Are you planning your next spearfishing holidays and just can’t decide where to go?
Don’t worry, we got you!
Some of the finest international spearos are going to show you what places are truly the best spearfishing destinations in the world and why.
So let us dive right into it! Let’s hear it from Shrek (Noob Spearo Podcast), David Ochoa, Daniel Mann & many more…
Here are the destinations for the best spearfishing in the world:
Azores w/ David Ochoa
TL;DR
Best time to visit: May to October
Visibility: 10- 30 m
Species: Bluefin, Bigeye & Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjacks, Trevally, Bluefish, Wahoo, Parrotfish Seabream & many more
His Rating for the Azores:
★★★★★
“For reef fish, I would say a 5 out of 10. You can find some decent reef species like big amberjack, trevally, bluefish, but only in a few places, and it can be challenging to hunt them.
For blue water, the same place at the same time can be either a 1 or a 10 depending on how lucky you are. This is where I have seen some of the craziest nature spectacles, but these few moments come amongst many trips over 25 years of diving there.”
Spectacular spearfishing films below the waterline—this is what spearo filmmaker David Ochoa is known for.
He also spent much of his childhood hunting fish in the blue waters of the Azores Islands.
So let’s ask him about the secrets this unique spearfishing destination holds within…
What makes spearfishing in the Azores unique? What sets it apart from other destinations?
“The Azores can be the most epic place in the world and also give you the toughest and most frustrating trips at the same time.
The reef diving has some gems here and there, but what makes this place special are the iconic tuna aggregations that can gather bluefin, bigeye, and yellowfin hunting together.
When it’s really going off, you can have these three species as well as whale sharks, blue sharks, and a couple of different species of whales all going crazy at the same baitball.
These are the spectacles that drive me to come here to spearfish and film. However, these are very unpredictable, and you need to accept that you might come to the islands ten times without seeing a single tuna, regardless of the season.
It all changes from year to year, and the weather can also make it impossible to go out there. If you are looking for a safe bet, the Azores is not the place for you. But when the stars align, it can be world-class.”
When is the best time to spearfish here, and why?
“It depends a lot on what you are looking for. The typical season goes from May to the end of October, with the summer months being the best bet if you are looking for good weather. But you can have terrible weather in August and amazing weather in October. It’s always unpredictable.”
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday?
“If you are exploring for the first time, then you should look for pinnacles and any kind of structure where there is upwelling. This is where you will find amberjacks, trevally, bluefish, and smaller tuna. If you see birds diving in the distance, go check them out too. You never know what is underneath.”
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face?
“Weather is definitely the biggest challenge in general. The reef diving is pretty consistent and good for European standards but not great if you compare it to places like the Bahamas, for example.
Then if you are looking for tuna, the biggest challenge is to find them. It’s easy to get high hopes by some videos you might see on social media, but to land a proper tuna can take years of commitment, and that is why it is so special.”
Special Question: What’s the most unexpected or exciting catch you’ve had in Azores?
“While the big tuna is what drives me, the most unexpected catch was a blackspot bream, a deepwater fish that is very rare to see while freediving. This was a very special fish not only because of how rare it is but also because of the story behind it.
I have been going to the Azores since I was seven, and I stayed most of the time with a local family, Helder, and Beta. Helder is a commercial fisherman who taught me a lot about the ocean—a real one.
He doesn’t have IG though (go figure). In these years going to the Azores, I was super lucky to shoot a blackspot bream (goraz in Portuguese) when I was 14 years old. That ended up being my first article in a magazine, and I am yet to know of anyone else to have shot one.
Almost 20 years later, when I decided to take Helder’s kids to spearfish for the first time, I found, yet again, a blackspot bream in the most random place. This was a full circle moment, and this is why this is one of my favorite days at sea. It’s not the biggest fish but definitely a special one.”
You can check out this magical story in David’s latest Youtube video.
Want to know more? Check out our Spearfishing Azores Guide.
New Zealand w/ Ollie Craig
TL;DR
Best time to visit: December to April (warm water and active fish)
Visibility: 3-6m (max. 10m) Clearer on the East Coast; West Coast rarely diveable.
Species: Kingfish, Marlin, Tuna, Boarfish, Crayfish, Snapper, John Dory, Butterfish, Kahawai, Pink Maomao & more
His Rating for New Zealand:
★★★★★★★★
“I would give NZ an 8/10. Colder water, and less Pelagic species than a lot of countries means I will deduct 2 points.”
If you follow the Youtube Spearfishing game, you certainly must have stumbled upon Ollie’s channel:
He takes you on numerous outdoor adventures, catching huge Kingfish, camping on his boat or even hunting in the beautiful mountains of New Zealand.
So I have asked the Spearfishing Veteran:
What sets New Zealand apart from other destinations?
“Due to New Zealand’s location on the planet, we are quite isolated from the rest of the world.
This means less population and this of course normally equates to less fishing pressure and more fish underwater.
With New Zealand situated on two tectonic plates and major fault lines running through it, we are part of the ‘The Ring Of Fire’, meaning we have had many big Earthquakes over thousands and millions of years along with plenty of volcanoes which are include both Dormant, and Live Volcanoes along with numerous extinct volcanoes dotting the landscape.
This all means we have lots of volcanic geography and this continues underwater with amazing formations, reefs, and caves formed giving home to lots of marine life and creating a paradise for diving, exploring and Spearfishing.
We have many different Ocean currents merging creating a rich marine ecosystem with lots of food for fish and this means we get large migrations of species such as Marlin and (Bluefin) Tuna coming to our waters to feed.
We are also well known for having the largest yellowtail kingfish in the world due to the amazing conditions they are able to pack on lots of weight and size.
A big difference to other countries is the fact most of our hunting is in shallow water. We are talking 2m-15 for most species so it’s relatively easy to come home with a good feed of fish.
We also have good numbers of Crayfish (Red Rock Lobster and Packhorse Lobster) to mix up the diving. We also have beautiful kelp beds to give us cover when hunting and for fish to live in.“
When is the best time to spearfish in New Zealand, and why?
“It depends on the person. I am currently loving my winter diving – May-August as there are less people on the water and less Sharks to deal with.
But for most, the summer months are the best from December through until April with the most active month for Pelagics being February.
The summer months bring large schools of baitfish to the coastal waters and shallow harbours etc. which also brings Yellowtail Kingfish to feed. Water is the warmest, long days, for plenty of diving. Summer months also bring more species into the shallower waters from the depths including Giant Boarfish among others.
Summer months bring more settled weather conditions so longer periods of fine weather vs Winter with usually only or or two days of good weather inbetween the bad.”
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday? (e.g., specific patterns or structures to look for, safety tips)
“Generally speaking, get out away from the big cities e.g. Auckland, drive an hour or two away and you will start to see more fish and cleaner water.
The East side of the country will always have cleaner waters. The west coast gets hammered by consistent swell so generally only have a few days of year to dive the west coast and clean water there.
Look for peninsula’s on maps, or points on the mainland if shore-diving, reefs coming out of the water, basically the same techniques anywhere, finding structure that catches current and will hold fish.
There are plenty of forums to read up on locations including facebook groups where we have a good community, often happy to take foreigners out for a day’s diving and show them our country.“
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face in New Zealand?
“Unpredictable weather. As we are an island nation, the weather conditions can change quickly. Having said that, with numerous little islands etc, there is usually somewhere to hide from bad weather.
We have many Bronze whaler sharks in the north Island where you will want to come if you are to target big kingfish. They are a nuisance in the summer months.
Special Question: What’s the most unexpected or exciting catch you’ve had in New Zealand?
Probably spearing my first Striped Marlin. This was not unexpected as they come here in good numbers in the warmer months but was definitely exciting!
I have a full video of this on my YouTube Channel.”
The United Kingdom w/ Daniel Mann
TL;DR
Best time to visit: July & August
Visibility: 2- 5 m
Species: Bream, Cod, Pollock, Seabass, Flatfish & Shellfish (Lobster, Brown Crabs, Scallops) & many more
His Rating for the UK:
★★★★★★★★★
“We have a lot of fish in the right places which are fairly easy to shoot as well as delicious shellfish. You could dive a new stretch of coast every day for a year if you were to drive around the UK. Downside is that fishing tends to stop for December-March as it’s mostly shellfish that are around. “
You might recognize this legend from his YouTube channel, where he travels the world, capturing all kinds of spearfishing adventures.
As an Australian spearo living in the UK, he’s perfectly placed to rate the UK as a spearfishing destination, especially with his experience diving in so many other countries.
So let’s hear it from Daniel Mann:
What makes spearfishing in the UK unique? What sets it apart from other destinations?
“Spearfishing in the UK is a unique experience due to the diversity of terrain and captures. Divers can shoot fish in water as shallow as you can stand up in or on deep wrecks in 30m and everywhere in between. There is an abundance of shellfish as well such as crabs, lobsters and scallops.“
When is the best time to spearfish in the UK, and why?
“Best time of year is July & August. Water is quite warm depending on where you are but from 16-20ºC. Weather tends to be more stable and less rain to affect visibility. “
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday?
“Currents can be dangerous in the UK with strong tidal streams. I’d recommend downloading the Navionics app to get an idea of terrain and tidal streams.
The relief shading is extensive so you can just about see every patch of rock and reef in the country. Certain counties you need a shellfish license and the regulations can be quite confusing at times.
The British Spearfishing Association has put together a guide to help you stay within the rules.”
For all round spearfishing I tend to use a single banded 90cm speargun most of the time and occasionally using a 75cm.”
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face?
“Some of the challenges you can face would be the cold water if you are not used to it. Most people use a 5mm suit throughout summer but depending on the area and type of diving I’m doing I might use a 7mm jacket.
During shoulder seasons I go for a 7mm jacket and 5mm bottoms but sometimes in the depths of winter in January/February I’ll use my 9.5mm jacket when going deeper. Tidal streams can also catch you out, I don’t recommend diving on spring tides as a shore diver unless you really know the area.“
What’s the most unexpected or exciting catch you’ve had in the UK?
“The most unexpected catch would still be my 10.5lb (5,25 kg) bass from under Brighton Pier in my first year of diving.
I’d never expect to see such a beast of a fish in a location that has a diver on it just about every day of the year.
Another would be a 12lb (6 kg) pollack I speared doing a deeper drop to 25m on an offshore pinnacle, it came in like a submarine!”
Norway w/ Eivind Larsen (Spearofjords)
TL;DR
Best time to visit: July to December
Visibility: 4- 25 m
Species: Halibut, Cod, Pollock, Wolffish, Coalfish & more
(Spearofjords)
His Rating for Norway:
★★★★★★★★★
“There is nothing like Spearfishing Norway.
Stunning underwater landscapes, unique marine life, and the thrill of hunting huge fish in breathtaking scenery taking straight out of a painting.
Im subtracting one point because you got to own a fairly thick wetsuit, which I’m not a big fan of.”
If you’re looking for a truly unique spearfishing destination, Norway might be your next adventure.
From my perspective, Norway offers some of the best spearfishing in the world. A true hidden gem.
I asked Eivind Larsen, an avid spearo, marine biologist and spearfishing guide from Tromsø:
What makes spearfishing in Norway unique? What sets it apart from other destinations?
“Spearfishing in Norway is really something else compared to anywhere else in the world due to its pristine, unique marine ecosystem and stunning landscapes.
The fish here, including some insane-looking species, are not used to being hunted and have adapted some unique survival strategies.
You’ll find fish that look like they’re taken straight out of a fairy tale, like angry wolffish, monkfish, and absolute GIANT halibuts.
Compared to a lot of other places, you’ll be diving close to towering, majestic mountains (often with snow-covered peaks) which adds another unique dimension to the experience.
The combination of untouched nature, distinctive marine species, and dramatic scenery sets Norway apart as a premier spearfishing destination.”
The best time to visit is from July to December, with visibility up to 35 meters.
During this season, average air temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, and water temperatures from 3°C to 16°C. Even in Summer, in most regions you will at least need a 5mm wetsuit.
But let’s hear it from the expert:
When is the best time to spearfish in Norway, and why?
“Every season in Norway has its own charm for spearfishing, but my personal favorite is definitely the autumn. From August to December the big fish come up from the depths, and the visibility improves significantly.
If you’re lucky, you can hunt big halibut with 20-meter visibility, making the hunt a lot easier. Autumn offers a perfect blend of big fish, optimal diving conditions, and comfortable temperatures.”
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday?
“You should be really cautious of strong and unpredictable currents, especially in the north, as they are some of the strongest in the world.
Ensure you bring a high-quality wetsuit and spearfishing equipment capable of handling large fish. Prime diving spots are often where there are currents combined with artificial structures like bridges and marinas.
Make sure to come with an empty stomach because you’re going to find some of the best seafood in the world (scallops, sea urchins, halibut, cod, you name it!). The Arctic species might look really ugly, but they make up for it in taste!”
Norway might not have the crazy variety of tropical reefs, but it more than makes up for it with the size and abundance of its fish. There might be fewer species, but you’ll find tons of them, and they’re big.
The further north you go, the bigger the fish get. Picture massive halibut, cod, and pollock—cod here can weigh up to 30 or 40 kilos. Plus, the fisheries are well-maintained, so you’re always in for an exciting, sustainable catch.
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face in Norway?
“The cold water might be the most obvious one… But Norway’s arctic topography is famous for bringing all four seasons in a single day—snow, sun, rain, and wind—so it’s crucial to check the weather forecast thoroughly and always bring more clothes than you think is necessary.
Currents can be unpredictable, so always plan for alternative exit points if you’re diving from shore. Compared to diving in the tropics, you might have some some challenges with cold water and changing weather, but no need to worry about sharks and crocodiles ;).”
…and beyond spearfishing? What can I expect from my spearfishing holidays?
Norway also offers plenty of family-friendly activities and nature based experiences. Explore the stunning fjords, enjoy whale watching or kayaking, go hiking in national parks, or enjoy the midnight sun during summer.
And if you are into fly fishing, Norway has some of the picturesque hidden gems of river that you can only imagine.
In terms of price range of your spearfishing vacation: Norway is in general one of the priciest European countries. So arrive with a wallet full of Norwegian kroner. 😉
Good news on the red tape front: No license is required for spearfishing in Norway.
However, the Norwegians follow a strong moral compass regarding their fisheries. So follow regulations such as size limits for certain species and seasonal restrictions (e.g. for halibut).
Okay, now one question that I asked the marine biologist for fun:
What’s the most unexpected catch you’ve had in Norway?
“I have seen a lot of weird stuff diving in Norway, but I think I have to go with something as simple as a red mullet!
They are normally a tropical species found in the Mediterranean, but I’ve discovered a spot in southern Norway where I find them frequently. The first time I spotted one, I couldn’t believe my eyes and managed to land it after an insanely bad shot.
It ended up being the biggest one ever shot in Norway, and I got it registered as the national record! I lost the record four days later, so naturally, I went out the same day and caught another one even bigger, reclaiming the record. Then I lost it again the next week, haha.”
Want to know more? Check out our guide on spearfishing Norway.
Greece w/ Dimos Adamis
(Spearfishing Life)
TL;DR
Best time to visit: March, April, June, (July, September), October
Visibility: Up to 30 m
Species: Dentex, Seabream, Grouper, Octopus, Amberjack, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi & more
(Spearfishing Life)
His Rating for Greece:
★★★★★★★★★
“Eventhough it might be easier to catch big fish elsewhere I would always pick Greece. With perfect climate, really great food, clear seas, and endless island-hopping possibilities, Greece is a top spearfishing destination. That’s why I’ve never felt the need to travel abroad to catch fish! Greek fish are tastier due to high salinity, and issues like ciguatera poisoning, heavy metals, or parasites are extremely rare.”
Well… What is there more to say than that Greece is just a spearfishing delight. No other destination gives me a feeling of comfort and adventure at the same time.
Maybe because that’s where I learned the art to spear myself. Maybe just because Greece is really one of the best spearfishing destinations in the world…
In Greece you definitely get some of the best spearfishing in europe!
Because of the constant good visibility, the warmhearted people and the great cuisine…
But let’s talk to a real pro! Someone with 5 spearfishing world records under his belt…
I mean… who better to ask about spearfishing in Greece than the world record holder for the elusive dentex?
Let’s dive into the crystal clear waters with Greek local Dimos Adamis, spearfishing guide and spearo youtuber!
What makes spearfishing in Greece unique?
“What makes Spearfishing in Greece unique is the amazing clear blue waters and the general perfect climate!
In terms of Spearfishing, it is certainly one of the most (if not the most) challenging area to catch proper fish worldwide and that’s why the satisfaction of managing to land a good fish is even greater!
If you know where to go, finding the fish can be achieved though and it’s all up to your skills to catch it!”
In my humble experience, Greece is still great for beginner spearfishing because the Mediterranean Sea is just so calm and forgiving.
But at the same time Dimos says it right: You have to know where to look. Unlike olives and refreshing lemons, fish do certainly not grow on trees here.
Best time to spearfish in Greece?
“March, April (May is forbidden), June, July, September, October.
There are different fish to hunt for each season. Usually, July and August are not very good months because of heavy boat traffic. Fish move to deeper water, and you need to be on your toes for passing boats all the time.”
You will mostly be fine with a 3-5mm wetsuit in Greece. In the winter months 6-8mm will keep you warm and cozy.
Tips for visiting spearos?
“I have been giving my advice to hundreds of people who have contacted me over the years, but having a local spearfishing guide makes all the difference.
He will directly put you over the fish, saving you valuable time and money trying to find them yourself! I can’t give you specific advice on what to look for because almost every island or shoreline has its own little secrets.
For example, you will look for Dentex in deep water in the Cyclades but find them in shallow water in the Peloponnese or Crete.
Reefs, in general, are hotspots worldwide, and for grouper species, I would look for deeper water with drop-offs.
My biggest safety tip, especially in the summer months, is to go fishing at first light—let’s say at 06:00 am- and be out by 9-10:00 am max when everyone starts going out with their boats! It’s also a very good time since fish wake up and swim around looking for the first food of the day.”
Unexpected challenges?
“Not really much to worry about except the boats in summer, but the one thing that can be an issue is the strong northeast winds (meltemia) during the summer months in the Cyclades islands, especially from mid-July to the end of August.
This can be very annoying because it might be blowing 5-7bf (or even more) for weeks, really decreasing the options in spots to visit for a dive!”
Good news regarding bureaucracy: No license is required for spearfishing in Greece. Use a dive buoy, respect catch limits (5 kg per day), and follow size limits for certain species. Spearfishing is only allowed during daylight hours and is prohibited in May.
Want to know more? Check out our Spearfishing Greece Guide.
Florida w/ Aaron Young
(Keywestwaterman)
TL;DR
Best time to visit: Early Summer, Year-round
Visibility: Varies by region and season, generally excellent in summer
Species: Grouper, Snapper, Yellow Jacks, Wahoo, Cero Mackerel, Hogfish, and more
(Keywestwaterman)
His Rating for Florida:
★★★★★★★★★★
“I think Florida is a 10 out of 10, whether it’s your first time, or you’re a seasoned veteran, there is something for everyone to do. “
I interviewed someone special for you; someone who lives and breathes spearfishing in Florida.
You might know him from his down to earth and educational Youtube videos, where he shows noob spearos all over the world the ropes.
So, let’s dive into Florida waters with the Spearo Zenmaster: Aaron Young.
What makes spearfishing in Florida unique? What sets it apart from other destinations?
“Spearfishing in Florida is unique because of its location, split between two different bodies of water and the opportunities they provide. The Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean offer such a wide variety of species to target, as well as different types of structure to hunt.
Bluewater spearfishing, natural coral reefs, as well as a ton of artificial wrecks and structures make it possible to check more than a few species off the list in just one trip.”
When is the best time to spearfish in Florida, and why?
“The best time to spearfish in Florida is anytime. We have such a wide varieties of species across each season. No matter when you visit there is always something to do.
Typically the best weather conditions are going to be in the summer when the winds are lighter and seas more calm. But the winter wind and cooler water brings in the coveted wahoo, along with other species like king mackerel, tuna, and more.”
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday?
“Just like all spearfishing destinations, local knowledge is king. Florida has so many different “regions”, all of which offer very different styles of diving and structure. Unless you have a lot of time to kill looking for areas to hunt, your best bet is going to be hiring a local guide to take out all of the guess work.
However nowadays, a lot of companies offer topography GPS cards that are pricey, but can save you a ton of time searching for structure.”
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face?
“In my opinion, Sharks are Florida’s biggest challenge. And I’d like to be clear, we don’t have sharks covering every square inch of water trying to eat everything that moves, as the news would have you believe.
But we do have a very healthy shark population which is due to the extremely healthy fish populations we have. We dive with them daily, just have to dive safe and smart.“
One unexpected challenge for tourist spearfishers in Florida might be the strict regulations. Florida, like many states in the US is highly regulated. They have a lot of protected species like goliath grouper which you need to differentiate from the legal black grouper. There are different seasons as well as bag limits for a lot of the species.
Special Question: What’s the most unexpected or exciting catch you’ve had in Florida?
“Not a catch but a sighting, is bluefin tuna. I’ve seen more than a few while diving off Florida. Which we are not known for them. Unfortunately they are illegal to spear here, but none the less always very cool to see in the water!”
Florida offers endless family fun: From sandy beaches and world-famous theme parks to wildlife encounters and water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. Check out the Everglades, Kennedy Space Center, and vibrant aquariums.
Spearfishing Florida can be more expensive than many European destinations because of higher costs for accommodation and charters.
Australia w/ Isaac ‘Shrek’ Daly (Noob Spearo Podcast)
TL;DR
Best time to visit: September-November
Visibility: Up to 25 m
Species: Dogtooth & Bluefin Tuna, Black Spot Tuskfish, Yellowtail Kingfish, Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi, Crayfish & many more
(Noob Spearo Podcast)
His Rating for Australia:
★★★★★★★
“Brisbane and the greater South East Queensland area would have to get a 6 or 7.
The spearfishing can be amazing but often involves at least 1 hour of travel to get anywhere.
We also struggle with decent weather particularly for shore diving.
Opportunities for shore diving are also limited too with not many spots (long sandy beaches with very little structure).
It can be absolutely alive though and you can shoot amazing fish like Wahoo or Marlin and be back in your own bed sleeping that night. I love it here and it can be a 10. “
What makes spearfishing in Australia unique?
“Every state and territory is different. From scrounge style hunting in the temperate waters of South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and Southern W.A to proper bluewater hunting for Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo and more available in the Northern parts of Queensland and W.A.
It is a huge country though and it takes a long while to even understand how some areas produce fish. The benthos are different, the species are different and nearly all of the country is highly weather dependent.
The journey to any sort of mastery is a long one but there is opportunity as our fisheries are largely in good shape and the spearos here want to keep them that way.”
When is the best time to spearfish in Australia, and why?
“Winter works well in many parts for shore based spearfishing as there is less rain and wind is more favourable for vis.
Every season has its pro’s and con’s but if I wanted to come to Australia and do a charter (Great Barrier Reef or similar), I’d aim for September-November and do a mix of reef and bluewater hunting.“
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday?
“I think travelling and spearfishing requires a few critical elements.
1. The ability to gather info, analyse and determine a game plan.
2. Lots of time and/or money.
“Australia is no different. Think about what species you’d like to target/what areas you’d like to see and experience then find a few locals and jump on the phone with them.
Because Australia is so big and each area is so different, you are best to zero in on a specific area and then your plan will become actionable. It’s also fairly expensive to live here and the charter costs are also similar BUT I’d argue it’s still worth it!“
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face?
“Species ID can be tricky. I grew up in New Zealand and I reckon I had maybe 20 commonly taken species to know and be able to ID.
In South East Queensland, there are 100’s and it takes a while to learn. Particularly if you haven’t been fishing/spearfishing a long time. A cheat code for this is to pay most attention to ‘No Take’ species and never shoot anything small.
You can also watch spearfishing videos made in the area and learn the species in advance.
Wetsuit thickness: In Tasmania you will need a 5mm+ right now [July] but in North Queensland the maximum you’d wear is a 3mm.
If you are moving around the country and spearfishing all over, you might have to have 2 or 3 different suits.
Fisheries rules/Marine Parks: Each State and Territory has its own size and bag limits. There are often apps available (such as Qld Fishing 2.0) to help and sometimes they also show green zones (no fishing areas).
Finding a buddy: It can be hard to break into a local spearfishing community although social media has made this easier. Another and arguably better way can be to visit the local spearfishing store.“
Story Time: What’s the most unexpected or exciting catch you’ve had in Australia?
“When I had been spearing only a few years, I got an invitation to stay for a week on an island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef. In 5 days I shot at least a dozen new species (for me) and saw so many amazing fish (I didn’t even know what many of them were).
One memorable moment was when I was diving an edge that dropped from 8m to 25m. The skipper really wanted a Red Emperor and had talked about this desire multiple times so it was only fair that someone else shoot one;)
I was dropping down the face of this wall trying to get a large 3-4kg Coral Trout to turn and wait for me to get in range to shoot it.
But it kept turning and taking me further and further down this wall. It got to a depth that I decided this Trout was too good for me. I was about to abandon the dive and ascend but when I looked out, I saw the silhouette of what I thought was a Blubberlip (Brown Morwong).
I decided to investigate though and kicked out directly towards it allowing inertia to help me to close the gap.
As I drew closer though, I made out the faded white line on its side and knew it was a Red! As I slowly drifted into range, I extended with my 1.4 Rob Allen and smashed it mid body.
Immediately I had 3 sharks following the fish up as I ascended and they hounded me the 100m or so back to the boat.
At that point I grabbed a photo or two and then put it in the esky. When the skipper got back, I casually asked if he could ID a fish for me as I wasn’t 100% on what I had shot.
He opened the esky and immediately said words to the effect of “You f%*c*en B*st#ard”. My very first Red emperor at 8.4kg – I’m still stoked 12 years later!“
Indonesia (Bali) w/ Lenny Logsdail
(Aquatic Apes)
TL;DR
Best time to visit: Year round (look out for less windy times, avoid rain season)
Visibility: Generally 10 – 40 meters, can exceed 50 meters in some locations
Species: Wahoo, Dogtooth & Yellowfin Tuna, Spanish Mackerel, Mangrove Jack, Mahi Mahi, Maori Seaperch, Giant Trevally & many more
(Aquatic Apes)
His Rating for Indonesia:
★★★★★★★★★★★
“I am in love with Indonesia. The people, the food, the culture, the adventure, the surfing, the landscape above and below the water, and the amazing ocean wildlife.”
Whether it is chasing Dogtooth Tuna into the depths or shooting Mahi Mahi right below the surface:
Lenny from Aquatic Apes has probably seen it all.
The Youtuber with over 2,5 million subscribers will tell you what makes Indonesia one of the best spearo destinations in the world.
What sets spearfishing in Indonesia apart from other destinations?
“Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands. The exact number changes all of the time because many of the islands are volcanic, and so they’re constantly appearing/disappearing.
Anyways – because it’s an island nation, there are no roads connecting the country together, and most of the islands don’t have airports either. This keeps so many place here a lot more remote than they would be otherwise.
Each island has a unique culture, unique language, and unique fishing methods. If you want to explore remote Indonesia, you have to have a lot of time, because it takes forever to travel around. For me, this is a good thing, because it keeps the tourists out.“
When is the best time to spearfish here, and why?
“You can find fish here all year round. What you want to look out for is the wind. When the wind is strong, it can be a pretty miserable day of diving because of the chop.
Having said that, even on windy days the fish are still around.“
What tips would you give to someone visiting for a spearfishing holiday?
“Spearing anywhere can be dangerous, but the currents in Indo make it way moreso. I’d recommend using a float and breakaway system at all times – because it’s not uncommon to see big fish, but also because having a fish get reefed up on your reelgun in 8 knots of current does not make for a fun (or safe) day of spearing.
I’d also recommend hiring a guide as it will save a ton of time finding the right spots. We offer guiding around both Bali and remote Indonesia.”
What unexpected challenges might visiting spearos face?
“Diving with the current. It’s truly crazy sometimes. Also finding big dogtooth tuna. While most spots in Indonesia have dogtooth tuna, only certain spots have BIG dogtooth tuna.“
What’s the most unexpected or exciting catch you’ve had in Indonesia?
“One time I speared a yellowfin tuna and a marlin tried to steal the catch. We still got the tuna on the boat, but not before that marlin smashed it up with it’s bill a few times.“
If you are planning a two week spearfishing vacation with the family then Indonesia might not be the spearfishing destination for you.
But if you have more time and are looking for adventure…. Oh boy, then this might be one of the best spearfishing places in the world for you!
That’s a wrap! These are some of the best spearfishing destinations in the world.
Did we miss any spearfishing destination that belongs amongst the best places to spearfish in the world?
Drop it in the comments and we might add it to the list!
2 Comments
Hey Bjön, what a nice blog, keep it up!
Hey Yandy, thanks! Hope you got some inspiration. 😎