Freedive Spots

[Dive Ranger]

Some of the members of the board have been nice enough to give a new FL resident a ride and a freedive lesson (gracias Cam and Blake), but they've got all the gear, know the right spots, and have the right ride.

What are some ideas for good freediving areas that don't require going way offshore? I'm in Orlando and travel a lot, so I'm interested in either coast. Additionally, I have a small boat (15' aluminum runabout--it's not a jon boat dammit!!) that might or might not help me get to some decent spots.

Is a bigger boat required to hit some fish?

If fish aren't a possibility, are there wreck or other cool stuff to see in accessible waters?

Thanks,
TH

[Straightup]

There is a web site that has all the numbers for the pinellas county artificials. There is plenty of spots from 100 yards off shore to 12 miles that you should be able to hit in your jon boat.

[Dive Ranger]

Hey, Straightup, thanks . . . do you know the address for that site?

BTW, like I said, it's not a jon boat. That's insulting.

[Marcus]

http://www.capmel.com/artificial_reefs.htm

Wait for the right day, calm winds for a few days and no water in the ditches for a while, you should be able to get to quite a few of the artificials in a jon boat. :p



Just ribbin' ya man, don't get insulted. :)

[Dive Ranger]

Nah, I'm kidding--not actually insulted. The boat is a 1958 Orlando Clipper 15' runabout. It has the same basic layout as one of the old Chris Craft wooden runabouts. It's powered by a 1955 Johnson 25 hp that runs like a champ.

[kmoose]

that O clipper is a great little boat. My dad raves about one he used in the 60s fishing inshore.

[Dive Ranger]

Yeah, Moose, I'm in Phoenix on bidniss, but I'll try to post some pics of it when I get back to town. It really is a cool little boat . . . plus, the price was right!