Welcome to Spearfishing School Part 19 of our 80+ part series written for people new to spearfishing. This blog is free for my readers and so is access to Spearfishing School during the beta stage. If you learn something here, sign up for our email list and share this page with someone that is looking to learn about spearfishing. It is a free way to say thanks.
Choosing a Dive Knife
Lets go over what the dive knife is used for in spearfishing. Contrary to popular belief, it is not held in your teeth to kill sharks. 🙂 Here is how I use my dive knife…
- Rig Cutting – Your dive knife should be able to easily cut through any rigging you have on your speargun. This is why I prefer a knife with at least one serrated edge. If some how you wrap up in your shooting line you need a knife that can make quick fork of it.
- Pith, Brain, Kill – These all mean the same thing. After a fish is shot it has to be killed. The dive knife is used to poke the brain or brain stem. A fish should be brained to end the struggle before removing the spear. This will end the fish quickly, and stop the thrashing that could attract sharks. A pointed tip is what you want. As for length, however long you think the blade should be to penetrate the skull and get to the brain of the fish you are hunting. My 4 inch pointed blade has no problem killing large Yellowtail. So leave the Rambo knives at home.
Enjoying Spearfishing School?
Join the SpearoNation eMail List and get the PDF 25 Spearfishing Tips To Make You a Better Spearo. In addition the the PDF you get updates when we put out new content.
Want to read more?
Go to Part 20 – coming soon: How do I carry my fish?
Back to Spearfishing School
Disclaimer
Freediving, Spearfishing, and the related topics discussed here are inherently dangerous. Participating in any freediving activity exposes one-self to the risk of death and/or permanent injury. The content of this site is provided as personal entertainment only. Although portions of the content may be perceived as instructional, do not depend upon it as such. The following article is not intended as a replacement for proper training in any water sport activity. There are no warranties or guarantees, either expressed or implied that the information contained at this site is accurate, correct or reliable. You are responsible for using your own good judgment. We urge you to seek proper instruction from a qualified and certified agency before attempting any sport requiring breath hold freediving.
