Spearfishing in the Bahamas

We think it is important to point out what spearfishing is all about. You may think you just simply go swimming and wait for a fish to come up to you and your gun, but there is much more to the sport. You are going to have to prepare, dive, hold your breath, equalize and be patient! 

We have shared some important aspects of practicing this sport while spearfishing in the Bahamas.

Spearfishing Gear

In the Bahamas, spearguns are not allowed. We use one of two things instead: A pole spear or a Hawaiian sling. Pole spears and Hawaiian slings are somewhat similar in that they both make use of a sling to fire the spear shaft, but there are some differences in their appearance and how they are operated. 

In short,

• A pole spear is a spear and tip, with a rubber sling attached to the end
• A Hawaiian sling is more like a slingshot, the shaft feeds into a tube to shoot 

In addition to your spearfishing weapon, you will need a few more items to complete your “must-have” spearfishing equipment list. Below is the gear we prefer to use: 

1. Low volume mask to make equalizing easier and to help conserve more air. At deeper depths, divers experience “mask squeeze”. In order to prevent this, you must equalize the space inside the mask by exhaling a little bit from your nose. Lower volume masks help you conserve more air because they require less air to equalize.   
2. Long freediving fins to help you conserve your energy as you dive deeper. If you are a beginner, you can save a lot of money by buying quality plastic fins. If you are more advanced you may want to upgrade to fiberglass or carbon fiber fins. We both just upgraded to fiberglass fins and are super impressed with the difference. 
3. Gloves to provide warmth and protection for your hands (thin gardening gloves or thicker ones you wear surfing might work, too!)
4. Wetsuit because although the water is warm, it can get chilly after being submerged for an hour or two
5. Weight Belt because our wetsuits make us float, and it helps us lay down on the bottom 

You can find all of our favorite spearfishing (and all things boating)  gear on our Amazon Storefront.

**We earn a small commission from sending you over 🙂 **

Spearfishing Regulations in the Bahamas

You have to be at least a mile off Nassau and 200 yards off any “family island” in order to go spearfishing. A family island is defined as an island with residents on it. 

You also need to be aware of the open and closed seasons for the species you plan on spearfishing for. Just like any fishing regulations, it is illegal to catch “out-of-season” fish.  For example, “lobster season” just ended in March, so we can no longer catch lobster until its season opens again. Be sure to do your research before diving in!

If you are planning a trip to the Bahamas to spearfish, we hope this blog helps! We love spearfishing because not only is it fun, but it is also highly selective and has no bycatch.