For the avid spearfisher, the world is filled with exotic and thrilling destinations, each offering unique challenges and rewards. From the crystal-clear waters of the tropics to the rugged coasts of colder seas, here are the top 10 bucket list spearfishing spots around the globe, along with details about their climate, geography, currents, accessibility, water depth, and the fish you can encounter.
1. Great Barrier Reef, Australia:
- Location: Northeastern Australia
- Climate: Tropical
- Geography: The world's largest coral reef system, offering diverse marine life.
- Current: Gentle to moderate, varies by location.
- Accessibility: Accessible by boat from various towns along the Queensland coast.
- Water Depth: Varies, offering both shallow and deep-water spearfishing.
- Target Fish: Coral Trout, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevally.
2. The Azores, Portugal:
- Location: Mid-Atlantic
- Climate: Temperate Maritime
- Geography: Volcanic islands with rich, deep waters.
- Current: Strong Atlantic currents.
- Accessibility: Remote, accessible by plane; spearfishing mostly by boat.
- Water Depth: Deep waters close to shore.
- Target Fish: Blue and White Marlin, Tuna species.
3. Baja Peninsula, Mexico:
- Location: Northwestern Mexico
- Climate: Desert
- Geography: Long coastline with nutrient-rich waters.
- Current: Pacific currents bring diverse species.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible, with many coastal towns.
- Water Depth: Offers both shallow and deep spearfishing.
- Target Fish: Yellowtail, Wahoo, Marlin.
4. Florida Keys, USA:
- Location: Southern Florida
- Climate: Tropical
- Geography: Coral cay archipelago with extensive reefs.
- Current: Gulf Stream passes nearby, influencing marine life.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible, with numerous launch points.
- Water Depth: Shallow reefs to deeper offshore waters.
- Target Fish: Grouper, Snapper, Hogfish.
5. Palau, Micronesia:
- Location: Western Pacific Ocean
- Climate: Tropical Rainforest
- Geography: More than 500 islands, known for their coral reefs.
- Current: Strong currents through the island channels.
- Accessibility: Remote, accessible by plane; spearfishing mainly by boat.
- Water Depth: Both shallow and deeper spots.
- Target Fish: Dogtooth Tuna, Wahoo, Giant Trevally.
6. Cape Verde, Africa:
- Location: Central Atlantic Ocean
- Climate: Dry Tropical
- Geography: Volcanic archipelago with deep, nutrient-rich waters.
- Current: Influenced by the Canary Current.
- Accessibility: Remote, accessible by plane; spearfishing from boats.
- Water Depth: Deep waters close to shore.
- Target Fish: Wahoo, Tuna, Blue Marlin.
7. Northland, New Zealand:
- Location: Northern tip of New Zealand
- Climate: Subtropical
- Geography: Rocky coastline with numerous offshore islands.
- Current: Influenced by the South Pacific Ocean currents.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from the mainland.
- Water Depth: Various depths, with both shore and boat diving.
- Target Fish: Kingfish, Snapper, Crayfish.
8. Corsica, France:
- Location: Mediterranean Sea
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Geography: Mountainous island with clear waters.
- Current: Relatively calm Mediterranean currents.
- Accessibility: Accessible by ferry or plane; diverse shore and boat diving.
- Water Depth: Mostly shallow to moderate depths.
- Target Fish: Dentex, Grouper, Sea Bass.
9. Andaman Islands, India:
- Location: Northeastern Indian Ocean
- Climate: Tropical
- Geography: Archipelago with pristine, untouched reefs.
- Current: Influenced by the Bay of Bengal currents.
- Accessibility: Remote, accessible by plane or boat.
- Water Depth: Offers a mix of shallow and deep-water spearfishing.
- Target Fish: Tuna, Barracuda, Reef Sharks.
10. Kona Coast, Hawaii, USA:
- Location: Big Island of Hawaii
- Climate: Tropical
- Geography: Steep drop-offs and clear waters.
- Current: Influenced by Pacific Ocean currents.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible, with many shore and boat dive options.
- Water Depth: Deep waters close to shore.
- Target Fish: Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, Marlin.
Conclusion:
Each of these spearfishing destinations offers its own unique set of challenges and rewards. From the tropical reefs of Palau to the volcanic waters of Cape Verde, the world's oceans are filled with extraordinary spearfishing opportunities. When planning your trips, always consider local regulations and environmental conservation practices. Happy spearfishing, and may your adventures bring you both excitement and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the ocean. If you have any other amazing spearfishing spots in mind that you think should be added to this bucket list, please feel free to share them in the comments below!
