How to Make and Use a Fishing Spear (Complete Beginners Guide)

Learning how to use a fishing spear is one of the simplest ways to catch fish without a rod or reel. Whether you are in a survival situation, building a small fishing kit, or just want a hands-on way to fish, a spear lets you catch food with minimal gear. This guide will show you how to use a fishing spear, how to make one, and how to improvise one when you have nothing else.

What is a fishing spear?

A fishing spear is a pointed implement used to catch fish by thrusting or throwing. Simple, quiet, and effective when you can see fish close to shore, in shallows, or while snorkeling. Spearing is low-tech, renewable, and satisfying  but it’s also skillful. The basics are simple: present a point to the fish and make the strike count.

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Types of fishing spear tips

• Gig (multi-pronged) — Two, three, or more tines like a fork. Great for shallow water or when the target is squirmy. Bigger spread increases hit chance but can be bulkier and snag more.

• Single-barbed spearhead — A single point with one or more backward barbs. Penetrates deep and holds fish on the shaft. Simpler to craft and better for larger fish or clear water.

• Stone or bone tips — Traditional, useful when metal isn’t available. Can be hafted to a shaft with cordage and resin.

• Wood spear points — Wood spear tips are cheap, readily available, and craftable in large quantities if you understand how to make one.

Which to choose: gigs for small schooling fish or murky water, single barbs for targeted strikes and larger fish.

How to Make a Fishing Spear (practical, Beginner, field-friendly)

If you do not have gear, you can make a simple fishing spear using basic materials.

Start with a straight, sturdy stick. Sharpen the end into a point using a knife or a rough surface like a rock. For better results, you can split the tip into multiple prongs and sharpen each one. This increases your chances of hitting and holding onto the fish.

A simple wooden spear will not be perfect, but it is often enough to catch fish in shallow water.

Materials

• Shaft: straight pole 6–10 ft for wading, 8–12 ft for shore use. Thinner than a huntnig spear, these need to have little resistance in the water, and you want a dense wood if possible.  think 1/2" to 3/4" in diameter. Hardwoods like ash, hickory, oak, or a sturdy bamboo. Smooth, straight, and comfortable to grip.

• Tip: metal tine(s), or a sharpened hardwood/bone tip. For gigs, 2–3 tines.

• Fastening: split-shaft socket by sawing a slot to mount your spear head, and tie with  strong cordage (paracord, twisted inner paracord, rawhide), epoxy or heated resin if available.
  

Build steps — simple socketed spear

1. Pick and prepare the shaft — remove bark, sand rough spots, and taper the end slightly to accept the tip.

1. Add a tip — a metal point or multi-tine gig.

1. Create the socket — either carve, or saw a shallow socket into the tapered end or split the shaft a few inches and insert the spear shank between the split halves. Be aware splitting the shaft can cause further splitting when you use the spear. Creating a socket by carving, or sawing, is the optimum option for long term viability. If you do split the shaft, you can insert a small shim that's glued and tied in place to help support the spear head and reduce further splitting.

1. Fix it in place — lash tightly with cordage in a crisscross pattern, then wrap with additional cord and coat with epoxy, glue, or melted resin to lock it. For a split socket, drive a small wooden wedge to close the split onto the tang.

1. Test and trim — ensure the head is secure, give firm tugs, and smooth the shaft for comfort. Add a short crosspiece or grip tape where your rear hand sits.

DIY tip: for a quick field spear, sharpen one end of a thick stick, carve small barbs with a knife, and harden the tip over coals. Not as reliable but will work short term.

How to spear a fish — step-by-step

1. Scout and approach

   • Look for shallow flats, weed edges, rockpools, or current seams where fish feed.

   • Move slowly, low, and quiet, rest regularly and sit very still. Fish see motion above water and can spook easily. Use low crouches resting periods, or take advantage of cover like reeds or rocks.

2. Position and range

   • Ideal range is within arm’s reach for thrust spearing. Throwing spears need more practice and more distance.

   • Angle yourself so the fish is between you and your exit route; avoid sun glare in your eyes.

3. Aim—lead the target

   • Fish refract light; they appear offset from their actual position. Aim slightly below and forward of where the fish looks like it is (depends on angle and depth). As a rule: if the fish is shallow and directly in front, aim lower; if deeper, adjust less as three is less refraction.

4. The strike

   • For a thrust spear: step forward, plant rear foot, drive the spear forward through the fish in a single committed motion using shoulders and core — don’t jab with the wrist only. Lift up, not back to remove the fish from the water.

   • For a throwing spear: a smooth, underhand or overhand cast with follow-through. Practice small throws first to learn distance and arc, as this requires much more skill than thrusting. 

5. Recovering the catch

   • If the fish is speared but not secured, stay cautious — struggling fish can  jerk free. Use a short retrieval line or slip the shaft under the belly and lift. Lift straight up to avoid the fish slipping off the spear.

   • Dispatch humanely and quickly.

6. Field processing

   • Keep fish on ice or in shade. Clean as soon as practical. Use your hunting/processing tools to field dress. → Learn how to clean a fish

Common Mistakes When Using a Fishing Spear

Many beginners struggle at first. Avoid these common mistakes.

• Aiming directly at the fish instead of below it
• Moving too fast and scaring fish away
• Swinging instead of thrusting
• Trying to fish in poor conditions

Fixing these mistakes quickly will improve your success rate.

How This Fits Into a Small Fishing Kit

A fishing spear is a powerful tool, but it works even better as part of a complete setup.

In a small kit like an Altoids tin or compact survival kit, a spear can act as your primary fishing method when you do not have time to set lines.

Pair it with:

• Hooks and line for passive fishing
• Cordage for securing catches
• Fire starting tools for cooking

This layered approach gives you multiple ways to catch and prepare food in the field.

Pair a spear with: a decent cutting knife, cordage, a small float/retrieval line, and a field dressing kit. Practice on stationary targets and shallow water before depending on the spear.
→ Explore Grim Workshop Fishing Spears

→ Read: → Learn how to clean a fish

→ Read: → How to Make a Hunting Spear

Safety, ethics, and legal notes

• Check local laws — spearfishing, even shore-based, is regulated in many places (season, species, size, methods). Always verify before you go.

• Safety first — sharp points, long shafts, and water create hazards. Don’t swing spears around others; keep a safe carry position. Watch for submerged hazards that can snag you.

• Ethical shots only — take only clear, humane shots. Don’t spear protected species. Respect bag limits.

• Visibility — use flagging or a float if required by law or for safety when spearing from a boat.

Tips & tactics

• Use polarized sunglasses to reduce surface glare and spot fish more easily.

• Approach from downwind or into current so your profile is less obvious.

• In clear water, move slowly and keep low, make regular pauses where you don't move unless to strike. In murky water, use a gig to increase success.

• Practice aim on stationary targets before live use.

Maintenance & storage

• Rinse metal tips with fresh water after saltwater use; dry and oil to prevent rust.

• Replace cordage tying the head if it loosens.

• Store with tip protected (leather sleeve or wrapped cloth).

• Regularly check shaft for cracks or rot; replace if compromised.

Suggested kit (what to carry)

• Sturdy shaft (6–12 ft depending on use and strike range)

• One multi-tine gig and one single-barb spearhead (or removable heads)

• Short length of shock cord or retrieval line with float on the spear

• Small sheath knife or multi-tool for processing

• Gloves for handling fish and sharp gear

• Polarized sunglasses and sun protection

• Basic first aid kit and communication device

DIY options: carved hardwood shaft, sharpened bone point, rawhide lashings, and improvised retrieval float from a bottle.

FAQ: Fishing Spear Skills and Use

How do you use a fishing spear?

To use a fishing spear, stand still in shallow water, aim slightly below the fish due to light refraction, and thrust quickly in a straight motion. Accuracy and timing matter more than force.

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Why do you aim below the fish when spear fishing?

You aim below the fish because light bends when it enters the water, making the fish appear higher than it actually is. Aiming slightly below compensates for this and improves your chances of hitting your target.

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Can you fish with a homemade spear?

Yes, you can fish with a homemade spear as long as it has a sharp tip or multiple prongs. A simple wooden spear works well in shallow, clear water where fish are easy to see and reach.

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What is a fishing spear?

A fishing spear is a simple tool used to catch fish by thrusting a pointed or multi pronged tip into the fish. It can be made from natural materials or carried as part of a compact survival kit.

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What is the easiest way to catch fish without a rod?

Using a fishing spear is one of the easiest ways to catch fish without a rod because it does not require bait, line, or waiting. It works best in shallow water where fish can be seen and targeted directly.

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When should you use a fishing spear instead of a fishing line?

A fishing spear is best used when you need immediate results, have limited gear, or are fishing in shallow water. It is especially useful in survival situations where setting up a line is not practical.

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What are the best conditions for spear fishing?

The best conditions for spear fishing are shallow, clear water with little current. Good visibility allows you to see fish clearly and aim accurately.

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How hard is it to catch fish with a spear?

Catching fish with a spear can be challenging at first, but it becomes easier with practice. Learning to stay still, aim correctly, and time your thrust will improve your success rate quickly.

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What mistakes do beginners make when using a fishing spear?

Common mistakes include aiming directly at the fish instead of below it, moving too quickly, and trying to fish in murky or deep water. These mistakes make it harder to land a successful strike.

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Can you make a fishing spear in the wild?

Yes, you can make a fishing spear in the wild using a straight stick and sharpening the tip. You can also split the end into multiple prongs to increase your chances of catching fish.

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Is spear fishing a good survival skill?

Spear fishing is an excellent survival skill because it requires very little equipment and allows you to actively hunt for food. It works well in many environments and does not depend on bait or fishing line.

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What should you carry with a fishing spear in a small kit?

A fishing spear works best when paired with a few backup tools. Adding hooks, line, cordage, and fire starting tools gives you multiple ways to catch and prepare food in a compact kit.

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Does spear fishing work at night?

Spear fishing can work at night, especially with a light source that attracts fish or improves visibility. However, it is generally easier and more effective during the day when you can clearly see your target.

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