Spearfishing is a method of catching fish using a spear. The types of spears vary from hand spears to those that use a trigger powered by power rubber bands. The type of spear used varies with each fisherman and the type of fish they are trying to catch.

Spearfishing can be done on a free dive using a snorkel and fins or a scuba dive with oxygen. Some spearfishing takes place above water in the shallow coral reefs.

Spearfishing may be considered one of the more selective methods of fishing because fishermen they see exactly what they are catching. As underwater hunters the fisherman who spears truly needs to know their prey's characteristics and habits. The freediver who has limited time below the surface does not have the luxury of waiting out their prey like the scuba diver.

Spearfishing can also be dangerous as fisherman must carry their catch with them which might attract larger predators. It is also against the law to spear any turtle or crustacean

or aquatic mammal.