Jumbo Barge & FAD2 in FH-7 plus MP243 Cutoffs with Omar, David, and Pam - May 14, 2016© Photos Posted by Mark Miller © Hi-Res Source
This was initially a trip to FH-7 to do some reef surveys. Starting on the Jumbo Barge, the visibility was good in the mid-water but turned turbid around the structure. FAD2 was found on the bottom along the port side bow. The floatation assist PVC was floating but not enough to raise FAD2. Air was added to both the assist floatation PVC and FAD2. The FAD was resurrected and put back in service. Observations showed 3 lionfish as well as a healthy population of Amberjacks and Red Snapper. Because the visibility was poor on the structure, and the seas were laying down, we headed south to the MP243 cutoffs in search of fish. Upon arrival we hooked up on Amberjack and Cobia. Spearfishing provided a 75lbs AJ by Omar and a nice Cobia as well. I went down to shoot a Scamp and that I did. He got up in a pipe at 200 feet and I had to shoot down to get him out quickly. A huge Warsaw came around the end of the Pipe to see what was going on. Anyway, I was successful but had to come straight up and put in some deco time. The surface current was around 30-40 feet deep and it ended up carrying me somewhat away from the boat. I wasn't worried and just yelled for the boat to weigh anchor and come get me so I wouldn't have to fight the current. Well the anchor proved to be a challenge to my crew as they somehow managed to get it tangled in the prop and then decided to turn the whole thing loose. I am speculating the loop in the end of the line managed to find my transducer and rip it off the boat. After being picked up, I proceeded to recover my buoy and then the anchor, which I found draped over the cutoff. After that, we made a dive on MP244c a newer rig near MP265. It was a fun full day in the sun that encompassed 162 miles, 14 hours, and 83 gallons of fuel.
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