Posts by underway

The following describes an unscientific ,unproven and possibly unnecessary field test of sorts.
I have used c02 powered carter floats as part of a fish retrieval system many times. They have always inflate at depth.
I dive alone most of the time. On deeper dives I will often partially unbuckle my weight belt holding the tail in my hand as I ascend Just incase ! ( nothing new I think this is a common practice )
One day on the boat with bad vis and cold water I decided to put a carter float in the front of my wet suit ( Speardiver Sombra 5mm) The float was positioned vertically with the pull cord at the bottom.
I then tied a slack cord from my weight belt first to the pull cord on the float and then on to the lift point on the float.
At 35' in 40' of water I let the belt go. The bag instantly inflated and I was ascending with out trying.
10 or so feet from the surface the over pressure valve on the bag opened as it should. This unfortunately pumped c02 into my wet suit top and hood making it loose and allowing the bag to find its way partially out the hood of my suit.
The experiment was a partial success. I think that if the carter float bag was stitched or some other way attached to the suit and the over inflation valve had been vented out of the suit it would have worked better.
It would have been nice to come up with a break away for the belt so it was jettisoned after its drop pulled the cord on the bag.
The vis got better the bait came in and the water warmed up so I had no time to pursue a better version.

http://www.grindtv.com/nature/…-scientists-are-worried/:
I think this is the URL

Should we be concerned here on the west coast?
I could not get the link up
Check out " thousands of cobia escape Grindtv.com"

Monster
I think it is either a young gulfie or a monster Cabrilla. From the looks of it and assuming you got it In The Sea Of Cortez I think it is a young Pacific Gulf Grouper (Mycteroperca jordani). I have shot a couple smaller Gulfies that look the same. Look at the Gill plate if it comes to a dull point (see attachment) it is a gulfie How did it taste?

I won't be on the mainland this year but will be in Baja both Pacific and Cortez sides for 4 months starting in mid November. If you want to get out let me know. I am based out of the La Paz Area.

I agree with the bowline. I have used it on everything from 300# tuna line to spectra. Never had it fail. Just like the one in the diagram Dan.
I also use a Bowline for many different mountaineering applications. One down side is that when it is cycled loaded unloaded it can get loose. Some mountaineers use a "double bowline " which is a bowline but instead of the loop to start you use a clove hitch. The Hitch tightens down preventing the knot from loosening. The double bowline may be to bulky for shooting line connection.:thumbsup2:

Its good to hear you are seeing bait fish still. Earlier this year bait was pretty limited.
"I missed a perfect shot at what looked a lot like a WSB. "
Maybe good you didn't connect. The only thing Ive seen that far south that looks like a white sea bass is the Protected Totoaba. Could it have been a WSB that far south?::D:confused1:

"Shooting fish in a barrel" This kind of video reinforces the negative stereotype that a lot of the general public has about spearfishing. Not safe and not sporting in any way. :nono:

Quote from Don Paul

That's funny, I was going to post it was some sail boat guy, out looking for a bug to go with his wife;s white wine,but I remembered there was a couple sailors here.;)

Cheers, Don

Yeah there are a few of US here.:laughing:

Don Paul
I agree who ever left the tip in this fish had no Idea what they were getting into. It was probably some one off one of the sail or motor boats that periodically stop in the anchorage near this particular pargo hole.

It looks like 1/4 thread. So maybe a 5/16 shaft?

I have always thought Pargo were some of the most durable fish in the Cortez. Now I may have evidence.
Attached photos show Pargo I shot that had a broken single flopper tip buried just above its gill plate.
The tip is small maybe 2" , part of the shaft threads are still in place. The fish was totally healed up and healthy. Has anyone seen this kind of thing before?

Went looking for Wahoo near La Paz Yesterday.
Got two wahoo in 2 hours.
Visibility 60'plus. water temp 82 on the surface 72 at 40'.
Bait was ever where as well as some Galapagos sharks looking for an easy meal.
Attached are some screen grabs of the days video.

Monster check the PM sent if you want to get out before the storm hits.

It's simple Fish Your Limit not your buddies.

Here is a Gulf Grouper that may be a forum record.
Taken Nov. 2012 in the Sea of Cortez
5' 6" long
weight ? 160 -175 lbs is what the local Panga fishermen thought.

Beautiful fish. It looks exactly like the "Pargo" we get in Baja on the Pacific Side and Sea of Cortez. Are they the same fish?

I agree with Oscar. Cabo is not ideal for shooting fish and Keeping your Girl friend happy. La Paz on the other hand Is a great town with shopping,dining etc, for your girl friend and it is close to the outfitters you mentioned in the La Ventana area. I have been hunting in the La Paz area for years mostly off of my sailboat but have also had great luck hiring the local pangeros out of Bahia Muertos. Day trips to Ceralvo and the 88 spot if yellowfin are running are the best off shore bets.

RIP What a loss to his family and community.

Quote from Don Paul

What I want you guys to know is me and my clan (Neptunes and Fathomiers)
love Baja, the people, the life, all of it. When she gets a bad rap we feel sad. Some of my friends are buried there and our blood has been spilled on her roads and beaches.....for many she is home. I will never quit diving the places I love and many of my friends will be there with me.

Don

Don Paul- Thank you for posting Paul's story about the tragic accident and it's aftermath.
I have driven many thousands of miles in Baja, witnessed several accidents and taken note of the many road side memorials. The accidents I witnessed and the many roadside memorials always seemed a distant reminder of what "could"happen. The story told by Paul Romanowski is sobering. These are guys I can identify with that were as capable or more so than my self. I hope this story stays with me next time I drive south or in to any other remote area with challenging driving condition.

In nov. 1999 I kayaked into San Francisquito. On the wall of a small cantina were photo's of a guys in wet suits holding amazing fish that had been taken there. When I found out the fish had been speared I was in awe and inspired. Being naive and not understanding the skill required I spent the next 7 days trying to copy them with my 4' pole spear. I didn't even get close to anything like the photos I saw. I did however develop a love and appreciation of the process that has stayed with me. I don't knpw if any of the guys in the photos were part of Paul's crew during the accident. It seems possible. At the end of many blissed out days of diving I say a thank you to the guys in those photos for the inspiration they unknowingly gave me. Thanks again for the post.

I have had to store my wet suits for the "season" many times. All I have ever done is leave them submerged in fresh water for a few hours to absorb any salt etc. After that I hang them out of the sun for a really thorough dry. I have had the the inside of suits stick together before. For this reason I turn them inside out for long term storage. I don't know if the sticking together is a come problem or not.