Spearfishing Hunting Techniques 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the lateral line in fish and why does it matter to a spearo?
- A sensory organ that detects vibrations and water movement (Correct answer)
- A stripe used for species identification only
- A muscle controlling the tail
- An organ for color vision
Correct answer: A sensory organ that detects vibrations and water movement
The lateral line senses pressure changes and vibrations, so erratic kicking or movement alerts fish before they see you.
Question 2: In blue-water hunting, what does 'going down the line' refer to?
- Following an anchor rope to the bottom
- Descending along a flasher line to wait for pelagics (Correct answer)
- Tracing a fishing net underwater
- Swimming along a depth contour
Correct answer: Descending along a flasher line to wait for pelagics
Blue-water hunters drop down along a flasher line and hold mid-water, letting pelagic fish come to investigate.
Question 3: 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 (Correct answer)
- It improves their peripheral vision
- It reduces mask fogging
- Fish are attracted to closed eyes
Correct answer: Eye contact can signal predatory intent and spook the fish
Fixed predatory staring can alarm a fish, so hunters use peripheral vision and appear non-threatening until ready to shoot.
Question 4: What is 'chumming' as it relates to spearfishing technique?
- Releasing bait or scent to draw fish into an area (Correct answer)
- A type of breath-hold training
- Cleaning the speargun underwater
- A buddy diving formation
Correct answer: Releasing bait or scent to draw fish into an area
Chumming uses bait, scent, or scraps to concentrate fish near the hunter, though it's restricted in some jurisdictions.
Question 5: When ambushing on the bottom, what body positioning helps a diver stay hidden?
- Standing fully upright on the substrate
- Tucking behind structure with a low, compact profile (Correct answer)
- Floating spread-eagle at the surface
- Constantly rotating to scan 360 degrees
Correct answer: Tucking behind structure with a low, compact profile
Keeping a low profile against rocks or ledges breaks up the diver's silhouette and helps fish approach unaware.
Question 6: Why is timing the shot when the fish presents a broadside (side-on) angle preferred?
- It offers the largest target and cleaner spine/vital hit (Correct answer)
- Side shots travel farther
- It avoids hitting the swim bladder
- Fish are blind on their sides
Correct answer: It offers the largest target and cleaner spine/vital hit
A broadside fish exposes the most surface area and allows aiming for the spine just behind the gills for a stoning shot.
Question 7: What is a 'stone shot' in spearfishing?
- A shot that uses a stone weight
- A shot through the brain or spine that instantly immobilizes the fish (Correct answer)
- A missed shot that hits rock
- A shot taken from a stationary position
Correct answer: A shot through the brain or spine that instantly immobilizes the fish
A stone shot strikes the spine or brain, killing the fish instantly so it cannot flee or fight on the line.
Spearfishing Hunting Techniques 3
What is the lateral line in fish and why does it matter to a spearo?