Scuba diving with a new open-water student adds a fresh perspective for me. Even the tiny creatures such as an arrowhead crab or a Christmas tree worm elicit wonder.
On a recent dive, the Tramp Steamer wreck and a nearby ledge provided a view of two huge Goliath grouper, a small loggerhead turtle and a 5-foot nurse shark, all fascinating sights for a novice on her check-out dives.
Visibility seems to have dropped a bit to around 25 to 35 feet in mid depths, which is common as water temperatures reach the upper 70s on the bottom.
This is perfect visibility for spearfishermen, and they are having success with nice mangrove snapper in all depths. Hogfish up to 8 pounds have been speared in inshore waters.
Nice gag groupers are found in 80 feet or more, and in shallower water they have been mostly small fish.
- Chad Carney teaches scuba & spearfishing and runs charters out of St. Petersburg. Call 727 423-7775 or e-mail info@mobilescuba.com
