Last weekend was a little weird. Some of the gang reported rough conditions,
while others reported calm weather. I was down in South Florida working on
advanced certifications for a private group, while I would have rather been
home hunting. Below is a report from Tony who has become a master seahunter.
I still think I taught him too much! 

                                                                                        CAPT MOOSE

Dear MOOSE,

What a weekend!!!!!!!!

Sat. we watched the weather and decided to head south!! It was smooth as
glass.  On the way we found that barge wreck you told us about.  It was a
little
rough to explore, but a few jacks and ladyfish made the morning.

Group 1 made the first dive on that rock you told us about. It was huge with
tons of bait, and a few mangos.  We made our way offshore for the second
dive.  It was a large reef that was "empty" of life except for a couple of
lost bugs.

Our second dive was one of my favorites!  I knew just where
to go for the large bugs that frequent my favorite cave.  Of course, they
were
too far back to reach, but my efforts were rewarded with a 6lb male.=)  I
was happy to come away with a big bug to accompany the smaller ones I had
gathered earlier.  Thomas brought up an 8.5lb bug, overpowering my 5 minutes
of fame.

We headed inshore to try a new ledge.  Thomas brought up a couple more bugs
for the cooler. I found more sea bass than I could count.  Saw one of the
biggest sea turtles ever and he followed me for the rest of the dive!
Unfortunately, he was more
interested in the lobster than me. I also collected some flounder for
dinner. The wife said it was ok for you to come over for dinner, but she
knows how hard it is to get rid of you once we feed you.

Tony

Sunday.
We left the inlet with a new SEAHUNTER on the boat, Randy.
I was excited about the first dive. It's a spot we found before mini-season,
but this was the first time we had a chance to return. Randy and Thomas made
the first dive. They hit the bottom, and headed E. One set of the bubbles
stopped, and the other was moving away fast. I couldn't believe Thomas had
left Randy, and took off!! When the slow diver came up I was surprised to
see Thomas. He was telling stories of Huge grouper out of range, and
lobster everywhere. He had brought up 3 nice bugs on the first dive. Randy
popped up a 100 yards away with a smile we could see at night. He had caught
6 keeper bugs on his first dive!! I was happy to hear of 50'+ vis, and warm
water temp of 75.

I was anxious to get my chance. Group 2 dove the same jug, and headed W.
Grunts and monster sheep head greeted us quickly. I found a rock with
antennas and put a couple in the bag myself. I turned to get my gun, and saw
a big gag grouper watching me. The rest is a long story!!! I managed to
bring up 3 bugs, resulting in 12 on the boat after the first dive! WOW!
Thomas and Randy did the next dive on the East Ridge. They saw more eels
than they cared to talk about, but still put a couple of bugs in the boat.
Randy had some spear gun difficulties, but learned a lesson as he watched Thomas
bag a 9 lb bug!!!!!!!!! On my next dive I regained my confidence with the
spear gun. I also found a few bugs to go with my snapper.

Thomas, Randy and I made the last dive of the day. I was glad to hit the
bottom and even had a bug in the bag when Randy finally made it down. I
worked the ledge as Randy the rocket made his way down the ledge with his
superfins. I was happy to see that I still could find bugs with eggs.
"$#@&". I surfaced with pride and no trophies to match Thomas. He also
brought up a couple more with the beast along with stories of the one that
got away.

We managed to take home 21 bugs and experiences to last a lifetime. We were
glad you weren't
with us to steal our glory. Thank you for teaching us your lifestyle!!!!
Tony

Tony,

Go back to
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 I appreciate the reports. You know I had to teach class this weekend, but I
did some pleasure diving myself. It wasn't a trip for hunting, but every
hogfish that I saw kept me thinking about that big teak biller hanging on my
wall.

The Moose

PS- Is the dinner planned for Wednesday night?????? If so, I can pack a bag
and stay till Friday. HAHA