Hooked Up Designs Magazine December 2016 | Page 64

for a day of deep-water spearing. We
moored up on the stern, took our giant
stride and were pleasantly surprised at the lack of current
(the Duane and Bibb are known for strong currents). Because
of the lack of current, I decided to drop straight to the sand
and swim along the bottom to the wreck. On the swim up
to her I must have spooked 10 slob black grouper. We didn’t
shoot any slobs but did get a few decent blacks for dinner.
When I approached the wreck, a nurse shark shot out from
under the rudder area, and boy was I glad she did, because
what followed her was a beautiful 15-pound mutton snapper
swimming right toward me. The shaft landed perfectly and I
was back on the line heading up after only being down seven
minutes. Jimmy and Luiza were right behind me with some
nice hogs, blacks and yellowtail. The Duane produced once
again.
Another fantastic wreck to spear on is the Eagle. Roughly 4.5 miles offshore of Islamorada, the Eagle is not only a
sportsman’s dream wreck, it’s also an incredible spot for
divers in search of big ocean critters. This wreck is in my
backyard and I’ve logged hundreds of dives on her. She never
ceases to disappoint me. Intentionally sunk in 1985 as part of
the artificial reef program, she went down upright and intact.

64

HOOKED UP

DECEMBE

R 2016

But Mother Nature had other plans for this lady. In 1998,
hurricane George came by, picked her up, broke her in half,
and laid her back down on her side. This break created a
fish haven on the stern area aft of the break. I like to literally
stretch out on her hull and lay in-wait for my unsuspecting
quarry to swim by. Schools of amberjack, African pompano,
and yellowtail all use this wreck for feeding and socializing
with the goliaths, sharks, and rays. If you’re a diver that needs
to keep active, then drop to the sand at 110 feet and peek by
the rudder and under the break to find trophy black grouper.
Another sweet aspect of the Eagle wreck is that she isn’t alone
down there. Just southwest (and I mean just, like a pretty easy
swim if you know where to go) of the hull side of the Eagle
you’ll find the Alexander barge. And completely surrounding
the barge you’ll find a debris field from the old Snake Creek
Bridge. All of this artificial reef system in the middle of acres
of sand has created an insane spot for spearfishing.
If this excites your spearfishing palate, give us a ring at the
Islamorada Dive Center. We’ll guide your spearfishing group
on any of these incredible wrecks!
Islamorada Dive Center: 305-664-3483

hookedupdesigns.com