Spearfishing is an eminent and powerful practice. It is believed that spears have been used for fishing from the beginning of humankind. The oldest official record dates back 16,000 years to Cosquer Cave in France, which has artwork of the harpooned seals. There is something unique about hunting methods that were in use hundreds of years ago and are still in use today.

The Scottish novelist John Buchan once said, “The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” This “charm” that Buchan talks about can be experienced tenfold by those who go outside of the ordinary box of fishing and decide to fish with spears.

And the world is full of amazing spearfishing spots to test your spearfishing gear:

BALI, INDONESIA

Bali is currently the second most sought-after tourism destination in Indonesia. With its ancient temples, surrounded by clear emerald water and crystal clear waters, it’s difficult to find any other place on the planet like it. A dogtooth tuna is a major attraction, as are dolphinfish, sailfish Spanish mackerel, and the giant trevally. Dogtooth tuna can be up to 250+ pounds, and gigantic trevally have been reported to grow to as high as 175. Therefore, a trip to Bali will mean you’ll be swimming with some monster fish in an awe-inspiring and stunning setting. When you’re in the ocean’s depths, take a look at other marine life, like giant moray eels, hammerhead sharks, and giant manta rays.

HAWAII

Another spot with deep tradition and traditional spearfishing ties is the islands of Hawaii. If you’ve thought of spears of the Hawaiian style of sling spear, or pole spear, it’s likely that you have an idea of what the most avid spearos Hawaiians are. Historically, the Lawai’a were considered to be the most revered spearfishers in the community, and they passed on their expertise to the younger Generation of Lawai’a. But spearfishing remains in vogue and is still going strong.

There’s plenty of mahi-mahi and ono as well as billfish and ahi barracuda floating in the Hawaiian waters, which is the reason that the restaurants in Hawaii serve such amazing seafood. While spearfishing in scuba isn’t permitted on the western islands of Hawaii however, there is an endless number of amazing spots to explore. Since there are eight islands that makeup Hawaii which means you’ll have plenty of options.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

The Pacific Halibut, which is plentiful along California’s coast California can be a dream for spearfishers. They are the largest flatfish in the entire world, these flatfish are able to be your Moby Dick. Moby Dick. A spearfisher landed the Pacific halibut that weighed 482 pounds. (And it wasn’t mistaken – it’s 482 pounds. This is two Brett Favres, plus some.)

You’ll find the monsters along the entire coastline, but If you’re forced to pick only one location, San Diego is known as a fishing paradise. To reap such a huge reward, it is possible to put in a bit more effort, however. Pacific halibut are known for being able to mount a fierce fight once they are caught, which is why you should have a buddy along on this particular trip. You’ll also find plenty of other fish species in the Golden State, including halibut as well as white and striped bass, red snapper, sheepshead, yellowtail, barracuda, and Bonita.