Blue Heron Bridge Trolls III

[Jaan]

Shouldn’t be too bad that early. But …

 

[NitroxSam]

Yes. Definitely be there when they open. Memorial Day weekend the bridge was slammed.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

Am thinking of heading up there also. IF I were to go (would prefer to dive locally, but wind conditions may not agree) I would intend to be there before 6am...

 

[Six Feet Under]

Frogfishes and Seahorses are at the very top of our favorite fishes. Do you know what time of year could be potentially better for this?

Although if we get lucky to see a manatee like in the video it trumps anything else... Are there better places in Florida to spot these majestic mammals?

You'll be driving a few hours, but Crystal River offers multiple guides/operators that allow you to swim with them in the winter time. I've had them come up to me and hang around for hours in Chassahowitzka, too. There was no escaping them, even if you stood perfectly still in chest-deep water, they'd come up and nuzzle you (or try to nibble on your fins) and nudge you around.

 

[heftysmurf]

If you or someone you know lost a weight pocket this morning around 0830, I dropped it off at Force-E.

 

[heftysmurf]

I’m not the best photog but had a good time today at BHB. Made for a long day but worth it!

No idea what that last image is.

 

[Jake 10]

If you or someone you know lost a weight pocket this morning around 0830, I dropped it off at Force-E.

I lost one at flower garden with 5# in it, is for a Aqualung HD Pro

 

[heftysmurf]

I lost one at flower garden with 5# in it, is for a Aqualung HD Pro

It’s a Surelock pocket for Aqualung. Felt like 5ish lbs. one weight. Didn’t look as we were hangry. Just dropped it off at Force-E around 9:45a yesterday.

 

[Jake 10]

Ok it is my sure lock weight pocket . They claim there is no weight in it. Pay $10 for them to ship it to my house , thanks again

 

[Pipehorse]

@heftysmurf the last image is a Ceriantheopsis americana, a tube dwelling anemone.

Went to the bridge for diving on the 4th of July. Arrived at 0630 for a 0738 high tide. The park was not crowded when we arrived. Which was my expectation for a tide that early. Visibility was 40ft, sea temp was 84f. We entered the westside at 0650, and exited at about 0900. The park was crowded when we exited from the dive also meeting my expectations. Picnic tables and grills had been occupied and I am sure they would stay that way until the park closed. Sheriffs already had the entrance blocked off by that point.

I am normally a solo diver, but for this dive I had my 15 year old nephew with me. He was recently certified in South Carolina, in quarry. He had snorkeled the trail previously when he was younger, three years ago, but this was his first time there on scuba. BHB did not disappoint. A Spotted Eagle Ray made a couple passes, as well a Nurse Shark. The Atlantic Spadefish on the west side were happy to rub themselves on his fins and mine. And of course all the common occurring denizens were there to be seen Octopus, Spotted Morays, Rainbow Parrots, Arrow Crabs, Peppermint Shrimp, Urchins, Schooling Spanish and Scaled Sardines, Blue Throat Pikeblennies, and Polka-dot Batfish to name a few. Respectively, Polka-dot Batfish, Quinn and the Spadefish, Rib Boat, Theresa's(my wife) 4th of July Berry Pie, and Video of Spadefish with my fins.