New Jersey Scuba Diving

Panther

Shipwreck Panther — This appears to be a lifeboat davit

Type:: shipwreck, tugboat, USA
Built:: 1870, USA
Specs:: ( 191 x 36 ft ) 712 tons, 20 crew, including barge crew
Sunk:: Wednesday August 24, 1893
foundered in storm - 17 casualties
Depth:: 55 ft

The Panther was a 110-foot ocean-going tug with barges in tow. She went down in a severe storm. She is loaded with anemone growth and provides a home for myriad forms of marine life. Fluke, tog, pollock, flounder, bergalls, porgy, sea bass, striped bass, and even cod have been seen and taken here in season. Along with these creatures, lobsters and other crustaceans find their homes in and around where the hull meets the sand. All in all, this is an excellent dive.

Shipwreck Panther — The steam engine

Shipwreck Panther

Shipwreck Panther New York Times

Dive Sites, Long Island East Dive Sites, New York Dive Sites, Tugboats,

Long Island East Dive Sites Chart

Long Island - East Chart

More: Long Island East Dive Sites Chart ...

Comments on Panther

Questions or Inquiries?

Just want to say Hello? Sign the .

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Spearfishing Techniques

General

blackfish

Most underwater hunting in New Jersey waters is done around some sort of structure. Surprise is often the key element to a successful hunt. "Get the drop" on a fish by rounding a corner or popping up over a wall while holding your breath. Don't use a light - this just spooks the fish. Instead, let your eyes adjust to the dark. This way you can see as well as they can, although they can still hear and feel you coming a mile away. Use your light only to peek into black holes, and keep one eye closed when you do, to avoid losing all dark adaptation.

Try to be the first person in the water. The fish will be in a relaxed and unworried state, and you will likely get the first one "for free". This is especially true if you are after trophy-sized Blackfish. Whether or not you score on your first shot, after that all the fish in the area will be spooked. This is because they produce "fear scents" - chemical excretions that warn other fish that there is danger. If you make a kill, you will put blood in the water, which is even worse. So make that first shot count. On the other hand, sometimes the scent of blood will bring in more fish, such as greedy Sea Bass, although more often just Cunners.

More: Spearfishing Techniques ...