It’s come to my attention that a lot of people are unaware of the spearfishing opportunities that New England presents, which is a shame for freedivers and lay-fishers alike, as the scattered archipelago of New England has some truly great fishing spots. Whether you’re thinking of fishing in style off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard, diving with the locals in historic Nantucket, or hunting for bass in the waters of Block Island, New England is home to a rich and diverse area of fishing.
Northeastern Spearfishing
Spearfishing is the ancient sport of freediving for fish, and in recent years it’s gained some traction among those longing to connect to the grit-filled generation of their grandfathers. But if all of this sounds a bit too Hemingway for you, fear not, there’s plenty to respect about the art of spearfishing if the thrill of the hunt isn’t your thing.
New England is home to a number of sport fish, and while previous years have seen a sparse amount of bass, the coveted fish is back in the waters drawing fishermen from around the U.S. Rhode Island, for instance, has a fair number of striped bass, with Block Island being a favorite secret spot for many New England locals (you didn’t hear it from me, though). The waters are also home to shad, cod, bluefish, and flounder, among others. If you do choose to take the plunge – spear in hand – be careful to remember that there are certain size regulations for different kinds of fish.
For any who are still on the fence when it comes to fishing in the northeast waters, New England Freedive Spearfishing Co. is there to help ensure you have the right gear when taking the plunge.
New England Diving
If you don’t like the taste of seafood or simply aren’t one for fishing, New England’s waters are pretty great for diving, too. While the season for diving may be a bit shorter than L.A. or Aruba, for instance, New England still boasts some pretty great places to explore via underwater diving. Moon snails, lobsters, flounder, crab, and hermit crab can all be found in the waters. Seal Rock, Seabrook Beach, and Sunken Forest are just a few places in New Hampshire that have some great places to dive. If you are one for adventure, there are still many unexplored diving sites as well. But if you do choose to embark on such an adventure, remember to taking a diving partner with you and always prioritize safety.
There’s certainly no shortage of great fishing and diving spots in New England, and with Spring weather slowly (but surely) approaching, now is as good a time as any to get out and explore the waters, beaches, and aquatic wildlife of the Northeast. Happy fishing!