Goliath grouper underwater video

[foxtrotuniform]

We spotted these guys after dropping a GoPro at OAR Wakulla and a couple other local reefs. Haven't managed to get one alongside the boat yet (though they've taken more jigs and rigs than I care to admit!)

Now I've got a dedicated rod spooled with 170# mono for the next time we come across them. Its just a matter of time...

https://vimeo.com/75301117

[Harmsway]

Wow, FU, that's cool. Good thing the GoPro doesn't look like a fish.

[woopty]

Too cool!
Gotta git me a gopro.

[big bend gyrene]

Foxtrotuniform, VERY curious if by saying you dropped them you mean you swam them down OR dropped them manually while still in the boat using line/some rig. Have a few cameras but am not dive certified so have contemplated sending some down by wire/some rig. That's why I ask. Love the footage.

[foxtrotuniform]

Foxtrotuniform, VERY curious if by saying you dropped them you mean you swam them down OR dropped them manually while still in the boat using line/some rig.:

I shot most of it with this rig:


It's PVC attached to a 4lb lead weight. The tail is a piece of aluminum channel and a small piece of aluminum sheet metal. If you make one, skip the metal loop up top, and just drill two holes in the PVC and thread the rope through that. I usually send it down on the downrigger cable or on a spool of 500 lb parachute cord.

I have another rig i made by attaching that PVC housing to the top of an old snare drum stand (heavy). It's nice for rough days, since you can just sit the whole contraption on the bottom and smooth out all the up and down. You can also pull it a crank or two off the bottom and it will keep the camera from spinning like crazy. Here's another vid from OAR Wakulla with the tripod hanging from the downrigger cable: http://youtu.be/kBDY01v9Zz0

Careful with a tripod though. It's reeeeally prone to snagging if you let it drag around on the bottom.

[big bend gyrene]

AWESOME! EXTREMELY thankful for the scoop, Foxtrotuniform!

Getting old enough I don't wish time to pass much faster but already looking forward to 2014's fishing season. Used my cameras on board a bit this year but stayed so focused on the action from above I didn't get any underwater footage. That WON'T happen again next year!

[generalee]

Awesome videos. Thanks for sharing them.