I don't claim to be an expert on the lake........yet. I'm not even sure exactly where the campsites are that you have, I would have to do some research just to find you guys.
However I did visit the Thomas Patrick, a small 25-30' wooden cabin cruiser type boat that has obviously been sunk just to have something for diver's to look at. It is in about 28-30' of water and very close to a platform that is in about 22-25' of water. The surface swim is 300 yards perhaps or it is easy enough to follow the rock ledge all the way under water. All accessible from the winter boat ramp.
The thermocline is around 23'. The temps when I was there last weekend were around 52-54 degrees at depth and about 66 degrees on the surface. My deepest dive was 86'. Of course the temps. will be a lot better by June 4. The vis was 10' - 20' and about the same on our night dive.
I have been to Sarge's though so I know where they are. However I have not been to Long Point yet but I have heard that that is where most of the divers go. One of the guys I was with told me where there are other platforms and I know how to get there but again I have not yet dived the site.
I know there is at least one other wreck in the lake and I think I know about where it is but I am not sure exactly where or what type wreck it is.
I will try to do some planning to be there and meet some of you all. I have a commitment on Sunday but I was hoping to come out early Saturday for two or three dives. I would like to bring a newer diver with me but will have to check Sarge's for some rental prices for him and I will ask some of my other dive buddies (with a little more experience) if they would be able to make it. I will keep you all posted.
I have done some wreck dives off Wilmington with Aquatic Safaries.........are you N.C. wreck divers familiar with them? Anyway those dives where a lot of fun.
So anyway, I have at least some knowledge of the lake that I would be more than happy to share with you folks, and I want to eventually explore all of the best spots of the lake anyway. So if I can swing it I will plan to come down on Saturday and meet you all.
pairizarry:
Sorry WVDiver I was talking to you. We currently have 10 divers going and the more the merrier, especially if you have dived the lake. We had planned to rent a pontoon boat but it was found only 6 divers per boat were allowed. We will probably be doing an AM charter with Sarge's, a slight possibility of a PM one as well. There are talks of shore dives as well and maybe a night dive. Most people will arrive by late Friday afternoon and will be there until early Sunday afternoon. They are getting a camping area to try and be together. There are talks of a cookout on Sat evening. There are a couple of divers from the WV area that have dived in the lake recently, so will use their knowledge to choose good locations.
Hope to see you there.
Pedro
