taking a hunters safety class has little to do with actual spearfishing, but will teach you about how to handle a weapon and about the ethics of hunting/spearfishing as the ethics are very similar. Other than that, like arch said, tag along with someone who does it (you need a buddy in the water anyhow). Also some spearo videos or books would be good too. Your LDS can order these from their suppliers like Trident or National Divers. Also know your regulations, in california we can't touch a salmon or trout with a spear, nor other gamefish but carp and other "rough" fish are open without limits. carp are a great target to start out on, they are large, can tow you around of you hit a large one but they stay shallow so you won't get drug to the bottom. I'm not familiar with the other fish in Ohio.