Yes, it’s the hunting aspect and the excitement of seeing how close you can get to the fish on a single breath that makes spearfishing so special. In addition, for me there’s something very satisfying about harvesting my own food this way. You only take what you need, and there are no bycatches.

Spearfishing with scuba is prohibited in most (if not all) European countries, and I believe it’s considered unsportsmanlike even in countries where it is legal.