Spearfishing is the practice of hunting fish underwater using a spear or spear-like device. Unlike regular fishing with a rod and bait, spearfishers dive beneath the surface, hold their breath, and aim carefully at specific fish they can see. Some spearfishers use simple pole spears they thrust by hand, while others use spearguns that fire a spear attached to a line.

This ancient hunting method goes back thousands of years. Coastal peoples around the world used sharpened sticks to catch fish in shallow waters. Today, people spearfish both for food and for sport. Modern spearfishers often wear masks, fins, and snorkels or scuba gear to stay underwater longer and swim more efficiently.

Spearfishing requires patience, skill, and knowledge of fish behavior. Spearfishers move quietly through the water, get close enough for an accurate shot, and understand which fish are safe and legal to hunt. Many areas have strict rules about spearfishing, including what equipment you can use, which fish you can take, and where you're allowed to hunt.