Blue Heron Bridge Trolls

[jimw]

a few more:

Any help on an ID for the crab (?) in the last two? I'd blandly thought of it as a decorator crab but would love any more info. It was standing in the same growth it's covered in with the exception of the anemone (?) on it's back. Finger tip for scale.


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Neck Crab, page 137 of the 3rd edition Reef Creature ID--Anyway, that's the best I could come up with for a few I've seen at BHB. It is also in the first edition..........Amazing little critters!!

 

[Splitlip]

I didn't spot any frog fish (favorite) but did hang around with a flying gonad (must be the scientific name).

To return the favor of the advice given I've uploaded a few low res photos from the weekend.

I completely missed the nudi in behind the sharptail eel. Only spotted it once I uploaded the photos.


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Excellent. Glad you guys had a good time at this right coast treasure. Although written up in national and international publications, the site stirs up controversy and heated arguments amongst those who frequent it Most (here) want it protected. Some would prohibit classes. Some go to collect tropicals and some even stab flounder with knives. (Not kidding)
Me, i love to hover (skill practice). Have a gift card from best buy. I think it has go pro written all over yet.

 

[TightLines]

Excellent. Glad you guys had a good time at this right coast treasure. Although written up in national and international publications, the site stirs up controversy and heated arguments amongst those who frequent it Most (here) want it protected. Some would prohibit classes. Some go to collect tropicals and some even stab flounder with knives. (Not kidding)
Me, i love to hover (skill practice). Have a gift card from best buy. I think it has go pro written all over yet.

Glad you mentioned it. I was absolutely appalled by the underwater etiquette of other divers. Especially disappointing was the disregard by otherwise experienced divers and photographers. Sure photographers have a bad reputation anywhere and I have made a couple of mistakes myself but many had NO concern for the well being of any creature there. Fins, hands, and cameras digging, poking, moving; it was the worst behavior I've seen in any dive location.

I don't believe it to be sustainable and from guides I've spoken with in other muck areas (internationally) tend to agree from experience. Divers show up in throngs to harass and blast creatures with light (guilty but I try to keep repeated exposures to a minimum) and they'll go elsewhere.

Was very disappointed in this and my poor wife has had to endure my ranting.

 

[cocoajoe]

Been a few months.....what's the water temp these days?

 

[jet126]

Been a few months.....what's the water temp these days?

I had 73 this morning. Viz was a good 30-40ft of clean blue water. A lot of divers there for a Tuesday in Feb. I saw one MOW on the beach, but none in the water.

Hmmm ... I can't add pics - I'll try again later.

Success!

 

[Synonymous]

In one week I'll be down there in Palm Beach- can't wait to get under the bridge! What are people wearing for wet suits? I'm hoping to get away with my 3mm but thinking maybe I should bring the 7mm.

 

[mntlblok]

In one week I'll be down there in Palm Beach- can't wait to get under the bridge! What are people wearing for wet suits? I'm hoping to get away with my 3mm but thinking maybe I should bring the 7mm.

I'd die with only a 3mm in 73° water.

 

[jimw]

I had 73 this morning. Viz was a good 30-40ft of clean blue water. A lot of divers there for a Tuesday in Feb. I saw one MOW on the beach, but none in the water.

Hmmm ... I can't add pics - I'll try again later.

Success!

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We went today as well and I concur on the temp and viz--except we got stuck around some **** kickers for a while! Sorry we missed you jet! Jeff from Force E reported seeing 3 sea horses!!

 

[jet126]

Sorry we missed you jet!

Sorry I missed you too!! But I parked a long ways from my "usual" spot. Hope to see you & the Diva soon.

 

[guyharrisonphoto]

When we manatee snorkel (70 degrees), we can go 2-2 1/2 hours before getting cold in our 3mm suits, so long as you have a hood. Works out about the same at BHB. If you are a photog who does not move around much and lays in one spot seeking out the tinest critters, you might get cold a little sooner. If you cover the site over to the east or west channels, you will work more and be warmer. So, if you are not a "cold" diver you should be OK with 3 mil for one dive.

I tried my 6.5 semi-dry once when the temp was 75 and I roasted, way too hot.