We are always looking for new experiences and adventures. Whether in the forest, desert, or sea, human beings love to be in constant contact with nature. The sport of spearfishing is unlike any other type of fishing with how you fully emerge into the underwater world. The world today has some of the most amazing spearfishing destinations that we’ve ever seen. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 destinations that have some of the best spearfishing in the world.
Table of Contents
- 1 – Kailua-Kona (Hawaii)
- 2 – Key West (Florida)
- 3 – Boca Brava (Panama)
- 4 – Cozumel (Mexico)
- 5 – Azores (Portugal)
- 6 – San Diego (California)
- 7 – Krabi (Thailand)
- 8 – Cape Verde (Africa)
- 9 – Australia
- 10 – Block Island, Rhode Island
- Final Thoughts – 10 Best Places In The World for Spearfishing
- Frequently Asked Questions – 10 Best Places In The World for Spearfishing
1 – Kailua-Kona (Hawaii)
Hawaii is one of the most incredible islands to visit, especially for fishing reasons. This place’s beautiful nature is presented through its beaches, forests, and volcanoes, which makes it a perfect stop for many people.
Kailua-Kona is one of the best places in the world to practice spearfishing. Anglers will not only learn about this activity from Hawaiian experts but will also learn to use the Hawaiian sling, which is a special tool used in spearfishing. Similarly, you can buy the necessary equipment to start catching fish.
The most common fish you can see are the Giant Trevally, the Blacktail Snapper, and the Blue Spotted Grouper. These fish typically appear on beautiful colorful coral reefs. However, in the coastal area, you can find other fish such as Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Bigeye Tuna, and Yellowfin.
2 – Key West (Florida)
In this place, spearfishers can find a more exciting and adrenaline-pumping experience due to the presence of huge fish, which is a more attractive challenge.
In the surroundings of this island city, you can find a lot of things to do. There are beautiful beaches where you can practice different types of water sports. In addition, you can also enjoy golf at the Key West Golf Club, which is located in a tropical environment.
In Key West, you can find areas and fish, depending on your experience. Less experienced spearfishers can practice spearfishing near the pier. You can capture Snapper and Hogfish. If you go a little further, you will have the opportunity to meet fish such as the larger Snapper, Grouper, and Lionfish.
Now, if you have more experience practicing spearfishing, you can go a little further, specifically to the Straits of Florida. There you can find Mahi, Tuna or Wahoo fish. However, you should be careful as there are often wandering sharks a few miles away.
3 – Boca Brava (Panama)
Boca Brava is one of the most important areas where you can practice spearfishing in Central America. You can visit different beautiful places on this island, but one of the most interesting is the Panama Nautical Club. This complex is the only one that offers spearfishing rental services. You will have the opportunity to fish in different fish banks as well as rent a boat with experienced captains who will guide you through the best places.
In Boca Brava, you have the opportunity to visit the Hannibal Bank & Isla Montuosa, which offer an unforgettable experience for spearfishers of this type. You can find Yellowfin Tuna and other pelagic fish.
In this island’s warm waters, you can also find large fish such as Marlin and Snapper.
4 – Cozumel (Mexico)
It is one of the most incredible places to dive in the world since it is located in the middle of the Mesoamerican barrier reef, the second-largest planet. Many spearfishers head to Cozumel not only to fish but also to enjoy its beautiful nature and attractive places.
The Punta Sur Beach Eco Park is one of the most fantastic tourist places on the island where you can observe beautiful animals such as crocodiles, sea turtles, or birds. In addition, Cozumel is located near incredible places where you can spend fun moments, such as Cancun, the Yucatan peninsula, or the Mayan ruins of Tulum.
Without a doubt, the greatest attraction of this place is related to spearfishing. You can go on a boat to nearby places located 20 minutes from Cozumel, where you can catch Snapper, Triggerfish, Lionfish, and Grouper. If you want other species, then you just have to go a little further, and you will have the opportunity to hunt Wahoo, Barracuda, and Mahi Mahi.
5 – Azores (Portugal)
The Azores are an archipelago of volcanic islands located in an autonomous region of Portugal. This place saw a world record, which was achieved by the fisherman Paulo Afonso when he caught a 240 lb Bigeye Tuna. Thanks to this historical fact, the Azores became a world-renowned spearfishing spot.
There are several locations where you can find amazing monster fish. Some of them are:
- Azores Bank.
- Princess Alice Bank.
- Rosais Pinnacle.
- Condor Bank.
- Baixa do Sul / Baixa do Norte.
The Azores are incredible to dive and relax during the first days so that you get to know those waters better. Afterward, you can visit the places mentioned above to start catching huge fish. You will have the opportunity to hunt a wide variety of species such as Barracudas, Mahis, large Amberjacks, Marlin, and Tuna.
It should be noted that there are certain fish that make annual visits to these islands. Some of them are the Giant Blueye, Albacore Tuna, and Yellowfin. Furthermore, the Azores is one of the few places in the world where bluefin tuna can be found.
One of the positive points of this place is that there are expert spearfishing guides who will take you to where most of these fish live.
6 – San Diego (California)
San Diego is one of the best cities and fisheries in the United States. There are spearfishing spots for both beginner and experienced anglers. That is because you can find a wide variety of species to fish throughout the year. However, in this city, you can also visit family attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, or the different beaches where you can do a wide variety of water activities.
Some great spearfishing spots for beginners are Mission Bay Jetty and the inshore reefs. There you can catch different species such as Calico Bass, Sheepshead, and Spiny Lobster. On the other hand, more experienced spearfishers can challenge themselves to try to catch the Pacific Halibut. The most interesting thing about these last fish is that you can find them in larger sizes as you move away from the land.
You can rent a boat and go to the Outer Banks, where you will get big fish such as Yellowfin, Sharks, and Bluefin Tuna. However, if you don’t want to stray that far, you can choose to catch Yellowtail Amberjack and White Seabass a few miles offshore.
7 – Krabi (Thailand)
Krabi province is characterized mainly by being one of the most beautiful places on the planet in terms of its nature. This tropical paradise not only has beautiful green areas but also stands out for its crystal-clear waters, which are perfect for spearfishing.
The first thing to note is that this place’s shores are in shallow water up to 130 feet deep, which is perfect for beginning spearfishers. Due to this place’s natural beauty and its beautiful reefs, there are restricted waters whose preservation is a priority for the local authorities. That is why you should make sure to visit only those areas that are allowed for good fishing.
In Krabi, you can find some species such as Mangrove Jacks, Groupers, and Golden Snapper. However, if you want to increase the excitement and adrenaline, you can choose to go deep-sea fishing at night. You have the opportunity to rent a boat and go out to sea to try to catch Catching Kings, Queens, Cudas, and Mahi Mahi.
8 – Cape Verde (Africa)
Cape Verde has some of the best spearfishing in the world, hands down. It is an excellent place to practice this activity due to the great reef fish concentration throughout the year. It is not only an excellent place to fish but also to visit its beautiful landscapes.
The best thing to do to fish in the waters of Cape Verde is to go by boat. That will allow you to visit different neighboring islands accompanied by your friends or family so that you can live a total experience. You can sleep in the boot or on land and prepare the next day to catch a great variety of fish.
Many spearfishers want to go to Cape Verde mainly because of Wahoo’s abundance. However, this is not the only species out there. You can find some other fish on these islands: Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Cubera Snappers, Almaco jacks, and Spearfish. Similarly, you can fish for Groupers, Amberjacks, Lobsters, Octopus, etc.
9 – Australia
Australia is an amazing place to go spearfishing due to its great variety of species and its crystal-clear waters. It is easy to rent a boat almost anywhere along the coast and go fishing with your friends or family.
This country has some excellent areas for both beginners and experienced anglers, such as Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, and Northern Territory. In these areas, you can find some species such as school Mackerels, Trevally, and Spanish Mackerels.
In addition to this wide variety of fish, Australia is one of the best places to practice night spearfishing since there are more chances of finding big fish in deeper waters. Some of the most sought-after species at night are Cobia, Black Marlin, Wahoo, and Sharks.
If you are looking for a place to go spearfishing that offers a variety of fish and beautiful landscapes, Australia is one of your best choices. Enjoy the perfect mix of sun and sea on this great continent!
10 – Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is a small island located off the coast of Rhode Island in the United States. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
This place offers great opportunities for spearfishing due to its rich marine life and abundant fish populations. You can catch some species such as Striped Bass, Black Sea Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerels, Bonito, and False Albacore.
Block Island is a great destination for spearfishers of all skill levels. Beginners can practice in shallow waters while experienced anglers can explore deeper areas for more challenging catches.
The best time to practice spearfishing in Block Island is from May to October since this is the peak season for species like Striped Bass. Don’t forget to bring your camera and take some beautiful pictures of your catches while you’re at it!
So, if you want a great place with plenty of fish and beautiful landscapes, Block Island is the perfect place for you! Enjoy your time here and make sure to take advantage of this great opportunity. Safe travels and happy fishing!
Final Thoughts – 10 Best Places In The World for Spearfishing
Spearfishing is a great activity that can give you an amazing experience. Wherever you go, make sure to do it responsibly and enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer. With some practice, patience, and determination, you’ll be able to catch some great species while enjoying this unique activity. Good luck and happy fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions – 10 Best Places In The World for Spearfishing
Where is the best spearfishing in the world?
The best place for spearfishing in the word is subjective and depends on various factors, such as the type of species you are looking for, water clarity and temperature.
What type of fish can I catch while spearfishing?
You can find a wide variety of species depending on the location. Some examples are Wahoo, Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Cobia, Sharks and Striped Bass.
How can I make sure I am spearfishing in a responsible way?
Make sure to follow all local regulations and laws. Do not target protected species or juvenile fish.
Where in Caribbean can you spearfish?
You can find great spearfishing opportunities in many Caribbean countries, such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic.
Is spearfishing better than fishing?
It depends on the person’s preference. While some prefer to fish with a rod and reel, others prefer spearfishing because it is more challenging and rewarding. Both activities can offer a great experience when done responsibly.
Where is the best spearfishing in Australia?
The best places for spearfishing in Australia are the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Reef, Sydney Bight, Gulf of Carpentaria and the Kimberley Coast. These areas offer a wide variety of species and beautiful landscapes.
