SPEAR THE SEVEN SEAS
The hunting and fishing worlds are no strangers to the concept of “slams”, but usually it involves species rather than locations. On land, a grand slam can mean you’ve harvested all four subspecies of wild turkey in the USA. At sea, a grand slam is when you catch 3 species of billfish in the same day.
While you could call this challenge the spearfishing slam, we think it’s in a category of its own. Few individuals are blessed enough to see all seven seas, much less hunt them. Interpretations of the ancient expression vary, but most agree on using the world’s five oceans to make the seven seas:
The ultimate spearfishing goal
Arctic
North Atlantic
South Atlantic
Indian
North Pacific
South Pacific
South (Antarctica)
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The Viking sea, home to kelp forests, deep fjords, and cold water. Lofoten is the ideal place to experience the Arctic Ocean. Hardy seabirds like fulmars and puffins dot the water’s surface. Flaky white filets swim below in the form of pollock, cod, and halibut. Nights are made memorable by the midnight sun or the northern lights.
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A sea of unmatched variety and options. From the cold water and rocky kelp of Ireland to the crystal-clear bathwater of the Bahamas, this sea has spearing for everyone. Its beating heart is the Gulf Stream current, which we can reach in a short 60-mile run from our home port. You won’t find a better place to start your journey.
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The sea of exploration. Prior to the creation of the Panama Canal, navigating the South Atlantic was a major milestone in human history. Our destination Saint Helena honors that spirit and showcases the unspoiled bounty that remote islands offer, and it is more beginner-friendly and accessible than world-famous Ascension. Napoleon got off easy when he was exiled here with the friendly people known as Saints.
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A sea of spices. Indian Ocean waters are home to white sands, warm waters, and unique species. The spice-rich East Indies were plagued by piracy long after it was stamped out in the Caribbean, a legacy which continues even today. The waters of South Africa’s Eastern Cape are the perfect introduction. For an advanced experience, Tanzania’s remote islands will take you back in time.
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The deepest sea, home to the Mariana Trench which surpasses Mt. Everest in distance from sea level. Seafood was arguably perfected here between sushi, panko, and poke. With almost as many options as the North Atlantic, you can dive the jungle coast of Costa Rica, the tropical waters of Hawaii, or the gorgeously chilly waters of Alaska.
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The seafaring sea. Other than Aboriginal Australians who settled via land bridges at least 50,000 years ago, the peoples in this part of the Pacific Ocean traveled and settled exclusively by water, sometimes thousands of miles. Eventually, a handful of European states controlled every island and coastline in this sea. New Caledonia embodies both the colonial history and marine beauty of the South Pacific. Fish of unmatched beauty swim in the coral reefs of these warm waters.
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Shackelton’s sea. He might not have been the most successful Antarctic explorer, but he’s one of the most celebrated. Spearing this sea requires more than a bit of the same determination and spirit. Tierra del Fuego is technically 200 miles north of the South Ocean, but it’s the closest we can get given the various treaties and exorbitant prices charged for anything Antarctic. We say that anywhere with resident breeding sea leopards is South enough to count. The fish aren’t large, but the journey offers unmatched scenery - this is a true expedition.
This challenge can be completed in as few as five trips, although we recommend a dedicated trip for every sea to get the full experience. Many dive locations are offered in conjunction with terrestrial hunting to get the classic Spear & Deer action that Blue Marlin Expeditions is known for, and it’s all fully customizable to any skill level and budget. Contact us today to start the adventure of a lifetime.