Need a diver for Sat 9/27

[LSUBigL]

LA divers,

I'm heading out tomorrow with my 3 brothers and one friend, and we'd like one more guy to go with us. We're taking two bay boats out of SE pass to the 12 mile rigs, probably 3 tanks a person.

The plan is to leave BR at 4:30 am and head down to New Orleans, rendezvous with a buddy, and head down to the boat shed in Buras.

If you're interested in going and don't mind splitting the costs (gas, ice, air), then let me know.

I can be reached at 713-444-5518. I won't be checking this thread so you'll have to call me.

Lyon

[LSUBigL]

Went diving Saturday with 3 brothers and 2 friends. We were in two bay boats, so we had to keep our fingers crossed for good weather. We lucked out, and the wind laid down for the day. We had blue skies, little current, and small waves.

Our first dive was in 180 feet at the big rig in the MP 60 block. We had a 20 foot surface murk but beautiful water underneath. Probably about 60 feet of visibility. At 80 or 90 feet, I saw this shape over in the middle of the rig. Moving a bit closer, I squinted and then my jaw hit the ocean bottom...it was a 5 or 6 foot grouper. Holy sh*t this thing was huge. I saw the rush of bubbles from my brothers regulator when he saw it too! I think he said "BRLLBBRR" After watching him for a bit, I turned back to hunting. Soon after a school of AJ rolled by. i had a shot on a big boy, but I was already deep, and outside the rig with no structure nearby, so I let him go. I tried to get near the rig and find them again, but didn't. Then, a school of HUGE Triggers were checking me pretty hard. I started to fin up hoping that they would bail, but they were persistent, and didn't leave me alone until I was near 40 feet, and I needed some time for a safety stop so I headed up. My brother found a nice AJ on that dive and he plucked him.

The next group of divers didn't find the school of AJs so we moved to another rig. I was the first one down on the next rig, and a nice school of AJs greeted me at 40 feet. I had told them that I wouldn't shoot a fish, especially given recent circumstances, so I headed up and told them to get their asses in gear! Soon we were back down, and we found the AJs in the same spot. I smacked one...he didn't move..Sweet, I headed to the rig in case he started fighting. He did. he pulled around a rig leg and was right next to me. I saw that the spear tip had not disconnected from the shaft, and he was bending my shaft like a friggin twig. I reached up to hopefully prevent further damage from my shaft, and he got loose from the shaft. Apparently my tip with wings didn't go in far enough, and he got off altogether. I blame my weak-ass gun. I bought it before I knew anything about guns, and it must not be strong enough. it's a JBL .450 Magnum. Meanwhile, my brother, who bought a JBL XHD on my recommendation, boated another AJ.

My shaft was bent, but I still managed to shoot a few mangrove. We didn't see any more AJs that day. And we didn't see any cobia, which i was expecting. I'm kinda disappointed that we didn't see any.

There were barracuda everywhere, and we got one. I filleted it but am a bit wary of ciguatera. Has anyone eaten Barracuda from the Louisiana rigs? I have read that it's mostly a problem in tropical areas, but I wanted to check to see if anybody knows what's up with that. I don't feel like spending $25 on a test either. I'd rather spend $25 on some fish at the market.

All in all, we had a great day. With 2 new divers, safety was a priority, and even though we didn't come back with a huge haul, we never had to worry either.

Big L

[LSUBigL]

I ate the barracuda, and I don't have any of the horrible symptoms so I think I'm good. It wasn't the best fish I've ever eaten but it wasn't bad either.

Served the Snapper and Amberjack to a bunch of LSU grads now living in Houston and it drew rave reviews!

Now I need to work on my plan to restock. That's the fun part.

[Fish Steeler]

Hey LSU,

It was good seeing you out there. I too shot a nice AJ just to have him pull off. I need to work on my aim. We did catch some nice snapper, fishing. I think most of the fish were at the bottom (200fsw). Out of my range. After we left you, we went and trolled behind a shrimp boat and caught a nice wahoo and then went inside for the redfish and a few trout. Aint louisiana great!

Fish Steeler

[LSUBigL]

Nice seeing you out there as well Fish Steeler. I love telling stories about the wide range of fishing that you can do in Louisiana in one day. It's amazing. hell you could've tried for bass further up if you wanted to.

We couldn't get any of the snapper. We threw pogies, sardines, and hardtails and couldn't get any of them to bite.

you heading out there any time soon? I'm gonna try to go in late October or early November but not before that unfortunately.

Talk to you later. Geaux Tigers!

Big L

[Fish Steeler]

We caught our snapper with squid right on the bottom. A few reds, couple of mangrove and plenty of vermillion (B-liners). I'm gonna try to go at the end of the month, weather permitting. keep me posted if your going to be down there.

Fish Steeler

[Wet Spot]

Yawl need to stop harassing the big AJ's!:rolleyes: This is a good time for 100+# fish. Don't even take the shot if you don't have them where you want them cause you know the results. They'll hang in the area and you can get a shot on them if you don't poke holes in them.

Cuda's are good here. I wouldn't try my luck eating a 40+# fish though. The bigger they are the better chance. Lemon, butter and dill seed is good on the bbq, it doesn't reheat well though.

[LSUBigL]

I think this Cuda was only bout 25 pounds. he was a hair shy of 4 feet long, but we didn't weigh him. Do the Cudas travel great distances in their lifetime?

I'm ready to harass some big AJs. I hear you on not taking the shot if it's not optimal. Where is the brain on an AJ? Is it just a couple inches behind the eye? Is taht the best place to hit them?

[ROCK BOTTOM]

LSU,

The brain on an AJ? Is it a male or female?

Z

[LSUBigL]

Don't know how to tell that either. I never bought it dinner or anything. I just want to shoot it.