Maine Scallop Diving

[mark_the_singer]

Is there anyone out there who would be interested in getting a charter together to go scalloping in Eastern mid-coast/downeast Maine? I also know where there is a scallop bed within shore diving limits. Let me know.

 

[vaq]

Might be a bit of a haul for you, but Cape Ann Divers has a scallop dive scheduled for next Saturday.

 

[reefseal]

I've been told there are scallops to be found in the Piscataqua river. Technically, you could do from shore but you'll use up your air dragging them back unless used a lift bag or had a small skiff or float to transport them back on surface. If you dive and surface on NH side, no permit is needed. If you dive from ME side and surface on ME side, you'll need a permit. Diving the Piscataqua is challenging because of the currents so you would have to dive during slack. Portsmouth Scuba website has a channel map and they mark the locations where scallop beds are. I have been thinking about doing a scallop shore dive off New Castle Island Common. I just haven't had the opportunity to check out yet.. A couple years ago, I did find a captain to do a scallop dive on Piscataqua. It was fun. I did oK but not as good as I do when dive off Salem sound with Cape Ann Charters (Fran Marceaux's boat) The guy in NH can be found at Northeast Charter Boat Company Maine New Hampshire

 

[mark_the_singer]

I'm not feeling like driving all the way to the Piscataqua for good scallop diving. We've got good scalloping in the Penobscot Bay. I've been off of Rockland, ME and it was great. I'm thinking of heading over to the St. Croix and finding out what it's like off of Eastport or Robbinston. You only dive slack there.

 

[poe67]

I'd imagine that Eastport would be good. When we dove there in September there were lots of Scallops. Our dive boat the M/V Seal ran hard aground and is a total loss. You can see the article at www.underwatersuperhero.com . Our only option in the Bar Harbor area is to shore dive now.

 

[reefseal]

I'd imagine that Eastport would be good. When we dove there in September there were lots of Scallops. Our dive boat the M/V Seal ran hard aground and is a total loss. You can see the article at www.underwatersuperhero.com . Our only option in the Bar Harbor area is to shore dive now.

That's a shame. He really ran a great operation! His dive in theatre was cool for the kids when we visited. So sorry to hear he ran aground.

 

[dave4868]

I'd imagine that Eastport would be good. When we dove there in September there were lots of Scallops. Our dive boat the M/V Seal ran hard aground and is a total loss. You can see the article at www.underwatersuperhero.com . Our only option in the Bar Harbor area is to shore dive now.

Before people think the Captain of the M/V Seal ran it "hard ground", it should be noted a storm tore the boat free of its mooring and pushed it onto shore where it broke up.

Hope he gets back into business soon! I would have enjoyed diving off that boat, I think!

Dave C

 

[poe67]

Always was a great time to dive off of the Seal. We are going to be holding a fundraiser in January to raise funds for a new boat.

 

[mark_the_singer]

Please let us all know how we can help. The students at the school I teach at loved the dive-in theater. We'll make it a point to help them get their business going again.

 

[petrieps]

Portsmouth Scuba website has a channel map and they mark the locations where scallop beds are. I have been thinking about doing a scallop shore dive off New Castle Island Common. I just haven't had the opportunity to check out yet..

Hey Reefseal. I know this is an old thread but I was curious. Did you ever try a shore dive for scallops off New Castle Island?