Diving in shark-infested waters

[MaxBottomtime]

We were excited to read Pat Smith's report of the Great White in Santa Monica Bay last weekend, but even more so after being invited out yesterday. Either the shark hung out for a week or there are more in the area. We spotted the dorsal fin slowly moving along the surface, but the shark dived before we could get close. That's what happens when you have four divers with cameras ready.
The diving itself was beautiful. Two years ago, we went to Catalina for Merry's birthday so she could see adult Giant Sea Bass for the first time. For her birthday yesterday we spotted a half dozen or more. Visibility was limited and the fish were skittish. We were only able to get some decent video of a juvenile. Some of the larger ones were five feet long.
The surge on the rockpiles was strong, but Merry had fun shooting video while flying over the reef. When she would settle in one spot she would find nudibranchs, feather duster worms and juvenile sheephead all over the reef. I found Cuthona divae near their eggs everywhere, then just before the end of the dive I found one actually laying eggs on a hedgehog hydroid.
Last year while diving from the Moby Kate I surfaced to find a Parking For Max Bottomtime sign on the float. Revenge was mine yesterday. Captain Andy is a Spongebob aficionado. He now has a new dive buddy.
Pictures and video at Diving in shark-infested waters

 

[FrankPro1]

Excellent shots and video! What kind of depths was the still/video footage taken at? Seems pretty dark out there. I especially like the Gorgonian/worm/anemone shot.

Charlie is doing his first solo dive today at the 120 reef. Its also the one year anniversary of our certification! I would have joined him, but I'm held up with prior responsibilities.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Baby sitting again?!
We made three dives in 63-77 feet. We had 8-12 feet vis on the first dive, but captains Andy and Patrick dropped after us and reported the incoming tide cleaned it up a bit.
Chris posted 5-7 feet vis at the 120 Reef yesterday, which is why I'm home editing video/stills.

 

[FrankPro1]

Baby sitting again?!
We made three dives in 63-77 feet. We had 8-12
Chris posted 5-7 feet vis at the 120 Reef yesterday, which is why I'm home editing video/stills.

Sadly so, have to help out the familia when I can. In a year or two my bro will be old enough to take care of himself and my chronic no shows for Sunday Services will come to an end.

I hope Charlie gets at least 5-7ft today, the swell has increased a little but not enough to make a difference. He'll be stopping by after the dive to return my Olympus and wrist mount compass. I'll tell him to post a report.