Hobbies and pastimes are all about self-derived joy. Whether it’s skating, bird watching, video gaming, or any number of other leisurely activities people do, the main goal is fun. But while many hobbies can provide this joy, they lack tangible rewards.

Spearfishing can provide a source of exercise, delicious seafood, extra income, and a more intimate relationship with nature, all while promoting conservative practices which benefit the environment and everyone in it.

Things like the freshman 15 phenomenon outline how college students have a tendency to slack off on exercise and gain weight. Spear fishing could be an option for these out of shape individuals who want to turn it around. Lugging gear to spots accessible only by long walks or swims, carrying a heavy catch back, constantly swimming to stay afloat, and fighting currents all guarantee a spearfishing trip will provide some good exercise.

“Spearfishing works your whole body from your legs, to your lungs, and your arms,” said avid spearfisher Joe Quintanilla. “When we’re in the water, majority of the time we are kicking.”

While this is hard physical activity, it hardly seems so. When you are doing something you like, it rarely ever seems like work.

Seafood is an expensive delicacy in many places and here on island is no exception. However, our location provides us the opportunity to go out and catch our own food free of charge, all while having fun doing so.

Wild caught food also provides a healthy alternative to snacks, processed foods, and GMO’s available at most stores.

Often fisherman can even catch more than they can eat. This allows them to share their catch among friends and family, or make a bit of extra income which can be extremely beneficial to struggling college students.

“I have never sold fish for money. My father and uncles taught me to give to people who want fish rather than selling it. However, if I were to sell the fish I caught in a good day of diving, I could probably make in the range of $150 to $250,” said Quintanilla.

Spearfishing also provides the opportunity to see and experience things others either can only dream of, or have to pay for. Dolphin watching, sea turtle sightings, swimming with sharks, witnessing magnificent coral reefs; all of these I have personally done free of charge while spearfishing.

“With spearfishing, every day is a unique experience. You never know what you might see or what type of fish you will land,” said experienced spearfisher Vince Pangelinan.

While spearfishing holds a bad name with many, it is actually the most conservative and selective method of fishing around. When done properly there will be almost zero by-catch.

Fishing methods like nets or hook and line indiscriminately target whatever swims by, but spearfishing requires the action of seeing a fish, deciding to take it, and executing a shot on the desired fish. This results in no extra species being harmed or taken.

Intimate interaction with aquatic plants and animals also often provides spearfisher’s a better knowledge of environmental issues. This can spread awareness and promote actions that help the environment.

Other less noticed benefits can arise out of spearfishing as well.

“Spearfishing builds character. It is a simple lifestyle where you can meet different people, network, and help each other out,” said Pangelinan.
Spearfishing can have an immense positive impact on someone’s life including exercise, fresh seafood, additional income, environmental conservation, and incredible life experiences. Anyone can do it, and it is as simple as getting some gear, finding a spot, and finding a partner to go with. So if you are looking for something new and exciting give spearfishing a try, and dive to provide.