Many amateur and pro spearos look up to Ryan Myers when it comes to diving and hunting fish. Let’s peak into what’s in Ryan Myers’ spearfishing gear bag that helps him bag his catchs.
Listen to more spearfishing tips on the Cast & Spear Podcast
Who Is Ryan Myers?
Ryan Myers is a household name in the spearfishing and freediving world. He is a USCG licensed captain, advanced PADI Freediving and International Spearfishing Academy instructor, and a 5-time IUSA world record holder. Ryan Myers has and shows a passion for aquatic sports, especially freediving and spearfishing. With this, he has dominated many competitions and underwater adventures.
Currently, Ryan is in Hawaii, living and filming for his popular Ryan Myers Expedition YouTube channel. Ryan Myer’s wife is one heck of a video editor! Check out their awesome videos.
13 Items In Ryan Myers’ Spearfishing Gear Bag
1. Spearfishing Mask
Among the many masks available in the market, one that fits Ryan perfectly is the Cressi Nano. Although what he finds comfortable isn’t always the same for each spearo, it is imperative that you try on and fit as many masks as possible and find out what fits you best.
In picking and using a mask, make sure you shave beforehand, as your beard and mustache will only lead to leaking, which won’t be beneficial to your dive.
Mask Characteristics:
- Low Volume: A spearfishing mask will differ from a scuba mask in terms of volume, with it having half the volume of the scuba mask.
- Skirt: A black skirt will blackout the light coming in around it
- Fit: Your mask should have a snug fit with no leaks, and it should stick to your face when you try it out
2. Snorkel
Finding a simple J-shaped snorkel will make your dive more comfortable and easier. You want to attach your snorkel at the back of your head, considering the position you will be in when swimming and diving.
You can do away with the clips that come with your snorkel and use two zip ties and attach it to the actual mask skirt and one at the back of the strap.
3. Wetsuit
Wetsuits are a must regardless of your diving area’s water condition. (Check out our list of the best wetsuits for women)
Many people will disagree, but wetsuits contribute so much to your hunt. Your experience will differ when hunting in board shorts versus a full suit.
Wetsuits protect you from the many things you can come across underwater, from the sun, the salt, and the sharp edges to the stings of jellyfish and other sea creatures. Knowing where you’ll be diving and the nature of the spot you will be exposed to will help you choose the right wetsuit thickness to protect you.
Good spearfishing wetsuits should have a hood to protect your hair and cover the back of your neck. You also want an open cell and a loading pad to protect your chest when you’re loading all day long. Knife pockets also come in really convenient to store your knife, some throw flashers, or even some extra chum.
Ryan uses a Hecs wetsuit.
4. Socks
Many spearos love to use neoprene socks for spearfishing, but cotton socks you can buy at Walmart work just as well. It all comes down to preference. Unlike neoprene, your cotton socks don’t compress as you dive deeper into the water. Neoprenes usually compress, resulting in a looser fin.
Listen to more spearfishing tips on the Cast & Spear Podcast
5. Gloves
Spearfishing gloves have different designs and padding. They’re essential to tackle and get your way around the water. While looking for a pair that suits you best, you can take into consideration the Spearpro and Salvimar ones that have proven to last long and perform great.
6. Weight Belt
A stretchy spearfishing weight belt will give you enough flexibility when you’re in the water trying to take that big last breath. A belt with a quick-release system will make for an easier and safer dive, as you can ditch the belt whenever you need and want to.
Make sure not to tie the free-floating end of your belt when wearing them, as this foregoes the “quick release system” of the belt.
7. Neck Weight
While this is not recommended for everyone as you cannot ditch this weight easily, unlike the weight belt. This inner tube filled with lead balls will help you float straight down when diving.
8. Fins
Last we checked, Ryan was using CETMA Composite fins with soft stiffness.
There are many types of fins in the market. While carbon fins offer great performance underwater, using plastic fins works well in certain situations. When choosing spearfishing or freediving fins, you don’t want to go too stiff and too short. A good set of fins is one with the right length and complements your body size and leg strength.
9. Foot Pockets
Foot pockets must be comfortable, and it’s non-negotiable. You shouldn’t get blisters from your fins. A snug fit is the key to choosing the right foot pockets.
10. Speargun
For a long time, Ryan used a Rob Allen roller speargun. Now he’s using a Pathos Roller.
Choosing a speargun ultimately lies with you. There are many types of guns in the market, and you need to consider the fish you’re targeting and the nature of your dive area in choosing one.
Ryan mentions that if you’re using a roller and can load it without a speargun load assist, then your bands aren’t strong enough.
11. Shooting Line
The Dyneema shooting line is a good choice line as it does not break on reefs and in wrecks, which is the most common environment you will be in underwater. It features a durable strength that allows you to pull it free if it gets stuck.
12. Dive Stringers or Kui
Stringers can be convenient for spearfishing. You don’t need to purchase an expensive Kui. The key is to use whatever works for you. A shooting line from your garage can work as Kui if you know how to improvise.
13. Float and Float Line
A float and float line prove to be useful for each dive as it helps in safety and convenience. You can use a float as a fish or gear holder.
What Gear Did Ryan Myers Use to Win Nationals?
Ryan used a 70 cm Rob Allen carbon roller with a breakaway-style speed loader.
For fins, he used Moana medium-soft fins and an Omer 5mm wetsuit.
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