Cape Coral Visit

[Jep]

Hi Guys - I'm lucky enough to be visiting Cape Coral Fla in a few weeks time and got myself (and family, of course...) an 18' boat for a week woo hoo! - well it is my 40th and I'm worth it apparently...

Does anyone have any tips on spearing over there? Are Sannibel/Captiva areas any good for a shallow coldwater newbie from the Uk? I don't know if its a good idea with the hassle of packing and taking my gun over or buying a pole spear whilst there perhaps?

I need to treat myself to some gear, fins and mask whilst over there. I've been in Divers Direct in Orlando but is there anywhere else that could be recommended?

Any hints are greatly appreciated. Cheers.

[cdavis]

Hi Jep,

I live just up the road from CC. Welcome to Florida. This area is all scuba, most divers never heard of freediving. The shops usually carry cressi gara 2000 and 3000, but little esle in freediving gear.

Its a beautiful area, Cayo Costa island is wonderful. The scuba spearing is pretty good offshore, but you will need an knowledgeable guide. The vis is pretty poor, less than 10 ft inshore and 20-30 offshore unless you are very lucky or go many miles off. Makes it hard to do much freediving. One exception, the old phosphate docks at the south end of Boca Grande. You can walk to them, its deep and vis is doable at high tide. You might get lucky and have 20 ft. A pole spear would be a good weapon there. For scuba, offshore, a gun is much better. You would probably see some big jewfish on the docks, as in 150 kg. They are protected and can get overly friendly any time, even intimidating if you have fish on you.
If you like warm(30c), dark, poor vis, super deep straight down, Warm Mineral Springs, 20 minutes north of CC, allows freediving (they don't know how deep we go). It is pretty neat, but also spooky and a little dangerous if you are not cautious. PM me for more info if you are going there.

Connor

[Jep]

Thanks for the info Connor.

Do you need a license to spearfish over there? If so where can I pick one up? As far as protected species go....is there some form of ID chart available anywhere?

Cheers

Mike