Posts by John Hanson

  • Trip video Dauphin Island

    Looks like it was a fun few days in the Gulf! I like the Crevalles myself. I opt for the smaller ones (5-10lbs) for sashime. Bonitas are also quite nice but only certain areas of the fish are pallatable; the top shoulder area.

  • California Freediver encounter with GWS

    Great story. I have always referred to the ocean as my "church" simply because of the high number of spiritual experiences I have had while in it.


    Judah, not to put words in your mouth, but what I am interpreting from your post is that emotion relates to intelligence, or vice versa.


    I understand what you are trying to say but I don't think that a lack of emotion implies a lack of intelligence. That being said, I think the most frightening aspect of creatures such as reptiles and fish is that there is certainly a high degree of intelligence with a very distinct lack of emotion. THAT is what I find so frightening about these kind of encounters.


    Just some food for thought.:toast:

  • First Fish

    Thanks for the kind words all. :toast:
    My wife is definitely hooked. She can't wait to get her first cobia.


    Dan, the suit fit well with the exception of the shoulder and arms. It was baggy in that area, but the suit sealed well at the wrists and ankles. The hood was a little large but her long hair filled most of it out. The face seal would be better if it were a bit smaller. The length was good all around. She was very pleased with the color. It was a surprise for her:)

  • First Fish

    Its been quite some time since I've been able to post any reports due to an extremely demanding work schedule and home life. Sadly, there has not been a lot of time in my life for diving.


    I got a call earlier this week from my regular dive buddy, who happens to be working out of state, as am I; that he would be home this weekend and wanted to go diving. My wife, who has just recently been introduced to spearfishing was going out for her first full-fledged spearfishing trip where the intent was to get her on some fish.


    I bought her the basics some time ago; mask, fins and snorkel. I recently picked up the new Speardiver suit for her. She has missed out on some trips because of the lack of a suit that was appropriate for the water temps which have been in the high 60s.


    We didn't have a lot of time to make a long offshore run, so we stuck to the closer rigs. The water was really dirty. We had about 3-5' of viz. A little tough to shoot fish in, especially with a 120cm gun. I made due with the conditions and promptly loaded the boat with some pretty healthy Sheephead. We had quite a few in the 5-8lb range.


    My wife, who has only made one dive with us, thus far, finally got her chance to get back in the water. She has been itching to get back in and get a fish. The last trip she went on, she managed to shoot a fish, but lost it to Davey Jones, and probably at least 1 or 2 sharks out the 40-50 that were under the boat that day^^


    We stuck to the surface. We got up in a corner of the rig and I told her to just hold out the gun and wait for the fish to swim in front of the gun. She could barely see the tip of the shaft. Several really nice fish swam right in the front of the gun but she never saw them. After about 15 minutes of this a really nice one came in. I started yelling "shoot! Shoot!" through my snorkel. It was pretty comical. I saw the fish turn and go down and I am thinking that she missed another opportunity. But she pulled the trigger and I see the shafte go down. I'm thinking there is no way she hit that fish and then the line shooting line goes tight and starts veering off to the left. Fish on!


    We get the line pulled back in and to her delight, there was not one, but two nice Sheephead on the shaft! A double on the third time she's ever pulled the trigger on a gun8)

  • RIP Gil Gacula

    Farewell my friend:( You will be missed.
    The world has lost lost a truly humble man; dedicated to his family and his work.


    A true craftsman and a true human being. May he rest in peace.

  • Hi from Pensacola Fl

    Welcome Nick.


    I dive mostly out of Gautier, MS. We usually have a spot available if you ever want to make the drive. I'm out of state for the time being, but hit me up in the future if you want to dive.

  • RIP Rick

    Haven't been on here in a while and this is the first thing I see after logging in:( My condolences to the family, friends and dive buddies.


    I met Rick (and Lyle) a few years back at the PFI course. Great guys. A pleasure to be in their company. I ran into Rick a few more times afterwards and it was always while diving at Catalina. He always had a smile and a great positive outlook.


    Rest in peace brother

  • Penetrator Fins

    First time I have even heard of them.


    I will say that I have some experience with other blades that have 25 degrees of angle in them and I don't care for them. I prefer 20 degrees of angle. I also don't care for the bend that I see in the pictures when flexed. But that's more of a personal preference thing based on kick style. Everything I see from the photos indicates that these blades are great for pure freediving, but lack the proper design aspects for spearfishing, especially when it comes to fighting larger fish. They look like they would be best suited for diving deep reefs while hunting smaller fish.


    I'm sure Dan will chime in soon on the water channeling rails.


    AUD$290= US$266

  • Off the grid

    The biggest reason I looked into it was wanting to be able to grow produce year round. Subsequent reasons were being able to grow indoors to protect crops from the abundant wildlife I have around my house, from insects to 4 legged critters including our own pets as well as the neighbors. We had more problems with our neighbors dogs in our outdoor ground garden, then we did anything else.:rolleyes:


    I have an 18'x26' metal building erected on a concrete slab where I plan to "set-up shop".

  • Off the grid

    Just wanted to post a bit of an update on the aquaponics info I received and the research I have been doing


    Very good information! Everything is covered. From building the unit, where to get the supplies at the best prices or even fabricate your own. Best fish for your tank by area and climate, beneficial bacteria, fetilizers, PH, ammonia nitrites, nitrates, grow media, plants, etc.


    A 275 gallon tank and necessary materials can be converted into a fully operational system with fish and plants for about $350 per unit. You can spend less if you keep your system smaller and fabricate your tanks from cheaper materials. A single unit can be put together in a few hours if you have all the materials and are at least familiar with a few simple tools.


    Of course you can also spend a lot more. I have sourced all my materials and will begin this project later this year when I'm home for a while.


    I looked for the happy medium of not spending too much, outright, but also not having to upgrade anything later.


    One side note; do not expect to put fish in your tanks right away. It takes at least 6 weeks to get the water conditions properly adjusted.


    Well worth the $37:)

  • Off the grid

    Just thought I would share this website for those of you interested in Aquaponics. Hank mentioned it in an earlier post.


    Backyardliberty.com


    Aquaponics is a system that allows one to grow produce and fish utilizing one system that has relatively little maintenance and cost for the DIY enthusiast. I purchased all the plans and related resources for $37.


    I am not making any claims about the finished product or results as I have yet to implement any of the information furnished. I will say I received all the information as advertised and what information I have read through, seems to be on the level, very detailed, easy to understand and follow.


    Yes, the video is a bit of hype used to sell you the product, but if you can stand the few minutes going through the poor quality narrative, the purchased information on the system is extremely well presented.

  • Off the grid

    Quote from tufual

    Hey John found this product online taught you would like it


    Off the Grid: Step Charged Laptop - YouTube


    Pretty cool. Those are the kind of things I am looking for. Funny thing though...I read through the comments below the video and it seems the product has all but disappeared?( Either it was a complete piece of crap ( I would have liked to have actually seen it power the lap-top up) or somebody had too much too lose and bought the patent;)