Freedive Spearfishing: Intro | CatchNCookCalifornia

three rockfish (blue and black species) caught with a pole spear during introductory freedive spearfishing course in California

GUIDED FREEDIVE-SPEARFISHING (INTRODUCTORY LEVEL)

Start your freedive-spearfishing journey today.

Client underwater holding a speared black and yellow rockfish on a three-pronged pole spear during freedive spearfishing class in Monterey, CA

Pole Spear in the Shallows

Take your first dive into the world of underwater hunting with Guided Intro-Level Freedive-Spearfishing. This 3 hour experience is designed specifically for new or first-year divers who want to begin their journey in freedive-spearfishing with confidence, safety, and purpose.

Led by expert instructor Kevin Smith, this immersive outing focuses on hands-on learning in a calm, near-shore environment. You’ll gain foundational skills while targeting accessible species with a pole spear and may even discover shellfish and other edible underwater delicacies along the way.

***IMPORTANT: Please refer to Additional Information tab to read about prerequisites and age requirements before signing up for this course.

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Client surfacing with snorkel and mask, holding a foraged sea urchin during introductory freedive-spearfishing course in California

Learn to spear in the shallows

This is guided entry-level spearfishing which is the main focus of this outing. However, this course also emphasizes fundamentals like calm, efficient movement in the water, proper breath-hold diving, and working with your environment to ethically and effectively harvest wild seafood. With an emphasis on safety, simplicity, and sustainability, this course lays the groundwork for a lifetime of skilled underwater hunting.

What You'll Learn:

This course blends in-water practice with expert instruction tailored to your pace and comfort level:

Freedive & Spearfishing Safety: Tailgate briefing covering hazards, environmental awareness, and risk mitigation
Target Species ID: Learn which species are legal, sustainable, and good to eat
Laws & Ethics: Understand local regulations and the importance of responsible harvesting
Gear Orientation: Weight belt adjustment, pole spear use, and dive gear tips
Basic Techniques: Finning fundamentals, duck-dives, equalization, and approach strategies
In-Water Hunting Practice: Hunt in depths of 6–15 ft (comfort-dependent) in real-world conditions

Stringer with two black and yellow rockfish and two striped perch caught by clients using three-prong pole spears during introductory freedive spearfishing class

Required Gear:

Participants must bring or rent the following:

Mask, snorkel, and fins (freediving-style long blade fins strongly recommended)
2-piece wetsuit (thickness based on location/water temp but typically 5mm-7mm)
Weight belt (weights can be adjusted during session if needed)
Pole spear (optional loaners available)
Dive knife (recommended but not required)
Dive float (provided)
Water bottle and towel for changing

Please see FAQ’s for further details and email Kevin at catchncookca@gmail.com for dive shop recommendations.

Black perch caught with three-pronged pole spear during introductory freedive spearfishing class in California

Additional Information:

Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Location: (Precise location will be shared upon registration)
Group Size: Three clients at a time for safety, sustainability & quality
Instructor: Kevin Smith (30+ years of experience in freedive-spearfishing
Conditions: Nearshore waters, typically calm and shallow
Shellfish: May be included, depending on location and season
Meals: Not provided. Please eat a light meal beforehand and stay hydrated. Avoid excessive caffeine.
Price: $200/person in group settings. Please inquire for private 1-on-1 or private groups

Prerequisites:

Must be comfortable swimming in open water and able to tread water unassisted
No prior freediving or spearfishing experience is necessary, though a professional freedive class is recommended for people who are not confident swimmers and/or for folks who may want to pursue freediving and spearfishing at more advanced levels in the future.

Age Requirements:

Minimum recommended age: 16 (kid-specific outings upon request
Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
All divers must complete a safety briefing and waiver

Please see FAQ’s for further details and email Kevin at catchncookca@gmail.com for any questions. You can also use our Contact Us form.

BOOK NOW

GUIDED FREEDIVE-SPEARFISHING (INTRODUCTORY LEVEL)

Start your freedive-spearfishing journey today.

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