Tedbudion
08-09-2007, 04:19 PM
Went back diving today after a 3 ½ month interval, since my return from Polynesia. Why that much long? Firstly, after a 20-day absence, I had one month to socialize with the family, sort of marking my territory again... :cool: Then I traveled with my wife on vacation. Eventually, I had to face the trauma to dive again in such lousy home conditions when compared to Polynesia... :slap: When I was finally ready, winter conditions set in, keeping us from going out for weeks.
Conditions today were marginal: 4 to 6 ft. seas, a stiff and cold Southerly wind, iffy visibility (25 ft with lots of sediments) and, worst of all: the water was on the coldish side (~64°F). That usually means few or no fish. Other than that, it was a gorgeous sunny day. I went out with buddies Eduardo Souto and Diego Santiago (who will represent Brazil in a FIPSA int'l tournament in France next month). They were mostly scouting for a local meet next Saturday.
The big duskies they found had their holes duly noted for Saturday. But, apart from them, we ended up shooting few other fish between us: 4 small amberjacks, a large black margate, a 7 lb. dusky and a sennet. There were a lot of big silver breams (similar to Med sargo) milling around, but they were more nervous than their usual nervous-selves due to the rough and cold water.
I'm glad I was back in the water, although very clumsy. I took the opportunity to test my recent muzzle change to an open model and the Beuchat Marlin reel. The reel failed miserably, a bonafide piece of crap, if I've ever seen one--way below Beuchat's usual high standards. So tomorrow, back in the shop to reinstall the previous Divecom reel. As for open muzzle, hmm, there's something wrong with the overall rig balance. I missed three very easy shots before I managed to drill an AJ. It could be me too; on account of not diving for a long time. So, I'll give it another try in a more controlled "set": there will be a lot of punctured surgeons in the near future... :tongue: :redcard:
Conditions today were marginal: 4 to 6 ft. seas, a stiff and cold Southerly wind, iffy visibility (25 ft with lots of sediments) and, worst of all: the water was on the coldish side (~64°F). That usually means few or no fish. Other than that, it was a gorgeous sunny day. I went out with buddies Eduardo Souto and Diego Santiago (who will represent Brazil in a FIPSA int'l tournament in France next month). They were mostly scouting for a local meet next Saturday.
The big duskies they found had their holes duly noted for Saturday. But, apart from them, we ended up shooting few other fish between us: 4 small amberjacks, a large black margate, a 7 lb. dusky and a sennet. There were a lot of big silver breams (similar to Med sargo) milling around, but they were more nervous than their usual nervous-selves due to the rough and cold water.
I'm glad I was back in the water, although very clumsy. I took the opportunity to test my recent muzzle change to an open model and the Beuchat Marlin reel. The reel failed miserably, a bonafide piece of crap, if I've ever seen one--way below Beuchat's usual high standards. So tomorrow, back in the shop to reinstall the previous Divecom reel. As for open muzzle, hmm, there's something wrong with the overall rig balance. I missed three very easy shots before I managed to drill an AJ. It could be me too; on account of not diving for a long time. So, I'll give it another try in a more controlled "set": there will be a lot of punctured surgeons in the near future... :tongue: :redcard: