Hey there, spearos. This is The Stone Shot, your weekly dose of spear content (and maybe some fishing, but we try to keep it below the water line)

Here’s what we have for you today:

• Spearfishing 40,000 Years Ago: Woomera (aka spear thrower)

• Weird Fish Of The Week: Chimaera

• Spear-cation Destination: Bay of LA, Baja

• Video: A woomera In Action

The Question

How Did They Spearfish Thousands Of Years Ago?

For centuries, spearfishing has played a vital role in the cultural identity of many societies. From ancient Egypt to indigenous communities in the Pacific Islands, spearfishing was a key part of daily life.

In the case of Aboriginal Australians, spearfishing can be traced back as far as 40,000 years ago. So, how did indigenous Australians spearfish? Well, they used a tool very similar to ones found in many other ancient societies…

The Woomera

Picture this: a carved out wooden shaft, a hard resin handle at one end and a peg to guide the spear at the other end. That, my friends, is the Woomera—a tool that's been the secret weapon behind Aboriginal Australians' spearfishing prowess for centuries.

Essentially, a woomera uses leverage to increase the speed and distance of the spear. It acts as an extension of a spear throwers arm. The best way to imagine this is to think of those tennis ball throwers that dog owners use.

The Woomera and Spearfishing

Spearfishing with a Woomera is a delicate dance of skill and precision. As Aboriginal Australians ventured into shallow waters in search of fish, their actions were guided by generations of passed-down knowledge. When they approached their prey, they would adjust the Woomera for the perfect shot and release the spear—a beautiful fusion of physical skill and deep understanding. Check below for a video of a Woomera in action.

Fun Facts

• The woomera is found in a number of ancient societies. Historians believe that most of the societies developed the tool independently of one and other.

• A common name for the woomera is atlatl.

• Woomera’s primary function was throwing spears, but they also served as shields, clubs or even serving trays for food.

Weird Fish Of The Week: Rabbit Fish

Aka chimeras, these fish hangout thousands of feet below the surface. If it looks like a blob, that’s because it is. Rabbit Fish have no bones in their body, only a weak skeleton made from cartilage.

Spear-cation Destination

Bay Of LA, Baja

Nestled along the pristine coastline of Baja California, Mexico, lies a hidden gem for spearos: Bahia de Los Angeles. This picturesque bay, often called the "Bay of the Angels," is a must-go for those seeking a unique spearfishing experience in the heart of the Sea of Cortez.

The Rich Marine Diversity

Bahia de Los Angeles is renowned for its incredible marine biodiversity. The clear, azure waters are home to a vast array of marine life, making it a dream destination for spearos. From colorful reef fish to larger game species like yellowtail and grouper, there's no shortage of exciting targets.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The bay is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California." This recognition highlights the importance of the region's unique ecosystems, and spearfishing here is a testament to sustainable hunting practices. Local communities work diligently to preserve the balance of marine life, making it an ethical and responsible destination for spearfishing.

Links To See More

• Overlanding Baja

• Spearfishing Bay of LA

Video

Indigenous Australian using a woomera to spear a golden trevally from shore

That’s it for us! We’ll see you back here next week.

PS - Reply to this email with any crazy spearfishing stories, photos or videos of your own, we’d love to feature you!