Spear Fishing is a type of fishing where spears are thrown or shot at fish with the intention of piercing them. Spear Fishing can be done from above or under water by using a snorkel or SCUBA gear.

Want to make those fish pay? Go after 'em with a spear! The sport of spearfishing can be practiced from in the water, or above, with a number of thrown devices designed to impale even the most vicious of fish. Often dangerous due to the amount of time spent underwater, spearfishing should be attempted with great caution.

Hunt fish with a large, sharp weapon for food or sport.

There are often restrictions on areas that can be fished, equipment that can be used and the number of fish that can be caught. It's wise to research any such restrictions prior to engaging. Rules for competitive and tournament fishing vary depending on competition type.

Forms of spearfishing date back to the Paleolithic era, which occurred over 16,000 years ago. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans are known to have engaged in early forms of spearfishing. By the 1920's, sport spearfishing became immensely popular along the Mediterranean coasts of France and Italy. This popularity helped spur the development of SCUBA diving in the 1940's and 1950's. In the 1960's the International Underwater Spearfishing Association (IUSA) was established to maintain world records and offer rules to ensure world records were established fairly.

Equipment varies greatly depending on situation and skill level of the person fishing. The following are the most commonly used pieces of equipment:
Fins
Gloves
Hawaiian Sling
Knife
Mask
Polespear
Snorkel
Speargun
Weight Belt
Wetsuit

Spearfishing can be extremely dangerous due to the environment in which it takes place and the equipment that is used. One should only engage in it after being properly trained.

Spearfishing requires strength, endurance, excellent vision and a steady hand. These can best be acquired through practice. Excellent swimming abilities, SCUBA experience and a basic knowledge of water safety are also extremely beneficial.

Hawaiian Sling - an elastic band attached to a tube, through which a spear is launched

Polespear - long shaft with a point at one end, and an elastic loop at the other for propulsion

Spear - a weapon with a long shaft and a pointed tip, used for thrusting or throwing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spearfishing