the ocean and sustainably source your own seafood. Investing in quality gear from top brands like C4, Aropec, Mares and Bonassi will set you up for success. Pairing the right equipment with proper training and ethical hunting practices ensures a rewarding and responsible spearfishing experience.
Visit us at Xico Dive Shop in Playa del Carmen to explore our full range of spearfishing and freediving gear. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect fit and provide guidance on getting started as a spearo.
Dive in and embrace the adventure!