Diving on the Treasure Coast in November can be very exciting. Cooler water temperatures mark the return of large migrating fish species to area dive sites and spearfishermen should be ready. Staying prepared to take advantage of calm seas on short notice will allow divers to make trips offshore when the opportunity arises since sea conditions can be challenging this time of year. Even when it’s too rough to clear the inlets safely, savvy divers may still find places to get wet if they pay attention to the tide.
Diving is great in our area year-round. Unfortunately, strong winds associated with cold fronts could make area inlets challenging or even treacherous. Divers should keep tanks filled in advance, dive sites selected, and gear packed so when conditions cooperate on short notice they can take advantage. Many times, weather windows can be short, allowing for a quick morning trip while calm seas allow before the next front arrives.
Despite the potential for rough seas in November, the Treasure Coast is in luck. Below the surface, conditions are consistently favorable for diving due to the proximity of local waters to the Gulf Stream. A strong east wind may push this current closer to shore, resulting in good visibility even if seas are rough. Divers maybe surprised to find clear water just inside local inlets on the incoming tide. Places like the south side Boy Scout Island in Stuart or The Cove in Fort Pierce are protected from heavy surf and may be clear at high tide. Snorkeling is great in the mangroves and channel edges, provided divers pay attention to the tides and maintain an appropriate distance from dive flags (100 yards in open water, 100 feet in inland waterways)
As fall progresses and temperatures drop offshore, large fish should return to area waters. Spearfishermen will notice the return of large gag and black grouper to area reefs and wrecks when water temperature hits the mid to low 70s. Cooler water may slow fish making them easier to spear but the same affect has been noticed on divers too. Under prepared divers might consider adding the following equipment for cool-weather diving. Beneath the surface 5mm wetsuits, hooded vests and neoprene gloves help from becoming cold in the first place. On the surface, basics like dry clothes, a beanie hat and a knee-length dive parka (a “boat-coat”) help block the wind and warm chilled divers.
FORECAST BY: Steve Wood
Deep Six Watersports – Stuart
(772) 288-3999 Stuart
(772) 562-2883 Vero
Email: Steve.wood@deepsix.com
Website: www.deepsixintl.com
