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St. Marks 07-09-2006

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 6:27 pm
by Tom Keels
What a beautiful day on the water. Me, pimpmassa and his wife hit the lighthouse for a day on the water. 63° at the ramp, water temp 72° in the lighthouse canal, 79 on the flats. Light east wind greeted us as we left the ramp about 7. Trout fished until the tide turned then went to one of my favorite fishing spots to see if we could freedive some fish. Found the spot in 8 feet and headed out. Didn't get more than 10 feet from the boat when I stuck my first sheepshead. Made 3 more trips back with sheeps. Managed to "accidently" shoot a 4 foot nurse shark in the head. He was in the same hole as I saw a grouper run into so when I looked in and saw a nose sticking out I pulled the trigger on what I thought was a grouper. It wasn't. Luckily the barbs didn't stick in and I was able to wrestle the spear out of his head as he thrashed around.

Traveled all around the rock and watched all the bait and small fish. Pimp and his wife picked up a few things for their fish tank.

Next stop was the St. Marks reef that neither of us had ever dove. Nice structure with the culverts. Loaded with more sheeps. I kept two. Pimp got a nice flounder. Pimp saw several borderline cobias swimming around. There are 40 bajillion spanish out there as well as several 100 pound stingrays. Got a sweet chumblock cage here that someone donated to the bottom.

Next stop is a secret. You can see the lighthouse and its about 16 feet deep. That's all you get. Huge structure, lots of life. Lots of sheeps. Got one, then found the grouper. Got one 24" and put a huge hole in a 30 incher that tore off my spear after a hellish battle. Played hide and seek with them for what seemed like forever. Vis was only about 8 feet here so they couldn't see you coming, but you couldn't see them until you both could see each other so I pulled the trigger a couple of times and came up empty. Oh well. Back on the trailer at 1:15. Nice easy day with a gallon of filets in the fridge. Not even hot today.

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 6:36 pm
by birddog
Awesome trip Tom. :thumbup:

Re: St. Marks 07-09-2006

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 7:50 pm
by tin can
Tom Keels wrote:Next stop is a secret. You can see the lighthouse and its about 16 feet deep. That's all you get.
That better be all you give. TMI will get you killed.

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 8:03 pm
by RodBow
sounds like somewhere I can get to in my little boat! Neat stuff :thumbup: :thumbup:

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:01 pm
by Mr Flats
RodBow wrote:sounds like somewhere I can get to in my little boat! Neat stuff :thumbup: :thumbup:
Exactly! :D

My boys are beginning to express an interest in trying to dive for fish. They are still too young to really do it but I would like to introduce them to it... So finding a few spots that are close in and not too deep would be great.

Tom - sounds like you had a great trip!

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:33 pm
by Chalk
Good day...it ain't no secret spot :lol: ....Highest bidder, anyone :wink: :lol:

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:37 pm
by birddog
I got $5. Do I hear $6. :lol:

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:38 pm
by Chalk
birddog wrote:I got $5. Do I hear $6. :lol:
That won't buy no power pole dhaddy

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:43 pm
by birddog
Your boat'll sink if you put anything else on it.

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:44 pm
by Frank Bradfield
Tom , your turning into the mighty freediver ! From now on I'll expect to see you with no tanks ! :-D

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:48 pm
by Chalk
birddog wrote:Your boat'll sink if you put anything else on it.
The jack plate isn't that heavy :-D
Frank Bradfield wrote:Tom , your turning into the mighty freediver ! From now on I'll expect to see you with no tanks ! :-D
I have been somewhat Offshore hunter inspired myself, a guy once told me spear fishing was like being on cocaine and not having enough money :o :lol:

Posted: July 9th, 2006, 9:52 pm
by birddog
Chalk wrote:I have been somewhat Offshore hunter inspired myself, a guy once told me spear fishing was like being on cocaine and not having enough money :o :lol:
:smt005

Posted: July 10th, 2006, 7:47 am
by catchin1
Sounds like a real sweet trip. :thumbup: