Spearfishing Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Spearfishing facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the Hawaiian sling? → A wooden tube with an elastic loop at one end.
2. What does the term 'bag limit' mean in the context of spearfishing regulations? → The maximum number of a specific species a single person may harvest per day
3. Why should spearfishers never hyperventilate before a dive? → It lowers CO2 without raising O2, masking the urge to breathe
4. Why should a spearo retrieve a shot fish from the water quickly? → A struggling, bleeding fish can attract sharks and other predators
5. Why is a knife carried when freediving? → In case the diver becomes tangled in a spearline or floatline
6. Which fin type is generally preferred for deep freediving and spearfishing? → Long blade freediving fins
7. What is the most humane and effective way to immediately dispatch a speared fish at the surface? → Deliver an ike jime spike or sharp knife strike to the brain immediately behind the eyes
8. What is the 'urge to breathe' physiologically driven by during a freedive? → Rising CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration stimulating chemoreceptors in the brain
9. What is a one shot instant kill known as? → Stone Shot
10. What type of fishing is blue water hunting? → Deep water fishing in open ocean waters
11. What are spearguns powered by? → Natural latex rubber bands
12. In most US states, what license is required to spearfish in saltwater? → A state saltwater fishing license, and in some states a separate spearfishing stamp
13. Which technique involves slowly searching along reefs and ledges while holding your breath? → Reef hunting (stalking)
14. Why do experienced hunters often look away or avoid direct staring at an approaching fish? → Eye contact can signal predatory intent and spook the fish
15. What is the 'one-up, one-down' buddy system? → One diver dives while the other watches from the surface
16. When aiming, where is the ideal target zone on most fish for a quick, ethical kill? → Behind the gill plate near the spine/brain
17. Which large pelagic fish commonly encountered by US spearfishers is identified by a prominent lateral line that curves sharply near the tail? → Kingfish (King Mackerel)
18. Which spearfishing tool uses bands and a trigger to launch a separate spear shaft? → A speargun
19. Wetsuits for spearfishing are often two-piece and what color? → Black or camouflage
20. Why is good breath-hold (apnea) control central to ambush hunting success? → Longer relaxed bottom time means more chances for fish to approach
21. What underwater feature indicates you are likely near a productive spearfishing location when targeting bottom-dwelling species? → Reef edge transitions, rocky outcrops, or wrecks with visible baitfish schools
22. What is a key ethical guideline for spearfishers regarding shots? → Only take shots you are confident will land cleanly
23. Which accessory helps prevent mask fogging during a dive? → A defog solution or saliva applied to the lens
24. How are fish caught in spearfishing competitions? → With a harpoon line
25. What visual cue indicates that a Grouper on a reef is in a dominant terminal male phase and potentially larger than legal minimum size? → Darker coloration, solitary behavior, and presence near the base of large structure
26. What is the main risk of 'pulling the trigger' too early on an approaching fish? → A long, weak shot that wounds rather than stones the fish
27. What is the recommended action when a spearfisher surfaces and feels strong muscle cramps in both legs? → Signal for help immediately, conserve energy, and use the float
28. What is the recommended response if you feel the urge to breathe during a dive? → Ascend calmly and surface to breathe before pushing further
29. At what time of day are many reef fish typically most active and vulnerable to spearfishing? → Dawn and dusk during feeding transitions when fish are actively hunting
30. What is the main difference between a spearfishing gun and a rifle? → A spearfishing gun has a line attached to the shaft, making retrieval easier.