Spearfishing using the coulée technique is a natural underwater hunting method where the diver glides silently along drop-offs or into open water without kicking. While it may look simple, mastering this approach requires skill, precision, and an understanding of fish behavior.

A diver descending vertically toward the seabed can easily be spotted by fish, causing them to flee. The essence of the coulée lies in discretion and control. By gliding smoothly and predicting fish reactions, hunters can approach without being noticed.

Definition of the Coulée Technique

The coulée technique consists of descending headfirst, much like a dive, toward fish observed from the surface. At first, the diver kicks gently, but once a certain depth is reached, natural negative buoyancy pulls them down quietly.

This method allows the hunter to approach from above and behind, exploiting the fish’s blind spot. It is typically practiced in clear water and at greater depths, ideally with a longer band-powered speargun.

How to Perform the Coulée Technique

1. Preparation: Stay relaxed to maximize fluidity and mobility. Adjust your weighting so you don’t sink uncontrollably.

2. Descent: Begin with a discreet duck dive and descend vertically. Hold the speargun alongside your body, tip pointing downward. Kick smoothly at first, keeping one hand near your mask for equalization and to shield your eyes.

3. Spotting: Observe fish behavior, depth, and positioning to adapt your approach angle.

4. Shooting: Bring your speargun forward with your arm bent. If the fish starts to flee, accelerate slightly with a few kicks. Extend your arm smoothly and release the shot at the right moment.

5. Ascent: Avoid wasting energy pulling the fish up by hand. Instead, use your reel and ascend calmly to the surface.

Challenges of the Coulée Technique

• Requires mastery of the duck dive.
• Good buoyancy and underwater comfort are essential.
• Discretion and smooth body control are key.
• Descent must be efficient without scaring fish.
• Shooting opportunities are often limited to shorter ranges.

Advantages of the Coulée Technique

• Natural, instinctive hunting approach.
• Surprises fish by exploiting their blind spot.
• Useful for transitioning into ambush (agachon) or hole hunting.
• Can target both small species (bream, dentex, dorado, scorpionfish, turbot) and larger pelagics (tuna, bonito, barracuda).

Expert Tips for Mastering the Coulée

Choosing the Right Speargun: Since most shots are taken from a distance and at awkward angles, a speargun longer than 100 cm (ideally up to 120 cm) is recommended. Balance power and accuracy by selecting between a roller speargun or a pneumatic speargun, with shafts ranging from 6.5–7 mm depending on target size.

The Wetsuit: A black wetsuit is most effective in deeper waters, where reduced light helps you remain hidden.

Weighting: Since the coulée is practiced at depths over 10 meters, use lighter weighting to benefit from natural negative buoyancy without descending uncontrollably.

Mastering the coulée requires hours of practice to achieve smooth movements, effective buoyancy, and precise long-range shooting. A well-executed coulée can often lead to an ambush or a follow-up shot at a fish that hides in a hole.