CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Into the Blue: An 8‑Hour Intro to Spearfishing off Carmel-by-the‑Sea
An 8‑hour, instructor‑led course covering speargun handling, fish ID, rigging and a guided 2–3 hour ocean hunt—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Into the Blue: An 8‑Hour Intro to Spearfishing off Carmel-by-the‑Sea.
Dive into the fundamentals of underwater hunting with a one‑day, instructor‑led spearfishing course based in Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea. The Monterey Intro to Spearfishing Course packs academic study, dry‑land practice, a guided ocean session and shore‑side fish processing into a single comprehensive experience designed to teach speargun handling, fish identification and underwater tactics.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Speargun Handling & Rigging
The course covers speargun handling, rigging and loading during dry practice so you learn safety, aim and fish retrieval techniques before ever entering the water.
Guided Ocean Session
Students join their instructor for a guided 2–3 hour ocean session where tactics and fish identification are applied in the field under professional supervision.
Shore‑Side Prep & Catch Options
After the dive the group covers knife skills and fish processing; participants may take fish home or opt to join a group catch‑and‑cook. The operator also guarantees a free return if no one, including the instructor, shoots fish.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
The course begins with online eLearning and a pre‑course video call, then moves into a full Saturday of dry practice on the beach before students select a dive site for a 2–3 hour guided ocean session. The day closes back on shore with hands‑on knife skills and fish prep, giving participants a complete cycle from classroom to catch to table.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should wait.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring swimsuit and towel, a low‑volume mask and J‑tube snorkel, open‑cell wetsuit, long fins and socks, weight belt and weights, dive socks and gloves.
The operator provides speargun, float line, knife, catch bag and float. Photo/video add‑on is available; equipment purchase discounts are offered to participants.
The full course is 8 hours; the Saturday session meets on the beach at 8:00 AM after online eLearning and a Friday afternoon video call with your instructor.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The course is an 8‑hour, full‑day class.
Do I need any certification?
Yes. Participants must hold freediver certification from a recognized agency.
What gear do I need to bring?
Bring a swimsuit and towel, low‑volume mask and J‑tube snorkel, open‑cell wetsuit, long fins and socks, weight belt and weights, plus dive socks and gloves.
Is gear available to rent or included?
Rental and included items include speargun, float line, knife, catch bag and float; photo/video packages are available as an add‑on.
What happens if no one shoots fish?
If no one, including your instructor, shoots fish, the operator offers a free return to hunt again.
When do the pre‑course eLearning and video call occur?
Students complete online eLearning prior to the day; the instructor hosts a video call on the Friday afternoon before the Saturday course.