Spearguns

We stock and sell spearfishing equipment and accessories

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Spearguns and spearfishing gear in Nanaimo

Spearfishing combines breath-hold diving, hunting skill, and a deep respect for the ocean. Along the coast of Vancouver Island, cold, nutrient-rich waters support a wide range of species and make the Pacific Northwest a unique place to spearfish. Nanaimo Dive Outfitters carries spearguns and essential spearfishing gear to support safe, responsible harvesting in our local waters.

Spearguns and equipment we carry

We stock reliable spearfishing equipment designed for cold-water conditions, limited visibility, and kelp-heavy environments, including:

    • Banded spearguns suitable for reef and mid-water hunting
    • Pole spears for close-range and entry-level spearfishing
    • Shafts, bands, tips, and replacement components
    • Float lines and basic spearfishing accessories

Our staff can help you choose the right setup based on your experience level, target species, and the conditions you plan to dive in.

Common Pacific Northwest spearfishing species

While regulations change and vary by area, common finfish species targeted by spearfishers in coastal British Columbia may include:

    • Lingcod
    • Rockfish species (with strict regulations and closures in many areas)
    • Greenling
    • Cabezon
    • Flounder and sole species where permitted

Always confirm current species openings, size limits, and seasonal restrictions before planning a dive.

Important regulations and licensing

Spearfishing in British Columbia is regulated under the tidal waters sport fishing regulations, and a valid tidal waters sport fishing licence is required to harvest finfish, even when freediving.

Regulations can change frequently and vary by location, depth, species, and season. It is your responsibility to stay current and compliant.

You should always review the most up-to-date regulations directly from Fisheries and Oceans Canada:
https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html

Respecting divers and dive sites

Many popular shore dive sites around Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay, and central Vancouver Island are heavily used by recreational scuba divers and freedivers for training and exploration.

We strongly encourage spearfishers to:

    • Avoid popular dive training and sightseeing locations
    • Choose remote or less-trafficked areas for harvesting
    • Use highly visible floats and flags
    • Be mindful of other water users, including divers, boaters, and kayakers

Maintaining good separation between spearfishing and recreational diving helps keep everyone safe and preserves positive relationships within the local dive community.

Cold-water considerations for spearfishing

Spearfishing in the Pacific Northwest often means colder water, thicker exposure protection, and limited visibility. Proper weighting, streamlined gear, and conservative dive planning are critical. Many spearfishers here use thicker wetsuits, longer freediving fins, and simple, reliable speargun setups designed for close-range shots.

If you’re new to local conditions, our team is happy to talk through gear choices and safety considerations specific to Vancouver Island.

Questions about spearfishing gear?

If you’re getting started or upgrading your spearfishing setup, stop by Nanaimo Dive Outfitters. We can help you select the right speargun and accessories, talk through local conditions, and point you toward the correct regulatory resources so you can spearfish responsibly and legally in our waters.

Gear Questions?

Let us know if you have any specific questions about scuba gear!