Golf Balls, Fish Memos, and Fitness: Spear Fishing Adventures

 Someone gave me a tip about a creek where you can literally park your car, walk into the water, and start exploring. That sounded promising, so the next day I grabbed my camera, geared up, and headed out.

(Illustrative Only)

Whiefish

Well...let's just say the fish must have gotten the memo that I was coming.

The spot was fantastic for swimming, but as an underwater sightseeing destination, it was about as exciting as watching paint dry. There were a couple of rock beds, a little vegetation, and enough fish habitat to make you think, "Maybe there's something here..." But after swimming around for a while, I think the fish were all attending a meeting somewhere else.

I did learn something helpful from one of our local resource officers. Since spearfishing is only allowed on the south side of the Ford River, I started looking across the river and thinking, "That side actually looks a whole lot fishier." Apparently, the river is fairly shallow, so one of these days I may just wade or swim across with my gear like some budget version of Jacques Cousteau.

The other side has overhanging branches, submerged cover, and all the things fish seem to put on their real estate wish list. Even if I don't spearfish there right away, it looks like a great place to scout. Once I figure out where the fish are hiding, I might bring my little retractable fishing rod and see if they're willing to cooperate. If they are of the right species perhaps the spear.

7 golf balls on the bottom.

Speaking of discoveries, I found something today...just not fish.

Golf balls.

Lots of golf balls.

Apparently, I accidentally discovered the spawning grounds of the Titleist. Before long, I had golf balls stuffed in every available pocket of my wetsuit. I probably looked less like a spearfisherman and more like I had lost a bet at a miniature golf course. That's when I realized I really need a mesh dive bag. It's a lot more professional than using your wetsuit as an underwater cargo van.

One thing is certain, though. Whether you catch fish or just collect enough golf balls to open your own driving range, you're getting an incredible workout. I easily spend 40 minutes swimming, kicking, diving, surfacing, and exploring. By the time I'm done, I've burned a lot of calories—and I never once had to step on a treadmill.

That's one of the best parts about spearfishing. Even if the fish refuse to participate, you still get fresh air, time in nature, underwater adventure, and a solid workout. Some people pay good money for a gym membership. I just chase invisible fish around the lake until I'm exhausted.

As a certified fitness trainer, I appreciate activities that don't feel like exercise but still get you into great shape. If you'd like help improving your fitness, swimming endurance, or overall conditioning, send me a message using the link to the right or the email below. Just don't ask me where the fish are yet—I can tell you exactly where to find golf balls.

Spearfishing and Public Health Promotion: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Hawai'i Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

• The study analyzed data from 12,737 adults in Hawai'i to determine the prevalence of lifetime spearfishing participation and its relationship to health and demographic characteristics.
• Approximately 25% of respondents reported participating in spearfishing at some point in their lives, with the highest participation rates among men, Native Hawaiians, other Pacific Islanders, and residents of rural islands.
• Individuals with a high school education or less were more likely to have participated in spearfishing than those with higher educational attainment.
• Spearfishing participation was significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity guidelines, suggesting it may contribute to healthier lifestyles.
• The authors conclude that supporting culturally meaningful activities such as spearfishing represents a strength-based public health strategy that can promote physical activity, social connection, and community well-being.

Hansen, L., Wu, Y. Y., Sentell, T. L., Thompson, M., St John, T. L., Schmid, S., & Pirkle, C. M. (2025). Spearfishing and public health promotion: A cross-sectional analysis of the Hawai'i Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. PLOS ONE, 20(3), e0319169. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319169