Shore Freediving Close to Orlando

[bradleb]

I’m new to the board and wanted to get some thoughts on shore diving. I live in Orlando and often enjoy going to West Palm for scuba and spearing. If I don’t have the time for a 2hr trip and want to take advantage of some free diving, where is the closest place to go have a good experience? I’m just looking to put something on the grill nothing huge and am an amateur as far as depth and breath hold time. Any thoughts would be appreciated!! Thanks!! BB

[maddog]

Unless you are going to try bridges in the ICW, shore dives start in Melbourn and south.
Wabasso south of SI is a good starting point.

[Wooley]

Basically anywhere in Indian River County is a good start.

[123Draw]

Vero Beach is about the closest to Orlando with much to talk about, there south to Ft. Pierce. Try calling Deep Six dive shop in Vero they can offer good information and the occasional clear water report

[Fear No Fish]

If your looking for something easy and simple you can always hit up the local marinea's and docks in the river. Viz usualy sucks but you can get close to sheephead and mangroves if your slow and cautious. I once shot a 9lb sheephead in about 3ft of water, while spearing some rundown docks.

[bradleb]

Thanks for the advise guys!!!!

[Dirty Water]

Some quality fish come from the Vero area (Pepper Park). Just a little north of Vero is the Disney Resort (on the beach) it has 3 reefs and many people dive them from shore. Some of the biggest lobsters on the coast come from 8 feet of water in that area. Last weekend a very nice Hogfish was taken there.