Outdoors

Captain's Corner

The Gulf hit 80 degrees in 45 to 60 feet of water, which now has a greener tint.

By CHAD CARNEY
Published June 23, 2007

Summer is here: The Gulf hit 80 degrees in 45 to 60 feet of water, which now has a greener tint. Visibility was 20 to 25 feet Thursday as some students finished final certification dives on the Tug Orange and Betty Rose wrecks. Seeing a half dozen Goliath grouper up close is an unforgettable experience for a new diver. Norbert Gutzmore found free-shafting the fastest way to learn spearfishing, with good-sized mangrove snapper and hogfish as targets near the Tramp Steamer.

Spearfishing legends: Several legends will join host Sheri Daye on Friday and June 30 at the Blue Wild Spearfishing Seminar, Expo and Film Festival, being held at the IGFA Museum in Dania Beach. More than $30, 000 in prizes have been donated for a raffle to benefit the Boca Raton Society for the Disabled. Friday night the first Spearfishing Film Festival will feature action video and a 1950s film of Art Pinder. More than 200 divers are registered but more than 400 are expected, and tickets might sell out Friday. For more information see www.thebluewild.com.

Chad Carney teaches diving and spearfishing in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at (727) 423-7775 or visit his Web site at www.mobilescuba.com.

[Last modified June 23, 2007, 00:30:42]