Spearfishing

Spearfishing is a fishing method that uses a sharp, pointed object such as a spear or harpoon to strike at a marine animal while it swims in water. This type of fishing requires no bait, as the animal is visually targeted and shot at from above or within the water. Humans have used the method of spearfishing for thousands of years. Traditional spearfishing only required a long, sharpened object such as a stick. Modern spearfishing employs a number of advanced tools such as spearguns. Spearfishing can be done in or out of water. Some individuals spearfish while scuba diving or snorkeling. Others simply stand in or hover above an aquatic region such as a stream or river and cast their spears into the water. Spearfishing has become a popular hunting sport among modern anglers. Spearfishing technology has also greatly advanced since ancient times.

Background

Spearfishing has been practiced for centuries and dates back twenty thousand years. The method was first developed during the Paleolithic era, which was the early part of the Stone Age. Humans fashioned spears using stone tools and sticks, often attaching sharpened rocks to long sticks of wood to thrust at fish. Stone tools were a major development of this era as it led to more efficient means of hunting. Fishing with sharp-ended, or barbed, tools did not require any bait and was the easiest and most successful method to catch fish, an important source of protein in the ancient human diet.

The earliest spearfishing was practiced on the shores of various waterways. Early humans used spears to hunt for fish, seals, whales, and many other aquatic animals. Ancient spears usually measured six to seven feet in length, long enough to dive deep enough beneath the water to pierce prey. Some early societies built fishponds so their prey had no way of escaping and could be hunted day and night.

Spearfishing was common among ancient Egyptians, Hawaiians, and the people of the Mediterranean region. Ancient Greek historian Polybius, known for his work The Histories, describes a scene in his texts where a group of men board a boat as one man rows and the other stand holding a spear in preparation to impale swordfish. Some historians also believe the Greek god Poseidon's trident was modeled after a fishing spear.

Spearfishing remained a popular form of fishing over the centuries. With time, more advanced fishing tools became available that improved spearfishing success rates. The earliest form of the harpoon had a long, pointed object attached to a cord that could be propelled from a wooden launcher known as an atlatl. The addition of cords gave hunters a greater ability to hunt from a distance, making it easier to catch their prey off guard. The sharpened ends of early harpoons were commonly made from animal antlers or bones. Northern Paleolithic cultures throughout Europe often turned to harpooning to catch seals, whales, and even reindeer. Harpoons were not seen among Western cultures until about six thousand years ago, when arctic peoples in Alaska and Canada began utilizing the device to better penetrate targets.

Spearfishing technology continued improving over the years. In 1870, the first pressurized harpoon gun was invented. By this time, spearfishing had become less of a nutritional necessity and was practiced more for sport. Spearfishing was a popular hobby throughout the twentieth century, and the invention of underwater goggles in the 1920s led to a new trend in underwater spearfishing. By the middle of the century, underwater spearfishing as a hobby had become so popular that the International Underwater Spearfishing Association was established to create official rules for the sport. Spearfishing tool developments continued through the twenty-first century, particularly those for underwater usage. The speargun was designed so underwater spear fishermen could fire spears with greater force at underwater targets. These devices did not have a cord attached to the spear as harpoons did, however, and instead were powered by rubber bands or pressurized gas. Spearfishing continues to be practiced by many passionate fishermen as both a sport and a hobby.

Overview

Several pieces of equipment are used in spearfishing. The most important component is the spearing tool. Spears can either be thrown by hand or with the use of a speargun. Modern hand spear tools are commonly made of metal, although some products are still made from wood. Spearguns are made of wood or metal and mechanized with rubber bands or powered with pressurized air. Spear fishermen often don wet suits while hunting to stay warm and dry while fishing in colder waters. Wet suits also protect underwater hunters from sharp reef, jellyfish stings, and sunburn. Underwater spear fishermen often make use of narrow flippers to help them swim better.

When spearfishing beneath the water's surface, spear anglers use goggles and breathing apparatuses while navigating the waters. Underwater spearfishing can be practiced while snorkeling, scuba diving, or free diving. Snorkeling involves the use of a snorkel, a curved hollow tube that sticks out of the water so a person can breathe through it while swimming facedown. Scuba diving makes use of a canister of compressed oxygen that sends air into a person's lungs through a mouthpiece. Free diving does not use any breathing devices. Free divers only wear masks and hold their breaths for as long as they can while attempting to spearfish underwater.

Other items used by spear fishermen include weighted belts, which help them stay beneath the surface longer; knives, which anglers often use to kill their target or in case of emergency; and gloves, which protect their hands. They are also encouraged to carry safety items such as diver down flags, which float above the water to indicate to boaters that there are divers beneath the surface. It is also important for spear fishermen to follow a state's sport fishing rules and regulations. Many states require a license to spearfish underwater. Failure to comply with regulations can result in fines or other penalties.

Bibliography

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"International Underwater Spearfishing Association History Timeline." International Underwater Spearfishing Association, www.iusarecords.com/History.aspx. Accessed 1 Dec. 2016.

Polybius. "Fishing for Swordfish." Perseus Digital Library, Tufts University, www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Plb.+34.3&redirect=true. Accessed 1 Dec. 2016.

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"Whales and Hunting." New Bedford Whaling Museum, www.whalingmuseum.org/learn/research-topics/overview-of-north-american-whaling/whales-hunting. Accessed 1 Dec. 2016.