What is Spearfishing?

As the name suggests, spearfishing is fishing with a spear. Many ancient civilizations used this fishing method, as illustrated in the drawings on cave walls or tombs and as referenced in texts. This type of fishing has evolved over time. Nowadays, you can practice spearfishing while snorkeling, scuba diving, or freediving with a speargun, a pole, or a sling.

Although spearfishing is known across the world and is practiced (almost) everywhere, the act of spearfishing in itself varies depending on where you are. Spearfishing regulations may differ from one place to the other, fish are also different, and so is the spearfishing equipment and techniques used. The speargun, for instance, is unique in design to respond to the underwater terrain or the type of fish hunted.

Spearfishing responds to a basic human survival instinct, and awakening those instincts makes spearfishing one of the most addictive and rewarding freediving experiences there are. Spearfishing is also considered an ethical and environmentally friendly method of fishing if practiced correctly.

What is Sustainable Fishing?

Spearfishing is the most selective type of fishing. Contrary to other fishing practices, there is no by-catch in spearfishing as you can target specifically the fish you want to catch. In Apnea Total Malta we promote Sustainable Spearfishing as we think that being a spearfisherman implies (or should imply) to be responsible and follow the following guidelines:

• Only hunt the quantity of fish you will consume on the day
• Catch fish that has a proper size (some of the legal sizes are ridiculously small)
• Try not to target large females as they lay thousands of eggs every season, even though is not always easy to identify them.  
• Do not hunt protected/endangered species
• Treat your catches with respect, and don't let them suffer unnecessarily
• Respect the marine ecosystems, habitats, and protected areas
• Follow the Fishing bans and regulations applicable

We offer two one-day spearfishing courses depending on the level of knowledge and experience in spearfishing. Both courses are aimed at certified freedivers. If you do not have a freediving certification, you can take a freediving course before the spearfishing course.