Reefs near Destin?

[Hetland]

Don't trust the gps numbers in the book above. I've found them wrong in several instances. It's still a good book though. I would pick one up if I didn't have one.

 

[mike_s]

Don't trust the gps numbers in the book above. I've found them wrong in several instances. It's still a good book though. I would pick one up if I didn't have one.

normally I don't use the book for GPS numbers... as if I'm out, it's usually on a commercial charter that has the 'correct' numbers in their GPS.

But I've heard the same thing that it has some incorrect numbers. I imagine that a lot of them are old sets of numbers that were not as accurate or never verified, or converted from LORAN numbers.

I have had some instances in the keys where the numbers were wrong in that book. so I don't doubt they might have some wrong ones elsewhere.


If I was headed to a particular wreck, I'd check with some people with 'verified numbers' before heading out. (in your own boat).

 

[PatMyGreen]

Some of the wrecks have moved since they were deployed and verified. Hurricane Opal moved the 200' Black Bart 500 yards back in '95. Shifting sands definitely cover up low relief hardbottom reefs, although they are equally probable to uncover some as well... somewhere. Shifting sand is one of the reasons we try to leave some shovelnose lobster and red grouper on the sites when hunting, they are primary excavators and keep the reefs above the always encroaching sand.

Bottom line, nothing is for sure forever in the ocean. So have a plan B reef picked out.

 

[mike_s]

Hurricane Opal moved the 200' Black Bart 500 yards back in '95.

wow... interesting.... thanks for sharing that Pat... I never knew that.

pretty interesting that it moved an 185ft ship! (but then again a hurricane also flipped a 500' Spiegal Grove)

 

[Jetties]

Don't trust the gps numbers in the book above.

I'll take your word for that.

 

[Nemrod]

For what it is worth:

The Liberty Ship:

Anchor Rock:

Rocks covered with life:

Somebody lost a tank, I know where it is:

Lots of fish:

Tug Louise:

Octopus lives here:

Lot's of different things to dive and I know tons more but I ain't telling:

Side scan of Liberty Ship Hayward:

Tight lines:

N

 

[Puffer Fish]

Here is a short video of White Hill, which is pretty typical of the area:

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/data/500/MVI_2479.avi

If you look closely, at the end of the video, you can see the anchor in the distance, with a bunch of large amberjack hanging around.

There are a couple of areas now show on those maps...one we started diving on this fall that is about twice the height of White Hill.

There is a huge difference between diving out of Destin versus Panama City. Ledges with lots of coral and sponges covering them are the typical dive from Destin...

Wrecks and bridge spans are the typical Panama City dive.

 

[Puffer Fish]

Nemrod, thanks for posting those.

 

[Puffer Fish]

Also, I've heard that there is a reef in the Destin pass/jetties...is this true?

There are a lot more potential shore dives than just the Jetties in the area... and most of the tropicals can be caught in both shallow and deeper water. A lot depends on the time of year, the location and the conditions.