Best Spearfishing in USA and North America

Looking for the ultimate spearfishing adventure across North America’s wild coasts and island chains? From Alaska’s icy fjords to the turquoise shallows of the Caribbean, North America’s oceans offer everything from trophy pelagics to reef-dwelling favourites. Whether you prefer the challenge of hunting tuna offshore or exploring coral reefs teeming with snapper and grouper, this continent delivers a lifetime of underwater possibilities — each with its own rhythm, culture, and thrill.

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6 Best Spearfishing Sites in USA and North America

1. Florida Keys – Coral Reefs and Coastal Riches

The Florida Keys are a paradise for spearfishers. Clear visibility, warm water, and easy access make them ideal for all experience levels. The patch reefs near Key Largo and Islamorada hold hogfish, snapper, and grouper, while the deeper wrecks attract pelagics like amberjack and cobia. Local operators offer charters with sustainable catch limits, ensuring this reef system thrives for generations to come.

Best time to visit: May to September for calm seas and maximum visibility.

2. Hawaii – Island Waters, Big Game

Spearfishing in Hawaii is the stuff of legend. With steep volcanic drop-offs just metres from shore, you can target mahi-mahi, ono (wahoo), and yellowfin tuna in crystal water. The reefs are home to uhu (parrotfish), ulua (giant trevally), and goatfish — prized catches for both locals and visitors. Each island offers something unique, from Oahu’s easy access to Kona’s bluewater hunts.

Best time: Year-round, with peak conditions from May to October.

3. California – The Kelp Forest Hunt

In California, spearfishing takes place among some of the planet’s most enchanting seascapes. Giant kelp forests off Catalina and the Channel Islands create natural labyrinths where white seabass, halibut, and yellowtail kingfish patrol. Visibility varies, but calm summer days reveal cathedral-like light streaming through the kelp — a perfect setting for patient, stealthy hunters.

Best time: July to October for best visibility and warmer water.

4. Mexico – Baja and Beyond

Mexico’s Pacific coast is world-famous for spearfishing. The Sea of Cortez teems with life — dorado, roosterfish, and amberjack abound. Cabo Pulmo’s protected marine park allows sustainable spearfishing in designated zones, while offshore trips from La Paz and Magdalena Bay target wahoo and yellowfin in deep bluewater. Add in fresh ceviche and fiery sunsets, and it’s a complete ocean experience.

Best time: July to December for warm currents and pelagic migration.

5. The Bahamas – Crystal-Clear Classics

Spearfishing is part of Bahamian tradition, where free divers glide through turquoise shallows hunting grouper, snapper, and lobster. The islands’ clear, calm waters and abundant reefs make them perfect for relaxed spearfishing. Many operators now focus on eco-conscious trips, promoting respect for the marine ecosystem and catch limitations.

Best time: November to May for calm seas and peak visibility.

6. Alaska – The Cold Edge of Adventure

For those seeking something truly wild, Alaska offers extreme spearfishing opportunities for salmon and rockfish in icy waters. Visibility can be surprisingly good in calm bays, and the sheer scale of the wilderness adds a level of exhilaration few places can match. This is the edge of the world — cold, raw, and unforgettable.

Best time: June to August for mild weather and access to coastal areas.

Why Spearfish USA and North America

From tropical reefs to subarctic bays, spearfishing in North America is as varied as the continent itself. Whether you’re floating above coral in the Bahamas or stalking seabass through a California kelp forest, the thrill remains the same — the ancient, heart-pounding connection between diver and sea.

When to Spearfish USA and North America

The best time to spearfish USA and North America, water temperatures, and target species:

Florida (Atlantic & Gulf): Winter/Spring (Nov-May) is preferred for clarity and offshore species. Waters from 22°C / 72°F up to 30°C / 86°F. Targets include Snapper, Grouper, Hogfish, Wahoo, and Cobia.
Southern California (SoCal): Summer/Autumn (May-Oct) is best for warm water and active Yellowtail/White Seabass. Waters from 16°C / 61°F up to 22°C / 72°F. Targets include Yellowtail, White Seabass, and Halibut.
New England (Striped Bass): Summer (June-September) when Striped Bass are nearshore and water is at its warmest. Waters from 15°C / 59°F up to 21°C / 70°F. Targets include Striped Bass and Tautog.
Hawaii (Pacific): Year-round due to stable temperatures. Waters from 24°C / 75°F up to 28°C / 82°F. Targets include Ulua (GT), Wahoo, and Mahimahi.
Pacific Northwest (WA, OR, B.C. Canada): Summer/Early Autumn (July-October) is the main season for best visibility. Waters are cold year-round. Targets include Lingcod and Rockfish (Drysuit recommended).
Baja California/Mexico (Pacific): Summer/Autumn (July-November) when Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, and Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) are running offshore. Waters are warmest and clearest.