Spearfishing gear Written by: Jerry Goss Created: 02/09/2026 Updated: 10/12/2026

Things you will learn in this article:

• The necessary spearfishing equipment
• How to pick the right snorkels, masks, and wetsuits for your needs
• What makes a good pair of fins
• How to use the weight system
• How to choose the speargun that fits your fishing expectations

Going spearfishing is one of the most primal and rewarding forms of fishing. It combines the thrill of the hunt with the serenity of being underwater. Unlike traditional angling, spearfishing requires you to pursue the fish in their natural environment. It is more adventurous and active, and has evolved into a modern sport that demands skill, patience, and respect for marine ecosystems.

Part of your spearfishing adventure is to discover the underwater world and connect with it. You get glimpses of life in the sea. This sport lets you become an active participant rather than just an observer. You learn about fish behavior, ocean conditions, and how to adjust your body to the requirements of this world.

A successful spearfishing adventure depends on the right equipment. Each piece of gear serves a purpose and impacts your safety, comfort, and effectiveness. Quality equipment is not just about performance; it is about enjoying your sport safely. With the right equipment, you can also maximize your time in the water and extend your expeditions.

Let’s take a look at the basic spearfishing equipment you will need.

The Diving Mask: Your Window to the Underwater World

A quality mask provides clear vision underwater, allowing you to see beneath the surface.

Perfect fit

One thing to look for in a diving mask is a perfect fit. The mask must seal comfortably against your face without requiring the strap to hold it in place. Try a simple test: place the mask against your face without the strap and inhale gently through your nose. The mask should stay in place through suction alone. In addition to a proper seal, many spearfishers opt for low-volume masks because they contain less air space. Low-volume masks sit closer to the face, making equalization easier and reducing drag while swimming.

Lens material

Another key part of the mask is the lens. Tempered glass is the industry standard as it won't shatter into dangerous shards if broken. It also provides excellent vision compared to plastic alternatives. Some masks feature side windows for peripheral vision, though these do increase the internal volume slightly. When purchasing a mask, check which feature matters most to you.

Fishing environment

Your fishing environment impacts your mask choice. In clear tropical waters, a standard clear lens mask works perfectly well. If you are diving in murky water or at greater depths where light becomes limited, consider masks with larger lenses that maximize light intake. In contrast, if you choose to spearfish in shallow reef environments, where precision around coral and rocks is required, a low-profile mask reduces drag and catches less current.

Top mask recommendations

• The Cressi F1 is an excellent low-volume option that provides an outstanding field of view with easy equalization characteristics.
• The Mares X-Vision is popular for its side lenses that offer improved peripheral vision.

Snorkels: Breathing Made Simple

The snorkel might seem like a simple piece of equipment, but it is the cornerstone of your dive, as it lets you breathe while floating face down on the surface. With a snorkel, you observe the underwater environment quietly as you breathe through it.

Simple J-tube designs

The most effective snorkels feature a simple J-tube design. Many beginners like dry-top snorkels with purge valves and other features, while experienced spearfishers usually opt for the reliability of a basic tube.

The mouthpiece must be made of soft silicone to minimize jaw fatigue, and the bore size must be large enough to allow for comfortable breathing.

A flexible section near the mouthpiece lets the snorkel move naturally with your head position and reduces jaw strain. It also prevents the tube from being pulled from your mouth when you dive.

Diving expeditions

If you frequently dive to depth and spend minimal time on the surface, opt for a lightweight design that doesn't interfere with your diving. If you prefer long surface swims or extended observation periods, comfort becomes more significant. In rough water conditions, simpler designs tend to be more reliable and more practical.

Top snorkel recommendations

• The Cressi Supernova Dry is a reliable option, featuring a well-designed purge valve that functions effectively when needed.
• The Mares Ergo Dry features a practical design with an exceptionally comfortable mouthpiece that reduces fatigue.

Spearfishing Wetsuits: Your Thermal Protection System

First and foremost, you need a wetsuit to keep warm. But you also need one for buoyancy control and to protect yourself from encounters with marine life. In addition, a wetsuit protects your skin from abrasions against rocks, coral, and other underwater hazards.

Wetsuit thickness

The proper wetsuit thickness demands vary with water temperature, but the relationship isn't always straightforward:

• In warm tropical waters above 75°F, you may get away with a 1-3mm suit or even just a Lycra skin for sun protection.
• Temperate waters between 60-75°F require 3-5mm full suits to stay comfortable during extended sessions.
• Cold waters below 60°F require 5-7mm suits. Experienced spearfishers often opt for two-piece systems for additional core warmth. Additionally, they can layer their outfit according to the water temperature.

Fit

A suit that is too loose will allow water to flush through and destroy the thin layer of warm water that insulates your body. Conversely, a suit that's too tight will restrict blood flow and breathing; you will quickly feel tired just trying to swim in such a tight suit.

A suit with proper fitting must feel snug when dry but not restrictively tight. Keep in mind that neoprene will loosen slightly when wet and warm.

Swimming environment

If you are spearfishing around rocky reefs or wrecks, reinforced knee and chest panels are certainly welcome. Rocky coastal areas require suits with reinforced protection for your safety.

If you like to dive from boats in open water, opt for a wetsuit that keeps you warm. Remember that temperatures vary with the seasons: you may need different suits for summer and winter diving, or a modular system that allows layering.

The type of diving you plan to do also matters. If you like to deep-dive, you might prefer a smooth-skin suit. If shallow waters are your thing, lined neoprene is more flexible.

Top wetsuit recommendations

• The Scubapro Definition is an excellent mid-range option that strikes a balance between thermal protection and the flexibility required for comfortable diving and spearfishing.
• The Seac Warmdry is gaining popularity among serious spearfishers who appreciate its warmth and flexibility.

Spearfishing Gloves: Protecting Your Hands

Quality gloves protect your hands from cuts, stings, and cold water, while providing the dexterity needed to handle your equipment. They also offer a good grip on wet surfaces and equipment.

Glove thickness

Like wetsuits, gloves come in thicknesses. Thinner gloves in the 1-3mm range provide excellent tactile feedback and finger sensitivity. Thicker 5mm gloves offer better warmth in cold water and protection against sharp coral, fish spines, and rough surfaces.

Many spearfishers find that 2-3mm gloves provide the best compromise for most conditions.

Palm material

Reinforced palms with textured surfaces offer a significantly improved grip on smooth spearguns and other equipment. They also add durability where wear is heaviest. Some gloves feature different materials on the palm and fingers for both grip and flexibility.

Full-finger or fingerless?

Consider whether you need full-finger coverage or prefer fingerless designs for improved sensitivity.

Full-finger gloves offer maximum protection and warmth, but can reduce the sensation of trigger pressure. Fingerless gloves are more flexible but leave your fingertips vulnerable to cuts and cold.

Environmental factors

Rocky reef environments with sharp coral and abrasive surfaces call for maximum protection, even at the cost of some dexterity. In areas with stinging marine life, such as jellyfish or fire coral, opt for full hand coverage. If you dive in cold water, choose warm gloves, even if they sacrifice some flexibility.

Cuff design

Longer cuffs that extend well up the wrist prevent water from seeping through. Some designs feature wrist straps or closures that help seal your wetsuit sleeve.

Top glove recommendations

• The Cressi High Stretch gloves strike a balance between protection and dexterity. They have reinforced palms and flexible construction that doesn't restrict hand movement.
• The ScubaPro D-flex offers superior stretch and excellent durability, though at a higher price point.
• The Akona Belize with added grip is great for reed spearfishing.

Spearfishing Fins: Your Underwater Propulsion System

Fins will make your spearfishing a smooth adventure. The right fins can make the difference between effortless diving and exhausting struggles against the water.

Fin length

Fin length directly affects power and efficiency, impacting the energy required to use them effectively. Longer fins offer more thrust per kick and are more efficient if you want to cover long distances or dive deep. But they also require more leg strength and can be cumbersome in tight spaces around reefs and structures. Shorter fins are easier to use and more maneuverable, but require more frequent kicking to keep your speed.

Blade stiffness

Softer blades are more forgiving and require less strength to use effectively. They are ideal for beginners or those with less developed leg muscles. Stiffer blades generate more power per kick but require greater leg strength. Many experienced divers prefer stiffer blades, especially when diving deep or battling strong currents.

Foot pocket

A loose foot pocket can cause blisters and reduce power transfer, while one that's too tight will restrict circulation and lead to cramping. The foot pocket must hold your foot securely without creating pressure points. The blade must align properly with your leg.

Fin material

Fins are traditionally made from plastic, fiberglass, or carbon fiber:

• Plastic fins are affordable and durable, but less efficient than higher-end options.
• Fiberglass blades perform well, offering a good balance of power at a reasonable price point.
• Carbon fiber is the premium option for maximum efficiency and performance, but at a significantly higher cost.

Dive style

If you like to deep-dive, you want longer, stiffer blades that maximize efficiency during long ascents and descents. Conversely, shallow reef spearfishing calls for shorter, more maneuverable fins. If you are a beginner, consider starting with medium-length, moderately soft blades, which are more forgiving to learn on.

Current conditions

Consider the current conditions in diving areas. Strong currents require stiffer blades that can generate the power needed to keep your position against the flow. In calmer conditions, you can favor efficiency and comfort over raw power.

Top fin recommendations

The Aqualung Storm fins are excellent all-around fins suitable for most divers and conditions. They strike a balance between power, efficiency, and maneuverability at a reasonable price.

At the premium end, ScubaPro Seawing Nova fins offer maximum efficiency and performance for serious spearfishers willing to invest in top-quality equipment.

Weight Systems: Achieving Perfect Buoyancy

Proper weighting helps you achieve neutral buoyancy at your target depth, allowing you to dive with minimal effort. Too little weight and you will struggle to descend and maintain depth, too much and you will sink like a stone.

The weight belt

A rubber weight belt is generally a better alternative to nylon because it stretches with your body and maintains your position more effectively as your wetsuit compresses with depth. Rubber belts also tend to stay in place better during active fishing and are less likely to slide around your waist.

Release mechanisms

Your weight belt must be able to drop instantly if you need emergency buoyancy. Practice the release motion until it becomes automatic and second nature.

Weight distribution

Evenly spaced weights prevent the belt from rolling and reduce pressure points. Some divers prefer to position slightly more weight toward their back to keep a head-down diving posture.

Calculate weights

How much weight do you need? The calculation goes beyond your body weight. Consider the thickness of your spearfishing wetsuit, as thicker neoprene provides more buoyancy, which you must offset with additional weight. Saltwater requires more weight than freshwater due to its increased buoyancy. Saltwater is denser than freshwater because of the dissolved salts, which increase the buoyant force.

As you descend underwater, the increased pressure compresses the neoprene in your wetsuit, reducing the air trapped inside and therefore decreasing its buoyancy. This loss of buoyancy occurs regardless of whether you are in saltwater or freshwater.

Begin with a conservative estimate and refine it through testing. A properly weighted diver must be able to maintain neutral buoyancy at their target hunting depth with empty lungs. To achieve this, make sure you are slightly positive at the surface with full lungs, allowing for buoyancy loss as you descend and your wetsuit compresses.

Top weight system recommendations

• The Trident Adjustable QR weight belt is a quality option with reliable quick-release buckle systems.
• The XS Scuba ankle weights provide additional trim options, allowing divers to fine-tune their underwater positioning.

Dive Knives: Your Multi-Tool

A dive knife is not only useful for spearfishing but also serves as a safety tool.

Blade size

The blade size must strike a balance between utility and convenience. A 4-6 inch blade is ideal for most tasks and is manageable underwater, while being easy to secure to your person.

Top knife recommendations

The Cressi Borg is a reliable performer, with good ergonomics at a reasonable price. The ScubaPro Mako features a multi-function blade including a serrated edge and a line cutting notch.