keyshunter
Contributor
First, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Carson's family. It is, indeed, a terrible tragedy.
Jewfish (by any name) are not the hulking teddy bears they appear to be. They are powerful and relatively fearless predators.
I have had more problems with Jewfish than sharks.
Some years ago, I worked as a divemaster in Key West . In order to entertain the customers, I would carry a bag of bait to feed the fish and morays on the local wrecks. Once, while holding a balao for a cloud of yellowtails, I was grabbed from behind by a previously unseen Jewfish (approximately 300 lbs) who took balao, hand and wrist and headed for the other end of the wreck. I was dragged along like a rag doll for about 50 feet before I was released. My hand and wrist looked like they had contacted a power sander.
Another time, while investigating a small wreck, I was knocked ass over tincups by a Jewfish I encountered in a passageway. Another one, also in wreck, grabbed my hand while I was trying to get ready to take his picture. When a Jewfish "woofs" at me, even in more open environments, I pay attention.
When spearfishing, I always have a line attached to my stringer that can be easily released or cut. When doing a stop on a line, I hang my gun, but hold my stringer in my hand for instant release if necessary.
Over the years, one of the more important things I have learned is that stuff happens and often happens damned fast.
Jewfish (by any name) are not the hulking teddy bears they appear to be. They are powerful and relatively fearless predators.
I have had more problems with Jewfish than sharks.
Some years ago, I worked as a divemaster in Key West . In order to entertain the customers, I would carry a bag of bait to feed the fish and morays on the local wrecks. Once, while holding a balao for a cloud of yellowtails, I was grabbed from behind by a previously unseen Jewfish (approximately 300 lbs) who took balao, hand and wrist and headed for the other end of the wreck. I was dragged along like a rag doll for about 50 feet before I was released. My hand and wrist looked like they had contacted a power sander.
Another time, while investigating a small wreck, I was knocked ass over tincups by a Jewfish I encountered in a passageway. Another one, also in wreck, grabbed my hand while I was trying to get ready to take his picture. When a Jewfish "woofs" at me, even in more open environments, I pay attention.
When spearfishing, I always have a line attached to my stringer that can be easily released or cut. When doing a stop on a line, I hang my gun, but hold my stringer in my hand for instant release if necessary.
Over the years, one of the more important things I have learned is that stuff happens and often happens damned fast.
