While you can decide between pneumatic guns, wood guns, and euro guns, you may not know which type of of gun is best until you have had practice with various types of guns. Beginners should start with a small speargun. It is best to start with the less expensive model. Most spearguns are measured in cm, ranging from 60 up to 140+. 60-80cm is reserved for close distances (<6 ft range) and is best suited for dense kelp forests or “hole hunting”, where the fish are normally stationary. 90 - 110cm is suitable for larger/faster fish in the 6–12 feet (1. 8–3. 7 m) shooting distance, and is good for hunting fish in reefs and in bottoms depths from 10 - 60 ft. Choose a gun longer than 110 centimeter (43. 3 in) if you are hunting larger fish in clear, open water. Look into buying a floatline and float, so you don’t lose your gun (or the fish).

Get an understanding of the type of fish that you want to find so that you know what you are looking for.

If you are deep dive spearfishing, try to find a location where there are no other people spearfishing to reduce the risk of your dive.

There are different ways to perform shallow water spearfishing. It can be as easy as standing onshore and spearing fish with a sharpened stick. You can also stand in the water, stand on rocks, or use a kayak as a spearfishing platform. In shallow water you can use a technique known as “stalking” where you hunt fish that are just below the surface, on the surface, or near rocks and ridges. Different types of fish have different behaviors that you will learn to recognize over time. While in shallow water, you can spearfish just below the surface using a snorkel to enter the water for a short period of time. Above the water line spearfishing may be the safest method because it avoids the dangers of underwater diving.

Use a dive mask for longer dives and a snorkel for shorter dives. If you are wearing a wetsuit, you will need a weight belt. Be sure not to kick your legs for momentum until you are completely submerged into the water, and then only make slight movements so that you do not frighten your prey. Once you reach your desired location in the water, creep slowly towards the fish using your free hand to navigate yourself. Gently kick your legs and hide or camouflage yourself from your prey wherever possible.

Always have a partner when spearfishing so that you can look out for each other, especially if you are deep dive spearfishing.

If using a speargun while shallow water or deep dive spearfishing, you do not have to extend your arm to release a spear, simply release the safety and point the speargun at your target.

Be sure that you are close enough to the fish and have a good aim so that you have a greater likelihood of killing the fish as opposed to just harming it. Consider carrying a knife during your dive to ensure a humane process. You may need to use your knife to kill the fish so that it does not suffer. Be sure that your spear is prepared and ready to go prior to entering the water. You will not be able to prepare the spear while in the water because your hands should be free whenever possible. Whether spearfishing for sport or hunting for food to eat, be sure to know what type of fish that you wish to harvest. The focus on trophy hunting is size, but when hunting for edible fish, parrotfish, lionfish, triggerfish, and small Snapper are all good targets because they are generally safe and many people enjoy the taste. Always avoid large and dangerous ocean life, including the poisonous weever fish.

Wearing gloves will prevent you from harming your hands when you are handling fish with sharp spines. Be aware that the blood from the fish speared may attract other ocean life.