USM Recorders FH-23, FH-7 & Neptune Spar on November 4, 2017© Photos Posted by Mark Miller © Hi-Res Source
This was a trip to retrieve 2 USM Data Loggers (FH-13 & FH-7) and then go on for some diving and fishing. I was still recovering from an October 6 dog bite on my ankle and was forbidden to dive so I brought along 3 divers, Bob the Pirate, Tommy TK, and Omar the Hammerhead. Walde the Viking came to help run the boat and do some fishing. The first stop was FH-13 and Bob retrieved the recorder without a hitch. Also said the visibilty was spectacular. We went on to FH-7 after this and it proved much more difficult. Visibility was very poor on the main structure and after 4 dive attempts, I decided to put a platic boot on my leg and retrieve the unit myself. Then our decision was to go southwest where we had good reports of tuna and cobia or go to the floaters at Neptune & Marlin for some clear water. TK had never been to the floaters and Omar's favorite of all dives is Neptune, the Beer Can Rig. So we went to Neptune where they found mostly Sharks. Marlin was on my list but there was a bunch of supply boat activity so I radio'd Marlin on channel 74 and found out that indeed they had diving operations going on and all vessels had to stay at least a half mile off the platform. So we headed back north where they dove on Spirit and bagged 3 Almaco Jacks. As we headed back in, I couldn't stand it so I dove on MP281 before running back home. While not a huge meat run success, it was a fun filled day with plenty of sunshine and warm water that encompassed 214 miles, 120 gallons of fuel, and 14 hours.
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