Spearfishing Technique: The Indian Method

Also known as the “flying” method, the Indian technique is naturally adopted by beginner spearfishers. This variant of the ambush technique can be practiced at the surface, on the bottom, while descending, or during ascent. It involves moving slowly through the water, aiming to instinctively catch fish. The key is to surprise the fish and be ready to shoot at any moment.

Discretion and responsiveness are the two key principles of this spearfishing technique.

+ DEFINITION OF THE INDIAN METHOD

The Indian method is a spearfishing technique that involves surprising fish by swimming slowly near the surface or the bottom. A variant known as “drift hunting” involves moving with the current in areas with strong currents. The spearfisher moves horizontally, slowly navigating along kelp beds, rocks, or drop-offs, waiting to surprise a fish. This instinctive technique is accessible to all, yet mastering it requires skill. It allows for capturing fish that are resting or feeding in specific spots.

+ MAIN SPECIES TARGETED WITH THE INDIAN METHOD

Which fish species can be hunted using this technique? Target species include wrasses, dorado, seabream, mullet, flatfish, and cuttlefish. With proper mastery of the technique, a wide variety of fish can be surprised.

+ VIDEOS OF THE INDIAN METHOD

+ CHOOSING THE HUNTING SITE

The flying method can be practiced along a fault line, drop-off, through kelp forests, or among rocks. It is particularly effective in “foam,” meaning in choppy waters. Several options exist when practicing the Indian method:

• Surface Indian Method: This involves surprising fish in very shallow water in areas heavily populated with rocks or algae. The spearfisher can catch fish off guard, as they cannot see them, provided they remain discreet.
• Bottom Indian Method: This consists of moving slowly along the bottom while avoiding noise to surprise sleeping or feeding fish without scaring them away.
• Descending Indian Method: This involves observing every angle of rock and diving towards the fish.
• Ascent Indian Method: This is particularly interesting, as fish are less wary of what comes from below. Be prepared to shoot while ascending along a rocky wall.

+ THE APPROACH

As with all hunting techniques, the spearfisher performs a duck dive to launch and reach the bottom. It is essential to observe the surroundings before beginning to move slowly along the seabed, using hands rather than fins for propulsion. When performing an Indian method in foam, it is advisable to initiate the duck dive about fifteen meters offshore, advance, and then slowly rise towards the foam, following the contours of the seabed. Fish often linger near the surface.

+ THE SHOT

While progressing through the water, keep the gaze and spear aligned and remain focused: the goal is to surprise the fish and be ready to shoot! The flying method requires quick reflexes.

Key points to remember:

• Your body should remain close to the seabed.
• Discretion: Be mindful of noise that could reveal your presence.

Learn more about different approaches in flying hunting: