If seafood is on the menu, why not catch it yourself? That way, you'll know it was harvested in a low-impact, sustainable manner.

The specific tools of the underwater hunter will depend on the quarry, which might swim, crawl or burrow. At the least, you'll need a sturdy cutting and prying knife, a pair of gloves and a catch bag.

A low-drag, low-visibility wetsuit and a dark, low-profile mask will make stalking easier, and you?ll need a pair of powerful fins to cover a lot of ground during the search.

Choose a reliable regulator that can handle the extra demands of the chase, and remember to stay off the bottom while you are hunting a back-flotation BC could help you maintain a stable horizontal body position.

Hunt for food, not trophies or bragging rights, and treat the ocean and its inhabitants with respect.
   

1. UK Blue Tang Underwater hunting demands a full-size, multifunction dive knife. Choose the traditional drop-tip style for subduing game, or the blunt tip for prying shellfish. Available in corrosion-resistant hydralloy $54 or titanium $92

2. UK Unibag In the water, it,s a game or goody bag. On land, it functions as a gear bag, with a locking carrying handle and a strap that can be configured as a backpack or shoulder bag. $29.95.

3. Mares Proton Ice Low viz, silt and cool water are all part of the game. This regulator is engineered to respond to changing and challenging conditions, with a metal second stage for heat and moisture retention and a built-in venturi assist that eliminates the need for control knobs and adjustment levers. $619

4. Mares Pegasus Hunters need storage and lift capacity, but not bulk or drag. The Pegasus divides lift evenly around the diver's body and features two large self-draining pockets, an integrated weight system and Mares patented AirTrim system, which eliminates the external inflation hose and provides the simplicity of push-button buoyancy control. $579

Photo by Bill Doster
5. Mares Quatro Fins Underwater hunting requires both stealth and power. The Quatro remains one of the most powerful fins ever built, yet it is equally suited for finesse work in close quarters. The flexing center channels translate leg movement into directional thrust, while the stiffening side rails increase the blade?s effectivenss for frog kicks and sculls. $119

6. Mares Cyrano 700 Blue water specialists may prefer traditional band guns, but when you are working in close quarters, you need a compact tool with no protruding hardware. The Cyrano series uses an internal pneumatic cylinder to produce high shaft speeds and straight flights. $278

7. Sporasub Sniper Mask Don't let them see the whites of your eyes. Low internal volume and a black skirt minimize eye contact, while the soft hypo-allergic silicone skirt ensures optimal adherence on virtually any face shape. Symmetrically shaped windows allow the mask to be personalized with corrective lenses. $48

8. SporaSub Viper Loose the zipper, gain warmth and comfort. A 5 mm beaver tail combo with smooth-on-smooth seal system at waist for water tightness and freedom of movement. $275.