Entering the water in the fall is easy and fast ... not many folks fishing off the dock. I suggest you wade to the dock in the water and then submerge when you get there. Beginner divers need to especially exercise caution because you really need to be on top of the time and conditions around you. When the slack is over, the current comes on fast and strong and gets to be a bit of a tough swim (from experience). Otherwise, it's scenic with lots of animal life and rather enjoyable. I went in after a storm and vis was about 10 feet. I'm told most of the time vis is about 30+ feet, enough to see the next bridge post under water. Its a popular spot but you need a parking permit.