Freediving & Spearfishing in Sandestin, Florida

[FreediveQuebec]

Good afternoon folks.

I'm heading in Sandestin (Florida) from March 30 to April 7, 2006. I would love to go freediving and spearfishing in the area the first 4 days.

Do you know people, clubs, good spots, websites...

Thanks a lot,

[cdavis]

Try the jetties at Destin Pass. I don't think you can spearfish there, but it is a very nice dive near the top of the incoming tide. Figure slack current a couple of hours after high tide. Ask a dive shop for a closer estimate. If it hasn't been raining much, the water can be very clear, 30 ft plus. Be careful of the tide, it can suck you off the rocks if you are not watching.

Probably a little early, but schools of spanish mackerel may be passing just inside or outside of the bar, along the beach. Great shooting if you can get them to orient to some kind of structure. Recognize that sharks are following the mackerel. A night dive along the inside edge of the bar, just where the sand drops into deeper water may bring you some flounder. Again, finding some structure increases your chances. Serious spearing will require a boat and some local knowledge. Can't help you there.

Good luck

Connor

[FreediveQuebec]

Thanks for the info. I'm still unclear on the options for Destin...

1. Is this a nice spot or not...
2. Should I head somewhere else for a day or two (Close please)
3. Do we need any special permit to spearfish in this area

Thanks a lot,

[JJ Rousseau]

Hi David!

I don't know where "Sandestin" is in Florida. Is it East or West coast (or inland) ?

[FreediveQuebec]

Sandestin is in Destin actually, between Pensacola and Panama City.

[cdavis]

Destin is beautiful. Whether or not it rings your diving chimes is up to you.
Most jetties, piers, etc, are off limits to spearfishing in Florida. Check the local regs.
Other shore dives in the area: St Andrews park, its has a jetty at the mouth of Panama City's harbor. St Joe Bay, beautful, almost pristine, shallow, a kayak or other boat would be needed, spearfishing allowed, local knowledge a good idea at St Joe. Lots of good diving offshore all along the central Panhandle, reefs are deep, 50 to unlimited, requires a boat and local knowledge.

Connor

[David Biron]

David... You are coming at a good time... the spring Cobia run is in full swing the month of April ! The good news is that you don't necessarily have to be on structure (reef ) to find them. They are often seen close to shore following rays as the rays disturb the bottom and the cobia take feeding opportunities. Try fishing between the 1st and 2nd sandbars. Also keep in mind ... the first time I saw a Cobia it looked like a bull shark minus the dorsal fin. If there is any white under their chin.. it's a big Cobia. A kayak would help you in your pursuit.

The reefs in this area are usually artificial in nature and in 50 - 120ft . A boat is required to get to most because they are 5 - 10+ miles from shore. The water temp as of last week was 61F and it is getting warmer all the time. Should be around 70 by the time you arrive in April. A 2pc 3mm suit will be fine. Seeing that your from Canada... you may not even need a suit :-)
Is Rene Potvin a member of your club?

Last... A fishing license is required to spear in Florida. Any bait shop will sell them . They have a 3 day license for around $7 . You cannot shoot several species of fish including pompano, permit, red drum (redfish), snook .... Cobia limit 1 per person per day . Red Snapper will not open until 15 Apr.

It is also prohibited to fish withing 100yrd of a jettie, fishing peir . The good news.... Past hurricanes damaged several fishing peirs which will be fair game for diving this year.

[FreediveQuebec]

Thanks David.

I will be free to freedive and/or spearfish on the 9th of april, and the morning of the 10th. Anyone interested in joining?

Does anyone know who I should contact to get some more info on where to freedive/spearfish, is there any shop I could contact for a "sorkeling" trip... please advise, it seems quite complicated to find buddies in the area.

Ha, and YES, I do know Rene Potvin, we often spoke over the internet but never had a chance to actually meet him. He leaves about 1hr from my place , but we are likely to go spearfishing together this coming summer.

Regards,

David

[agbiv]

I'm heading to PCB June 16-19 '08! We've snorkeled the flat behind Shell Island & it's great. There's supposed to be a bunch of old lifeboats (GPS from Divespots.com) cabled together in the bay--couldn't find'em. Also a tar barge-couldn't find it. As akid we speared off of the island jetty. I know the park side is off limit to spearing but how about the island side???? Also recall the wreck of the tugboat Simpson as a good freediving site. It's on the Divespots.com as well. Any news on that wreck? It always had good grouper, occassional sheepshead, octopii & cobia, mackeral, amberjack cruised through. Let me know.