Inshore Barge/Tug ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

Inshore Barge/Tug

Type:: schooner barge & tugboat ?
Depth:: 85 ft

This is a fascinating big wreck of a wooden schooner barge. The broken stern is upended, forming a hollow pyramid that is full of fish. The sides and keel extend north from there to the bow, from which extends a chain which reaches to another much smaller wreck, which is known as the "Inshore Tug."

Whether this actually is the tug that was towing the barge, or just a coincidental sinking, is unknown. Using a chain for a tow line would be highly unusual. Perhaps the barge was anchored to ride out a storm, and the tug sank on top of its hook. It may not even be a tugboat - it might be named that simply because it is inshore of the Great Isaac.

Barnegat Dive Sites, Dive Sites, New Jersey Dive Sites, Schooner Barges,

Barnegat Dive Sites Chart

Barnegat Chart

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Great Isaac

Type:: shipwreck, tugboat, U.S. War Shipping Administration (Navy)
Name:: All the ships of this class were named for lighthouses in the U.S., except for the Great Isaac, which is in the Bahamas.
Built:: 1944, General Ship, Boston MA USA
Specs:: ( 185 x 37 ft ) 1117 gross tons, 27 crew
Sunk:: Wednesday April 16, 1947
collision with Norwegian freighter Bandeirante - no casualties
Depth:: 90 ft

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Offshore Tugboat

Type:: tugboat (?)
Depth:: 100 ft

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Spearfishing Techniques

General

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.

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