Fall is the best time of year to be underwater in South Florida, and this week the ocean is cooperating.

CONDITIONS: seas are laying down and visibility on the wrecks has been running 40-60 feet. Water is holding at 84 degrees. With Fay spinning down far out in the Atlantic, the forecast stays quiet through the week.

LOBSTER: regular season is open (August 6 through March 31), and the bugs are still on the move after the September full moon. The shallow patch reefs in 15-25 feet have been producing. Remember your measuring gauge - carapace over 3 inches - and your saltwater license with a lobster stamp.

SPEARFISHING: the wrecks in 60-90 feet are holding mutton snapper, red grouper, and hogfish. I got out on one of my favorite wrecks recently and the fish were cooperative. Amberjack are showing up as the water starts to cool.

If you have never dove our local wrecks, fall is when to start. Flat seas, warm water, and far fewer boats than summer.

Tight lines and clear water,

Richard

Sources: FWC (lobster season and regulations), National Hurricane Center.