Great Book, did more for my spearfishing than any other book i've read, including some highly regarded 'manuals' on the subject. covers brief history, and lots of important bits of info woven into these tales. this is way more than just a story, it'll change your attitude, perception and comfort level in the water. i wish it were updated to current status of overfishing as well as recent bluewater techniques...

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fast easy read, however it didn't fail to stimulate my immagination throughout it. The author jumps around a bit to past stories of spearfishing elsewhere, but they are filled with some unbelievable events. I am a spearfisherman myself and this was my first Carlos Eyles book. I was hoping it would have some more technical information, but nonetheless I was very happy reading it. I am going to read more of his books in which I'm sure I will find more of this information along with more exciting stories. Spearfisherman or not, if you are in love with the sea like I am and appreciate all it has to offer the mind, body and soul, you will also appreciate this book. Carlos is a man of the sea and he will make you want to experience it for yourself.

I spent a summer as a kid freediving and spearfishing in La Jolla, Calif.. This book took me back to that time and documents a history of spearfishing that goes all the way back to its birth here in the US. A really great read. I was sad when it was over. Wonderful first hand accounts of the men who went deep and who are still discovering the biggest and last frontier on our planet.

I love this book. It puts me in the water on those sad days when I can't get out. I recomend this for anyway that enjoys spearfishing, freediving, or the ocean.

I love this book. It puts me in the water on those sad days when I can't get out. I recomend this for anyway that enjoys spearfishing, freediving, or the ocean.

I read the book about 7 years ago when I had been spearfishing and lobster diving periodically. In the last few years I have gained close to an obsession for freediving/spearfishing/lobster diving (part of it grown out of frustration of small, over-crowded surf). I recently re-read the book and had a greater appreciation for it and even though familiar with it, still could not put it down. Mr. Eyles writing style gives more of a spiritual, soul-fulfilling description of the sport and the ocean in general. I am not some new-age hippie tree-hugger, but in reading the book, you do gain a greater appreciation, as well as sadness, for the ocean. The history he covers of the sport and his vivid descriptions of what the "fathers" first saw "under the waves" left detailed pictures in my mind. The historical photos in the book would be mind-boggling for those with experience in spearfishing. I dive most of the areas in the book and can only imagine what it must have been like a few decades ago, hence the sadness I referred to earlier in my review.

Anyone into fishing, spearfishing or any ocean sport should probably own this book. This book could even be appreciated by the non-participant of these interests, it is that well written.

Carlos Eyles gives a first hand account of the people in Southern California who made spearfishing into what it is today. Eyles' love of the water comes through in his writing, making "The Last of the Blue Water Hunters" an enjoyable read for all. The photographs displayed in the plates are stunning black and whites that show some of the monstrous fish that these men pulled from the water in the fifties, sixties, and seventies.
Although I recommend this book for everyone, I emphasize that this is a book that will teach you the spirit of what free-diving and spear-fishing is about, and NOT an instruction manual for beginners on how to spear-fish. However, if you are like me, then you should buy a guide to spearfishing with this book, because after reading it, you will want to jump in the water, spear in hand, ready to live the dream that Carlos Eyles describes in masterful detail.

I bought this book about 14 years ago when I first started freediving and hunting white seabass in southen California. I have to tell you, no one could possibly have captured the essence of hunting the way Carlos Eyles did in this book. In my eyes, it's perfection. The skill with which he paints the picture of what freediving is all about is so exact to the experience, I can't imagine it could be done better. I also appreciate his conservative mindset and respect for his prey. None of that mindless chestpounding that comes from inexperience and ingratitude. A real story about real hunting. Get it, you will love it. if you are already a hunter of white seabass, you will love it that much more.