The 5 Most Common Mistakes New Spearfishers Make (and how to avoid them)
Whether you’re just starting out or still getting comfortable in your gear, everyone makes a few rookie mistakes at the beginning. Here are five of the most common ones -and how to avoid them so you can spend more time shooting fish and less time learning the hard way.
1. Going Too Deep, Too Soon
Every new spearo wants to chase the big ones, but pushing depth before you’ve mastered your breath-hold and equalisation can be dangerous.
The fix: Focus on technique, relaxation, and safety first. Dive shallow reefs and work on bottom time, the deeper dives will come naturally as your confidence grows.
2. Neglecting Buoyancy and Weighting
Being overweighted makes it harder to breathe-up and more dangerous if you blackout. Being too light means you’ll fight to stay down.
The fix: Start light and test in calm water. You should float at eye level on a full breath and sink slowly when you exhale.
3. Not Checking Gear Before Every Dive
A tangled shooting line, cracked mask strap, or dull spear tip can ruin your session -or worse.
The fix: Do a quick pre-dive check every time. Make sure your rubbers are in good shape, the spear tip is sharp, and your float line isn’t wrapped. It’s five minutes that can save your dive.
4. Chasing Everything That Moves
We’ve all been there, the excitement of seeing fish everywhere can make you forget patience and stealth.
The fix: Slow down. Pick a target species, move quietly, and let the fish come to you. The best spearos look effortless underwater because they are calm, controlled, and deliberate.
5. Diving Alone
Spearfishing solo might seem peaceful, but it’s one of the biggest risks in the sport.
The fix: Always dive with a buddy. It’s not just safer, it’s more fun. Your mate can spot fish you miss, and you’ll both learn faster.
Final Thoughts
Every experienced spearo started as a beginner, making the same mistakes and learning from them. The key is to stay safe, stay humble, and enjoy the process. You’ll be surprised how quickly you improve when you focus on technique and preparation over depth and distance.
If you’re ready to upgrade your gear or get advice on your setup, swing by Dive Cave, Marcoola (behind Chemist Warehouse) — or browse our spearfishing range online anytime at www.divecave.com.au.