Hello from Maryland - seeking shore-accessible East Coast spearfishing locations b/w DE-SC.

[John Christovassilis]

I've been a recreational spearo all of my life, mainly spearfishing in Syros, Greece and Boca Raton, Florida. (I'm also PADI OW/AOW/Nitrox certified.)

I'd like to take my 16-year-old son (who also spearfishes), and my 3 younger kids (ages 10, 9, 9) who swim like fish, somewhere within a <7 hour drive of the Washington, D.C. area, where we can swim, spearfish, and enjoy the ocean, sometime in June, July (preferably), or August.

Any suggestions? We don't want to go as far south as Georgia or Florida, or anywhere north of Delaware. Unfortunately I don't know anything about spearfishing in DE, MD, VA, NC, or SC, which is why I'm here.

We have a car and equipment, and we'd ideally just like to find a nice beach (rocky or sandy, we don't care) or pier that we can poke around and catch lunch or dinner. Maybe spend a week there if it's nice, or a few days and then move to and stay in another location. We're not too fussed, as long as it's not too crowded.

Many thanks in advance, and feel free to ask me any questions!

 

[kellenlp]

Hi John,
I'm in a similar situation having just moved out to Washington DC from California where I used to dive the north coast. I was in Cape Henlopen, DE a few weeks ago and wasn't able to get in the water, but there looks like there might be an opportunity to spear off the breakwater out there. You could conceivably rent a couple of kayaks next to the bait shop out there and paddle out to the breakwater.

With that said, I'm going down to North Carolina this next week to try my luck shore diving near Wilmington. I'm trying to get my significant other into it so I'll be looking for piers and such that I think may suit your younger ones as well. I'd be happy to report back what I find out.

Best,
Kellen

 

[J Campbell]

Hi John,
Unfortunately freediving/spearing sucks in the "blackwater" of the midatlantic area.
There are a few who go offshore of ocean city to spear. And by the the bridge/tunnel on Virginia's eastern shore. Also there are quarries good for diving - Dutch Springs near Allentown, Pa. No spearing allowed in quarries. Also Juturna Springs here in Md is opening soon, going through permitting now. And I myself am always looking for pool practice buddies here in Annapolis - let me know if you ever want to do that.