Hi there - here are a couple of things to consider: 1) ask your local shops and spearfishermen what the spearfishing ’catch’ is in your area - learn the species and how to POSITIVELY identfy them underwater! 2) read for yourself your state/local fish and game regulations paying special attention to the species you want to hunt: seasons, minimum size, daily limits, special gear restrictions or license issues - the last thing you want is for your game wardens to take everything you used to get the wrong, undersized, or out of season fish! The CA DFG will take your SCUBA gear, boat, etc - anything you used to take the illegal fish. Not sure how aggressive other states are. 3) many shops do offer special classes in spear fishing - they are good because they cover all the need-to-know basics. 4) hook-up with an experienced spearfisherman/diver and ask if you can simple tag along on a couple of dives to see what goes on, 5) treat the speargun as a lethal weapon - because they can be - never point at anyone and never enter/exit the water with the gun (bands) "loaded" - don’t just rely on the safety - the bands should be unloaded on entry and exits - and the safety on at all times unless ready to fire - note that some fish will spook when you click the safety off to fire - but as a beginner that is probably a safe way to go...