As the year winds down and 2016 approaches, many know this time of year is the last chance to land a grouper in the 2016 season on the east coast, since after the first of January, shallow water grouper season will be closed until May. The good news is dive conditions are usually pretty easy to predict and opportunities to sneak out local inlets can be timed to line up with passing cold fronts rolling through the area. Divers can expect good visibility provided rainfall is low and big swells avoid the area throughout the month of December.
Passing weather systems may help divers make the most of the dwindling opportunity to catch a slob gag or black. Cold fronts are a part of life on the Treasure Coast this time of year and overcast days may be a blessing in disguise for the savvy hunter. Cloudy days mean less sunlight on the bottom, making it easier to sneak up on smart fish that would otherwise see a diver coming and take off. Less ambient light at depth may also confuse large fish into thinking darkness is approaching too. It has been noted that big hogfish come into shallow water to sleep and on overcast days they may be found in much shallower water than usual. After hitting the bottom, many times spearfishermen have only seconds to react before large fish swim off out of reach. Loading spearguns while descending may help divers capitalize on an early shot and increase the chances of landing a nice fish. Cooler water temps, especially below 72° may also drive grouper south into local water as they avoid cooler waters to the north and prepare to spawn. Look for fish to be on the move as water temps cool.
Visibility in December can be determined by paying attention to wind patterns, rainfall and passing low pressure systems. Historically, low rainfall typical of winter in south Florida means less water being discharged from local canals and drainage ditches and better visibility close to shore. Further out in deeper water, conditions remain nice provided large swells don’t churn the water column.
Diving the Treasure Coast in December can be very exciting since there are good chances of seeing large grouper roaming the reefs. Cloudy skies, cooler water temps and the last chance to bag the big one make each dive an adventure and smart divers can use these conditions to their advantage when searching for dinner.
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
