When you think of extreme sports the last thing that will come to your mind is probably fishing. Considered as a leisure activity and more of a hobby, fishing definitely isn’t on most adrenaline junkies’ lists. There is more to it than meets the eye though! Let’s get into it!

 

Can fishing be an extreme sport and why do people practice it?

For centuries fishing was one of the main ways for people to get food from wild nature and survive. And it’s only logical since different fish types have a lot of vitamins, nutrients, and rare substances that are all essential to the body and its right function. 

Nowadays though, when food in great quantity and diversity from all around the world is just a walk (or drive) to the store away, fishing is mainly practiced for fun, relaxation, and family time.

This is why a lot of people are surprised when one starts talking about fishing as an extreme sport. What could possibly be extreme about sitting on a river or in a boat on a lake, relaxing and waiting for the fish to get caught? Ah, but here come the differences! 

When we talk of extreme fishing we open a whole other chapter of fishing opportunities - and there is nothing fishy about it! Extreme fishing is exceptional with the places it takes you and the adrenaline rush it can give you. More precisely: this type of sport takes you underwater and can be practiced around the year. It all depends on what kind of fish would you want to go after and of course - where you are in the world and the weather conditions. 

So since extreme fishing takes you under the surface, you can’t use standard fishing equipment. This is why one thing you have to do to fish this way is to actually use a weapon. The arsenal includes harpoons, spears, and spearguns which is one more element of the sport that puts it in the category of the extreme ones.

But why would you want to try it? 

Well, extreme fishing is created for people who enjoy water extreme sports - scuba diving, snorkeling, and freediving, as well as the adrenaline that hunting gives - that primal instinct that makes us chase and fight for our food. Drop in the mix the love for fishing, calmness, and seclusion and you get the perfect combination of these. It gives people everything they search for in between sports experiences and fun.

In addition, the world under the surface is so mesmerizing once you try it you will definitely want to go back again and again! Awaiting there are various types of fish in their natural habitat, water flora and fauna of all sorts and sizes in colors one can hardly imagine and see above the surface. Ready to go try extreme fishing yet? Great! But let’s first talk about…

 

Precautions when extreme fishing

Unlike fishing where you get a fishingrod, some bait, a chair and put yourself into a mental place, filled with patience, you can’t just go and start practicing extreme fishing. 

First of all, extreme fishing requires a permit at most places in the world. Make sure to check with your local clubs so you can get one in time for your plans. 

Second of all, check with your doctor if you will be okay to practice extreme fishing. There are health risks in these sports just like in most underwater sports. You should consult a specialist if you might be prone to one of the following conditions.

Hypoglycemia, for instance, is a condition in which there isn’t enough glucose in your blood and it can cause you to fall unconscious underwater - a very dangerous situation that can lead to death while you’re down there. Make sure to raise your blood sugar levels in a suitable way for your body so you do not have trouble with it.

Other conditions you can have trouble with are barotrauma and decompressions sickness. They are based on medical problems caused by the effects of water pressure when a diver is beneath the surface. Since water is heavier than air, when you dive, changes in depth cause large changes in pressure. That may lead to disorientation, loss of the idea of up and down, and more: dizziness, ear pain, bleeding from the ears, ringing ears, loss of hearing. Either way - symptoms that will ruin your extreme fishing experience. This is why experienced divers always take their time to ascend slowly and breathe during the motions. They also blow out air from the nose into the face mask, yawn, and swallow with their nostrils pinched. As a precaution, they also take a nasal decongestant before diving. Take the time to consult which measure will be best if you are extreme fishing at a destination that will take you far beyond the surface.

Last, but not least on the list of medical conditions you should know about, beware of the signs of hypothermia and always choose the right wetsuit for the conditions you will be facing. It’s extremely important so you don’t freeze and experience dangerous cramps and heart problems. If you’re a beginner at water sports and extreme fishing you might want to first go in the summer so the waters are warmer and start from there. Experienced extreme fishers are not even afraid of freezing waters and fishing under the ice so there is actually a lot you can experience in this sport.

Other preliminary preparations include getting familiar with the weapon you will be using for extreme fishing. Since this part of the equipment is usually pretty expensive, you might want to rent first and get some advice and instructions from experienced extreme fishermen. Trust us - you will be thankful for this when you actually get underwater and start fishing. Aiming is probably the hardest thing so you will have to be patient while you get it right. But the joy when you catch your first caught fish will be worth it - believe us!

 

Extreme fishing equipment

Speaking of equipment, you do not go unprepared for an extreme fishing trip! 

Here is a list of all the necessities and a little bit more:
 

• wetsuit or drysuit - suitable for the season and the water temperatures and will prevent hypothermia
• diving mask - so you can see underwater
• snorkel - part of the necessary equipment if you’re diving in shallow waters
• scuba gloves for protecting your hands
• fins - for better and swifter swimming
• scuba tank - for deep diving and extreme fishing on bigger depths
• dive watch (Timing Device)
• compass
• underwater pneumatic gun/rifle crossbow for spearfishing
• knife
• signaling equipment for emergencies

We know - it seems like a lot. This is exactly why we advise you to rent first and not buy straight away so you can try and then make the decision if extreme fishing and the investment in gear is for you. The good news though - once you get it, you can also use it for scuba diving and other types of underwater extreme sports. In a way, it’s a win-win situation!

 

What to expect from your first extreme fishing experience?

In order for you to have a great first extreme fishing experience, you have a lot of things to plan in advance.

Our first piece of advice: choose your fishing spot well. Don’t forget to check which fish are in season and if it’s actually allowed to hunt them at this time of the year. Usually, there are seasonal restrictions that apply when the fish are in reproduction. 

As well as that, remember that permit we talked about? Don’t forget to get it out in time because otherwise, you will only dive but not fish at all. Yes, it will be pretty and you will enjoy it, but it’s not why you’re there, right? 

Check how much of the equipment you can rent at the fishing location and if there are personal pieces you have to get - wetsuit, snorkel, glasses, etc.

Always consider your hunting weapon of choice in regards to the waters you will be extreme fishing in. It is advised that you use a crossbow in deep and transparent, clean waters. If you’re going to try waters with reduced visibility though, you might want to try a pneumatic underwater gun. Be advised that different weapons make for different speeds of movement and coordination in the water so you will have to give yourself time to get used to the aiming, the weight, and specs of it. All important when you aim and shoot in water.

It is also important to prepare both mentally and physically before you go extreme fishing. Although a lot of people don’t actually consider it an extreme sport, you will not go to a marathon or triathlon not prepared either, right? Take some time to get into good physical shape and get used to the water - preferably by practicing a water sport. 

 

Last but not least, we have a few more tips and tricks for you! Remember that fish usually like to hide, so you may find more of it and have a better chance to catch some in underwater bushes, for instance. As well as that, remember that big water bodies have different densities of the fish population in different parts of them. Take the time to consult a local or examine carefully so you don’t lose time underwater. And if you decide to try extreme fishing at night, don’t forget your flashlight!