LBS in October

[chuck41]

I am planning to come down for a couple weeks in October. Would it be a good idea to bring my speargun along or is season closed at that time. I will be spending one week in Panama City and then a couple weeks in the Ft Lauderdale area. Looking forward to some beach diving at LBS, or nearby sites.

 

[Marvel]

I don't spearfish, although many do, so i am not the person to answer. Do be sure to let us know the details of your visit before you come so that we can get a dive or two together!

 

[MikeJacobs]

SNIP... Would it be a good idea to bring my speargun along or is season closed at that time... SNIP

No season as far as I know but this is my first year spear fishing on our reef.

The problem with spearing is that you really need to get OUT to the drop-off (mooring bouys) to find much. You may find a keeper-size hog in the sand between the reef lines, but they're very rare and, besides, we generally consider them pets if they're this side of the mooring bouys... kinda like shooting bambi off your doorstep.

It's a 1,500 yard swim out to the mooring bouys, and even Jenny only has a few minutes of air to spare once there before heading in under optimal conditions (no surge or current to fight). It's no fun really to come back on the surface... I've tried it!

Though we have a good number of snapper out there at he mooring bouys, the REAL prize is grouper... but a grouper has to be 20" plus depending on the species, and they all look alike at first. That's a BIG fish with a lot of BLOOD to be dragging around when you're that far out. Also, you don't want to spear the wrong species because they do check divers AND it's a huge fine. Forget about spearking anything like snook, though you'll see plenty out there - no game fish allowed.

So, bring your gun? Nah, not unless you're going to go with a boat. We can hook you up with somebody who knows that drill, if you wish.

 

[chuck41]

Many thanks. I will certainly let you know my plans when they become a little more solid.

Right now we expect to arrive in the area somewhere between Oct 10th and 13th and probably be there 10 days or a couple weeks, depending on how quickly the wife gets bored. (Or how quickly we get tired of the local buffet places. )

We are staying the first week of Oct in Panama City at the CSS base there. I should be able to make a couple spearfishing dives there. Then planning to maybe stop for a couple days in St Augustine just to stroll the boardwalk before proceeding on south.

Looking forward to seeing you. I'll probably take you up on that pointing me to a boat for the spearfishing experience. Just in case, I'll get me a 20' stringer so if anything wants my fish more than me, they will be welcome to them.

 

[zuzanne]

Pavan the owner of Dixie Divers in Deerfield Beach is into spearfishing and sets up trips for himself and others that are interested. You might contact him and see if he can put one together during your timeframe. He uses Dixie Diver's boat the Lady Go Diver and also has full line of spearfishing gear in the store.
www.dixiediver.com or 954-420-0009

Hope this helps some.

Zuzanne

 

[chuck41]

Many thanks Zuzanne. I will check with them and plan to do some beach diving as well with all the usual suspects at LBTS. Can't wait!!!