The Ultimate Spearfishing Gear Checklist: Everything You Need to Get Started

Whether you're a beginner getting ready for your first dive or a seasoned hunter refining your setup, having the right gear is critical for success, safety, and enjoyment in spearfishing. This guide breaks down every essential item you'll need—explaining its purpose, how to choose the right one, and why it matters. Let's dive in.

1. Mask

Your spearfishing mask is your window to the underwater world.

What to Look For:

• Low volume: Easier to equalize and more comfortable during dives.
• Black silicone skirt: Helps reduce light reflection and improves focus underwater.
• Tempered glass lenses: For safety and clarity.

Fit Tip: Press the mask to your face without using the strap and inhale slightly. If it sticks and creates a vacuum, it fits well.

2. Snorkel

A snorkel allows you to breathe at the surface while keeping your head underwater.

Features to Consider:

• Simple J-shaped snorkel: No purge valves or dry tops; minimal drag and easy clearing.
• Flexible, soft silicone mouthpiece: Comfortable for long periods.

Avoid bulky designs used in recreational snorkeling—they create unnecessary drag and noise.

3. Fins

Long-bladed fins are designed specifically for freediving and spearfishing.

Types of Fins:

• Plastic fins: Durable and budget-friendly.
• Fiberglass fins: More responsive, better performance.
• Carbon fins: Top-tier performance, but fragile and expensive.

Foot Pocket Fit: Should be snug but not painful. Use neoprene socks if needed.

4. Wetsuit

A wetsuit keeps you warm, protects you from jellyfish, reefs, and sun, and provides some buoyancy.

Wetsuit Considerations:

• Thickness: 3mm for warm water, 5mm for moderate, 7mm for cold conditions.
• Two-piece design: Offers better mobility and seal.
• Open-cell interior: Sticks to your skin better and insulates more effectively.

Camouflage patterns can help you blend in with your surroundings, depending on your hunting environment.

5. Weight Belt & Weights

To counteract the buoyancy of your wetsuit and body, you need a proper weight setup.

Rubber belt with quick release: Stays snug during dives and allows fast removal in emergencies.

How Much Weight?

• It depends on your body, wetsuit thickness, and salinity of the water. Always test in shallow water first.

6. Speargun (or Polespear)

The main tool for catching fish.

Speargun Types:

• Band-powered (railguns, euro guns): Quiet, reliable, and customizable.
• Pneumatic: Compact, powerful, but require maintenance.

Length Guide:

• 75–90 cm: reef and close-quarters.
• 100–110 cm: all-round.
• 120+ cm: bluewater and long-range.

Polespears are simpler and great for beginners, travel, or small fish.

7. Gloves

Protect your hands from sharp rocks, fish spines, and cold.

Features:

• Kevlar or reinforced palms for grip and protection.
• Neoprene for warmth.

Thin gloves (1-2mm) offer more dexterity, but thicker gloves are better for cold or rocky areas.

8. Dive Knife

Absolutely essential for safety and dispatching fish.

What to Look For:

• Stainless steel or titanium blade.
• Sharp point or tanto tip for braining fish.
• Secure sheath that attaches to your arm, leg, or belt.

Always make sure it’s accessible with either hand.

9. Buoy / Float & Flag

Required by law in many countries, especially Croatia and other Mediterranean nations.

Purpose:

• Alerts boats to your presence.
• Acts as a gear holder and rest station.

Legal Requirements (e.g., Croatia):

• Surface marker buoy with red/orange color.
• Alpha flag (white and blue) or red flag with diagonal white stripe.
• Must stay within 30 meters of your buoy.

Look for a durable float that can carry water, spare spears, and fish stringers.

10. Stringer (Fish Holder)

Used to store your catch during the dive.

Types:

• Cable stringer: Stainless cable loop that attaches to your float.
• Speed stringer: Spike-on-rope style for fast loading.

Never attach the stringer to your body – it attracts predators like sharks.

11. Dive Watch / Depth Gauge (Optional but Recommended)

For tracking dive time and depth.

Benefits:

• Improves safety by avoiding shallow water blackout.
• Helps track progress in breath-hold and depth.

Models like the Garmin Descent, Suunto D4i, or even budget freediving watches offer great features.

12. Neoprene Socks & Booties

Improve fin comfort and keep your feet warm.

Thickness: Match with wetsuit thickness (2–5mm).

Also helps avoid blisters from stiff foot pockets.

13. Dive Bag

To carry and organize your gear.

What to Choose:

• Mesh bags for wet gear.
• Roller or duffel-style for travel.
• Some bags include compartments for fins, spearguns, and accessories.

14. Reef Hook / Clipping Gear (Optional)

For rough or current-prone areas, lets you clip to rocks safely.

Final Thoughts

Spearfishing is an incredibly rewarding sport that connects you with nature, builds physical endurance, and offers fresh, sustainable seafood. But it also requires preparation, responsibility, and the right equipment.

Start with the basics listed above, invest in quality gear, and always prioritize safety. When you're ready, check out our Spike store to find top-tier spearguns, floats, accessories, and more.

Stay safe and good hunting!

Want more guides like this? Check out our other blogs on spearfishing laws, techniques, and best spots in the Adriatic!