http://www.tampabay.com/sports/outdoors/captains-corner-underwater-visibility-improving-for-spearfishermen/2322955
Underwater visibility has been poor the past few weeks, but it is starting to improve. Spearfishermen must consider underwater visibility when choosing tactics and gear. Bad visibility can shut down spearing. We have to see the fish to place the shot, and then we have to see them to grab them. Some of the biggest groupers I have caught with a fishing pole have been when the underwater visibility was less than 3 feet. I know how bad it was because when the bite stopped, I dove down. A few years back, my daughter, while fishing with me on a wreck in 80 feet, pulled in a 24-pound regulation grouper. We caught a few more nice reds and even a 28-pound gag. These were awesome-size fish for this depth, and I was excited to dive down. From experience, I knew a few bigger ones were on the bottom, too smart to bite a hook. All my hopes died when I ran straight into a piece of metal from the wreck and didn’t see it until I felt it stab me in the shoulder.
Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 344-3483 and captainbillhardman@gmail.com.
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