Trip Report Davis reef Islamorada 7-24-23

[Green Frog]

Seems like the bigger they get, the more self assured they become and the more curious they can “afford” to be. In places that become downright pesky as the get in the way trying to see if you’re up to anything interesting. They always seem to be hungry and looking for an easy snack (or full meal!)

 

[deeper thoughts]

Love the Nassau markings. We don't get them up here in Jupiter and they are always fun to see and many times 'curious' like red grouper and will come right up to you. Great shots as always!!

3 or 4 of them yesterday and 3 huge bait balls

 

[Green Frog]

I’m really enjoying your trip reports from Islamorada. I haven’t dived the Keys since the late ‘90s when diving Pickle’s @ Pennekamp was like diving a garbage dump and you could almost walk from boat to boat without getting your feet wet. It looks like things have improved in the last 25 years.

 

[deeper thoughts]

I’m really enjoying your trip reports from Islamorada. I haven’t dived the Keys since the late ‘90s when diving Pickle’s @ Pennekamp was like diving a garbage dump and you could almost walk from boat to boat without getting your feet wet. It looks like things have improved in the last 25 years.

The fish life is unbelievable
The corals well, between Stoney coral disease and bleaching they are stressed

 

[deeper thoughts]

Lil guys Hen and Chickens
20/25 viz
88 water temp

 

[deeper thoughts]

Few more from Davis today

 

[deeper thoughts]

Great viz better than 75 feet and very lil coral stress(some nothing crazy)

 

[Green Frog]

DT,

You‘re going to cost me some money, I fear. I’m getting more and more psyched to go back to Islamorado. That trip would still be a lot cheaper than going all the way back out to the Bahamas though.

I’m loving that shot of the Parrot Fish. I’ve never even seen one from that angle, much less gotten a picture! But I have to ask, what camera equipment are you using? Also, did you dive with an operator there? If yes, who? Inquiring minds…

 

[deeper thoughts]

DT,

You‘re going to cost me some money, I fear. I’m getting more and more psyched to go back to Islamorado. That trip would still be a lot cheaper than going all the way back out to the Bahamas though.

I’m loving that shot of the Parrot Fish. I’ve never even seen one from that angle, much less gotten a picture! But I have to ask, what camera equipment are you using? Also, did you dive with an operator there? If yes, who? Inquiring minds…

Camera is the canon eosr50/nauticam housing
I have my own boat but people are very happy with the new ownership st Conch Republic Divers
If you look closely the parrot fish was excreting his waste lol

 

[Green Frog]

Didn't even notice the sand "waste". I came to appreciate its importance when it was explained to me in the Bahamas that this was a big sand source! I've had lots of fun chasing after various species of parrots... from tiny greens to huge midnight blues.

Thanks also for the camera info. I've posted elsewhere that in my previous life as a diver I was a Nikonos devotee. With the retirement and passing of Bob Warkenton a couple of years ago, and the crazy prices now of film and processing, I finally had to admit defeat and dip my toe (and the rest of my body) into digital underwater photography with a SeaLife Micro 3.0. With this basic camera, I'm simply awestruck with the possibilities! At my advanced age, I doubt seriously I'll go further into digital than this camera system, but with closeup lenses and video lights, I should be able to keep growing for the rest of my life.

The Conch Republic tip sounds good. I'll try to track them down.

Regards,