This paper is based on a questionnaire which was answered by the fishery departments of each of the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. There was an increase in the number of states that permit general underwater spearfishing; from 42 percent in 1957 to 73 percent in 1960. Over 30 species classified as rough fish could be speared legally in states that allowed spearfishing in 1960. Limits were liberal, the spearfishing season was generally unrestricted, and only three states required spearfishermen to have special licenses. Fourteen states had various kinds of restrictions on the types of impaling devices used by spearfishermen; i.e., explosive guns, spring- and rubber-operated guns, or hand-held spears. Eleven states indicated that illegal activities by divers were or threatened to become law enforcement problems.