Giant Sea Bass Episode to Air on Japan's NHK

[drbill]

I've been filming giant sea bass (Stereolepis gigas) here off Catalina Island (California) with a film crew from Japan Underwater Films. The documentary will air on NHK's BSP station on the series "Wild Things." Tentative air date is November 19th at 8:00 pm. The series may also air on "local" cable channels that broadcast NHK offerings. It has been a great opportunity for me to work with this crew. Yasu and Masa are fantastic divers and fun guys. Director Nobu and translator Steve have been great as well.

To see some of the stills extracted from my video footage of these incredible fish, click on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100503965036821.2515117.11616&type=3&l=b27ffbcc79

Dr. Bill

 

[fnfalman]

When you see a seabass with hook in its mouth like that, is there anything you can do?

 

[drbill]

The problem is in trying to get close enough to cut the hook, the bass is usually driven off (either of its own volition or by its mate barking a warning if the hooked fish is a female). We considered trying to get a rod with gripping end to hold the lure (and the fish), then move in to cut it but that would undoubtedly cause more damage.

 

[SeaSmith]

Absolutely great Bill!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and your humane out-look. I look forward to diving in Catalina this Fri ~ Mon. We are diving with Scuba Luv on Saturday the 22nd and hopefully they will muster up enough folks to go out on Sunday too. I hope to join you on a night dive at Casino Point.

Thanks for all the Bass.

 

[Teamcasa]

Nice work Dr. Bill!

 

[drbill]

Thanks, Dave.

Chris... our NHK film crew is out on the King Neptune Sunday so I don't think they will be running an open boat that day. It would be fun to have Miyuki on board as a second translator! I'm diving the park today with a friend.

 

[CavDvr2]

Giant Sea Bass are always such a treat to see. Great Photos!

-Seann

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Giant Sea Bass are always such a treat to see. Great Photos!

-Seann