Spearfishing: How to Get Started

Good reading - made my desire to go spearfishing even stronger. Gives a good no-nonse run down of the equipment and training needed to take the first step towards spearfishing. Honestly, I'm impressed how little emphasis is made for expensive luxury items. If you are looking at calling the "Good Idea Fairy" out to develop excuses to buy new gear - this book will not feed that habit. I enjoyed myself.

This is the worst book on free dive spearfishing I have ever attempted to read. It is so horrible I had to stop reading it because itis painful to read. I skimmed and scanned looking for something that was at least moderately accurate and could find nothing. Hisadvice ranges from just plain wrong to downright dangerous. Especially when he gives instruction on hyperventilation. We've known for many years this is dangerous procedure. His other observations on equipment, sharks hunting strategy were so painfulto read I had to stop. Mr. Peterson really needs to remove the book from the market before his advice kills someone or at least drives potential divers away from the sport. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK unless you just want to see what NOT to do. Free dive Spearfishing is truly a great sport, I have been doing it for over 60 years. Should you wish to learn this great sport please read Handbook of Freediving, Breathology andseek the advice of someone who hunts successfully in your area.

New to spear fishing (Scuba), so started with this book. Though the book is targeted toward free diving, it served as a good primer on many subjects all surround. I wish he included more on how to mitigate shark issues, but overall provides a good start, and quick one day read.

Pretty decent read, honest, and to the point. Doug doesn't claim to know everything, but he doesn't suggest doing anything dangerous (as others have claimed). A good read for anyone interested in learning this sport.

I have read many of the other reviews. I am a freediver interested in understanding spearfishing before I take a course. This book absolutely filled the bill for me. As the author points out though, there is no substitute for spearfishing with a knowledgeable buddy.

Great for the new spear fisherman

Enjoyed the combination of standard instruction along with stories of the author's experiences. Highly recommend the book to all aspiring spearfishermen.

I was not impressed by this book...im sure theres plenty of spearfishing in rhode island and wherever else this auther talked about but i would like to read from spearfishing masters who live in famous spots like mendocino coast and monterey coast. Granted there is a whole world of fishing i felt like he focused on the fishing he was presented with not what a beginner might experience...but its all a matter of opinion.

An excellent book. Very helpful and with really good advice for a novice. The author explains through his own experience and mistakes and leaves you to decide. Fantastic!

i thoroughly enjoyed the book and gained further knowledge about spear fishing. i would recommend this book to anyone starting off the hobby/sport.

Book is american spearfishing. Not a terrible read but not the same as spearing in uk

Very good and clearly-written. Also teaches you a lot about free-diving and snorkeling, which was very useful to me.

Ist a nice story of how he learnd to spearfish with a lot of information "around" the main topic. Could have half the number of pages and give you doulbe the information on them if it was lectured with more care. Time for a shortened, second edition?