[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ay marks the return of great diving conditions to the Treasure Coast as water temperatures rise and the seas lay down. Hunters know grouper season opens this month too. May is also a good time to prep equipment for the upcoming summer dive season.
As summer approaches, winds should become more favorable for divers to make trips offshore. In addition, water temperatures are usually on the rise too with temperatures in the upper 70 to near 80 reported in years past. Calm seas also allow many of the shallow reefs along local beaches to experience clear water once again. Provided large swells keep their distance, beach dive sites such as Bryn Mawr Beach, the Georges Valentine wreck and Bathtub Beach make for great snorkeling, freediving and scuba diving.
Spearfishermern know grouper season has been closed since the first of the year and May 1st is opening day. Considered by some to be a yearly tradition, many divers organize special trips to take advantage of the start of the season and bag a big one. Protected for the annual spawning season, sites usually picked over later in the year can hold some big fish come May 1st. A common hunting strategy for scuba divers involves hanging 20 feet above the bottom, allowing for a wide view of the reef below. Once spotted, be prepared with a flashlight to follow grouper who duck into dark ledges in an attempt to evade capture.
With the summer dive season right around the corner, May is a great time of year to go through dive gear and make sure everything is working properly. Prior to planning a trip, equipment in storage should be tested for function to ensure a safe dive; any safety concern should be dealt with before heading offshore. Review tank inspection stickers and check hydro dates to ensure both are current, this will help avoid any surprises when having tanks refilled at the dive shop.
