Spearfishing, an ancient method of hunting fish by free-diving underwater armed with a spear, is gaining renewed interest along the coast of Devon in southwest England. This practice, which has roots dating back at least 25,000 years as evidenced by cave paintings near Marseille, is being rediscovered today both as a sustainable way to catch food and as a means to explore marine environments.
In parts of Southeast Asia, traditional spearfishers, often called "sea nomads," are known to dive as deep as 60 metres, holding their breath for up to ten minutes. Their bodies have biologically adapted over generations to facilitate such feats, including enlarged spleens and enhanced underwater vision. While such extreme breath-hold diving is not necessary for beginners in the UK, local waters offer a variety of fish and crustaceans to forage for, including wrasse, mullet, bass, lobsters, and scallops.
One local instructor, Maxime Blondel, who runs the Frenchman Spearfishing School in Plymouth, highlights the richness of marine life in UK coastal waters. Blondel, originally from southeast France, began spearfishing with his father near Toulon and later moved to the UK, establishing his school in 2018. He points out that although the UK’s rugged coastline and sea conditions can be challenging and intimidating to newcomers, they hold many underwater “hidden gems.” Unlike in countries such as France and Spain where licences are required for spearfishing in tidal and coastal zones, UK regulations allow for license-free foraging, which broadens access for enthusiasts.
Newcomers to spearfishing are encouraged to first learn about the marine environment and species behavior. Training typically begins with snorkeling and foraging in shallow waters to identify and collect marine creatures like lobster and crayfish from underwater caves. Techniques such as the “duck dive,” a method to dive below the surface while snorkeling, are taught to help participants navigate underwater effectively. The practice involves equalizing ear pressure to manage depth and improve dive duration.
On guided excursions near Plymouth Sound, students have observed a variety of sea life including seaweed forests, crabs, monkfish, sand eels, sea cucumbers, seals, and seabirds such as oystercatchers. In some cases, participants collect scallops from the seabed and enjoy them fresh on the boat, embracing locally sourced food.
Spearfishing equipment ranges from simpler pole spears, which use a hand-stretched rubber loop to propel the spear forward, to more advanced spear guns operated with rubber bands and tethered lines to prevent loss of the spear or catch. While mastering skills such as proper handling and aiming takes time, instructors emphasize safety and precision over immediate success in catching fish. According to Blondel, spearfishing offers a more selective and environmentally friendly alternative to line fishing, as it avoids by-catch by allowing the fisher to target specific fish.
The activity is also praised for providing an immersive underwater experience that many anglers do not typically encounter. As more people seek sustainable outdoor pursuits, spearfishing along the Devon coast is drawing a growing community eager to connect with marine nature firsthand. Courses range from introductory single days to more intensive multi-day training, catering to beginners interested in learning the ancient yet increasingly popular art of spearfishing.