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24. maj 2010

MV Fling Trip Report May 22-23 Well, after a long windy spell the weather finally cooperated and we were able to head to the Flower Gardens Friday night with 30 excited divers. The ride out was a little rocky at times but pretty good for the most part. Tied to West Bank #5 about 6am Saturday and started the dive day. Sea was about 3 feet, visibility around 60 feet, and the current was mild. The surface water temperature was 79 degrees and bottom temperatures were between 74 and 76 degrees at all of the sites we visited. Divers saw sting rays, barracuda, amber jack, large grouper, and a variety of other fish and sea life. At lunch we moved to the High Island 376A platform and our divers jumped in around 2:00pm. Sea had calmed to about 2 feet, visibility 70 feet, current was moderate to around 30 feet then mild to 100 feet. There were a number of silky sharks, a huge turtle, giant amber jack, and large schools of fish on the platform. The weather was nice and we were hanging just right, so we stayed a bit longer and let our crew enjoy the site. We left the platform about 4:30pm and made our way to the East Bank where we found only one usable buoy; #3. Seas were running 2-3 feet, visibility around 70 feet, current was moderate on the surface and mild on the bottom. Divers found trigger fish, grouper, slipper lobsters, crabs, shrimp and eels. The night dive at this site was a very good one. About 2:00am on Sunday morning we moved to Stetson Bank and tied up to buoy #3 at 6:00am on the dot. The wind was beginning to blow a little harder and the see built to 4-5 feet. Current was a bit stiff on the surface but pretty mild on the bottom. We had a great group of divers that managed the more challenging conditions well and made it look easy. Divers saw big lobsters, lots of eels, several sting rays, sea cucumbers, urchins, large schools of fish, and even a scalloped hammerhead that forgot to leave with the rest of his buddies. Overall it was a great trip. And the best news was that there was no sign of oil at the Flower Gardens. We hope it stays that way!! Another great group of divers and good crew. I must be the luckiest captain in the Gulf. Captain Bland

1. april 2010

Bland Ellen Trip Report: March 26-27 Left Freeport Friday night with a light North wind and a following sea and had a pretty decent ride to the West Flower Gardens Bank. We tied up on buoy #1 about 6:00 am Saturday in a four foot sea. The water temperature was 62 degrees, a little cooler than last week, about 50 foot visibility and the current was mild. During our two dives on West Bank, divers saw eels, barracuda, parrot fish, lots of amber jack, some large grouper, and a turtle. Headed to the High Island 389 platform at lunch, and arrived to find nearly the same conditions except the current had started to pick up some. Divers saw big schools of amber jack, yellow fin tuna, barracuda, and a few silky sharks. The 389 is always a great dive. Moved to the East Bank #3 mooring Saturday afternoon and found the water temperature and visibility virtually the same as the other two sites we had been to, but the sea was falling and the current was picking up. By the night dive we were diving in about two foot waves. Divers saw silky sharks, a manta, urchins, parrot fish, shrimp, and crabs, and the first timers found out what current was all about. Even though the current was running strong, the divers did their dives and made it back to the boat with no problems. Sunday morning we woke up on Stetson Bank #3, with a forecast of six foot to eight foot seas by noon. We all hoped the weather man would be wrong, but unfortunately he got that one right. We did get in our two dives though. Sea was about four feet, water temperature was 61 degrees, visibility about 40 feet, and not too much current. After the second dive was headed home. As forecast, the sea continued to build and the ride home was sporting to say the least. Some of our passengers enjoyed the wild ride while others filled their trash bags with fajitas they had eaten earlier. Even though we had a rough ride home it was a good trip, and those who had never seen the Gulf get angry will have stories to tell. Captain Bland

23. marts 2010

Left the dock Wednesday night with a good forecast, and for once the weatherman was right. One foot seas and a Northwest wind made the ride out to West Bank a smooth one. Tied up on West Bank #1 about 6:00 a.m.. Although it was a beautiful day topside, the current below was very strong. Even so, the divers did a great job getting to the bottom and back to the boat. Visibility was about 50’ and water temperature around 67 degrees. Divers saw silky sharks, hammerheads, parrot fish, barracuda, mackerel, and huge amberjacks. As soon as all divers returned from their second dive on West Bank we headed for the High Island 389 platform. We tied up to the High Island 389 platform in two foot seas. Visibility was about 50’, water temperature 67, and we were all thankful that there was very little current. The platform was literally covered with silky sharks, amberjack, and tons of other critters. It was a great dive. Headed to the East Bank about 3:00 and found water conditions about the same as on the 389. Divers saw large hammerheads, mantas, an eagle ray, silkys, and a couple of tiger sharks, one was a big one. After playing with the tiger sharks on the evening dive, we decided that it would be safer to skip the night dive and go straight to the Blue Bell and brownies. Arrived at Stetson Bank Friday morning and found two foot seas, 66 degree water temperature, 40’ visibility and very little current. Divers saw hammerheads, a large sandbar shark, a tiger shark, a couple of bull sharks, eels, and an octopus. By the time our last dive was done the wind had changes to the Southeast and blew us home with an extremely smooth ride. Good weather, good divers, good diving, good crew…not a bad trip to be captain. Captain Bland

10. marts 2010

The passengers loaded the MV Fling around 8PM after the DM Kenny & John gave a boarding briefing and the 22 sole ran for choice cabin bunks. After all their gear was loaded onto the vessel we all gathered in the salon for the Captains briefing. Captain (Admiral)Ken Bush did the honors as he graced us with his knowledge and wit on the voyage. DM's Kenny & John gave detailed instructions as to the duties of each diver as they work towards their dive in the moring. Dave & Frank were the galley professionals that were sure to keep us well fed on the venture and explained in colorful detail how to proceed throught he chow line. Many on this trip were here for the first time & had not a clue what to expect. Sarah our Tankfiller was randy & handy to pass our our chuck containment devices(trash bags) as she told the divers how they should leave their tank so they would have gas for the next dive. Captain Bud topped off the evening with his charm by instructing us on life preservers and other rules we must follow on the boat at sea. Captain Darrel readied the vessel for departure.Enginenes rev-ed up and screws turned & we were moving down the old river headed for a 8 hour voyage to the west bank of the Flower Garden Marine Sanctuary. As the bow of the Fling pulled passed the jetty's the rocking of the sea took its tole on some of our land dwelling passengers. We had a frist then a second then it was a race to see who would not sub-come to the yawning & pitching of the sea. The passengers finally settled into the waves for the night and as morning came most sprained up like gofers from the salon seats where they had found a place to rest for the night. We pulled up to the mooring #1 at the west bank and DM's John & Kenny set the boat up for diving. With the divers ready John gave a briefing of the conditions and the water games begun. The vis was not great on the west bank but it was around 50ft or so. The greatest challenge to the divers was their ability to get suited up to get into the water and the next challenge was getting on the ladder. With sea's that crest waves at 6 feet getting back on the boat was a challenge. The second dive was at the same mooring location and ever one had a better time with the ladder. No large sharks were spotted or any ray's. We pulled up to try out hand at a oil platform but the ses's would not give us any help. We abandon that idea and went for the East Bank where to our surpirse we had no moorings to tie to. A bit disapointing to Captain Ken but quire expected. We moved over to Stetson Bank to catch a mooring there. We tied up a bit late in the day & Kenny did a conditions dive and tied up the sideline. A pod of dophins were playing around & Kenny reported he saw 4 of them while he was securing the line. As he went deeper to the U bot there were Red Sanpper & Amber Jacks in large quanity. Vis was might poor only around 15 to 20 feet. Captain Bud & Captain Ken called off the night dive and most all passengers were in their bunks by 9PM. The next morning the passengers woke up with a strong smell of coffee & the smell of the sea. Kenny tied off the down line & reported 4 reef sharks and 1 sand bar shark. Some blue runner jacks were all around the vessel and spinner sharks tweisted out of the water. The divers reported that the vis was still bad but up to 20 feet with lots of small fish and huge Amber jacks but only one couple saw sharks. With trailing sea's the ride home was much more to the liking of the land dwelling passengers. We got to the sea buoy with Captain Ken at the wheel as Captain Bud finished the final instructions to the passengers. Shirts & pins were bought & sold by galley staff and we were back at the dock around 5PM.

22. februar 2010

For the first time in several years we were able to make a February trip to the Flower Gardens. We left Freeport Friday night with 17 top notch divers and 8 crew that were wondering if we had made the right decision. The ride out was a bit of a challenge with six foot seas on the bow, but we arrived at the West Flower Gardens Bank about 7:30 Saturday morning and did two dives on buoy #1 with no problems. Seas were running 5-6 feet, water temperature 66 degrees, visibility around 75 feet, and very little current. Divers saw hammerhead sharks, silky sharks, spinner sharks, big grouper, lobsters, eels, barracuda, and a school of eight eagle rays (pretty incredible). We headed to the East Bank after lunch, but the closer we got the bigger the seas got. Five miles from East Bank seas built to around eight fieet, so we decided to turn around and head to Stetson hoping for better conditions. We arrived at Stetson and tied up to buoy #2 around 5:00 in the afternoon and found much better conditions. Amazing what a difference 35 miles can make. Seas were 4 -5 feet, current was very mild, water temperature 65 degress, and visibility around 50 feet. Divers found hammerheads, silkys bull sharks, lobsters, eels, eagle rays, sting rays, and lots of other critters. Although I got cold just thinking about it, five of the hard core divers made a night dive and saw lots of cool things. Around 6:20 Sunday morning we relocated to Stetson Buoy #4 and did two more dives. Seas were running around 3 feet, current was still mild, water temperature 65 degrees, and the visibility had improved a bit to around 60 feet. Divers encountered lots of hammerheads, a large sandbar shark, silkys, a manta, several eagle rays, eels and sail fin blennnies. Conditions continued to improve as the day went. Following seas running 2-3 feet made for a great (and very smooth) ride home. Thanks to a great group of divers and a hard working crew we had a great trip!!!! Looking forward to the next one. Captain Bland

28. september 2009

We were looking at a bumpy ride going out on Friday night, Sept. 25, but the seas calm down mid-morning on Saturday, Sept 26. On the West Bank buoy #1 the seas were running around 3ft, mild current, water temp 84 and vis 100. There was a Manta, hugh grouper and a barracuda to keep the divers company. At HI-389 the seas were still running between 2ft - 3ft, a mild current, water temp 84 and vis 100. There were lots of fish on the rig, with a juvenile lobster and a octopus. On the East Bank buoy #4 the seas were around 2ft, mild current, water temp 84 and vis 100. We had another manta, grouper, shrimp and an urchins on this dive. Stetson Bank buoy #3 seas were down to 1ft to 2ft, mild current, water temp 84 and vis 70. There were schools of fish, sharks, eels, and lobster to keep the divers company. All in all everyone had a great time.

21. september 2009

We had a small group go out this weekend, 9/19-20, but they had great weather. The seas were running between 1ft to 2ft, with a very light current on the West and East Banks and flat on Stetson with no current. The vis was 100ft on all banks with the water temp 84 to 85. On the West Bank we had a nurse shark, barracuda, uchins, grouper; on the East Bank we had jacks, grouper, eel, lobster, uchins; at HI-389 amberjacks; and at Stetson Bank a large school of fish, African Pompano, silky shark, eels, a turtle, and a sand bar shark. All in all a great trip.

14. september 2009

This was the second Coral Spawn trip this year and depending on who you asked - the second spawn was bigger then the first. The weather was a little bumpy but we had a very good spawn on Friday night. On the West Bank #1 the seas were running around 1ft, a very mild current, water temp 84, and vis 100. There were jacks, barracuda, grouper, and bandid shrimp on the West Bank. On HI-389 seas were running around 2ft, a very mild current, water temp 84 and vis 100. There was a very large school of jacks, shark, and lots of fish. The the East Bank #5 the seas were running between 2ft to 4ft during the thunderstorms, no current, temp 84 and vis 100. The divers were treated to a very good spawn on the night, eels, puffers, jacks and brittle stars. On the East Bank #1 seas were running between 4ft to 5ft with rain, a very mild current, temp 85, and vis 100. There were lots of schooling fish, manta, big grouper, jacks, eels, and shrimp. On buoy #5 seas had pick up to 5ft to 6ft, a mild current, temp 85, vis 100 and once again another good spawn on Saturday night, with nurse shark, manta, and a octopus. At Stetson Bank #3 seas were still running 4ft to 5ft, a mild current, temp 84 and vis 75. There were eels, a shark, turtle, ray, puffers, angles, and scoprion fish.

8. september 2009

What a great Labor Day weekend trip. The weather, except for the few rain showers, the currents, the seas and vis all work together to make this trip a good one. On buoy #4 on the West Bank the seas were running between 1ft to 2ft, a mild current, water temp 84 and vis 80. We had eels, manta's, barracuda, and grouper on this bank. At HI-389 the seas were around 1ft, with a very mild current, water temp 84 and vis 80. There was a big school of fish, shark, barracuda, and manta hanging around the rig. At the East Bank on #5 and #1 the seas ran from 0ft - 1ft to 1ft - 2ft and 3ft during the rain. The current was light during the day with a moderate current during the night, vis 80, and water temp 84. The divers had alot of subjects for picture taking - grouper, jacks, rays, shrimp, urchins, barracuda, and lots of fish. On HI-376A we had a mild current, seas 1ft - 3ft in the rain, vis 80 and water temp 84. Visiting this rig we had a turtle, sharks, barracuda, and lots of fish. On Stetson Bank #3 & #1 the seas were running around 1ft to 2ft, vis 100, water temp 85 and a mild current to no current. We had a turtle, sharks, eels, rays, scorpion fish, and a octopus. All and all a great trip.

2. september 2009

The weekend trip, August 29 - 30, was a good one. On the West Bank with seas were running around 2ft, a mild current, vis 80, water temp 84 and a few thunder storms between dives. The divers were treated to a Manta, turtle, eel, ray, and a grouper on Buoy #1. On HI-389 the seas were around 2ft, vis 70, a mild current and water temp 84. There were schools of fish and a shark hanging out on the rig. On East Bank buoy #4 the seas were around 2ft, a mild current, vis 100, and water temp 84. There was a manta, shark, turtle and barracuda for the divers to enjoy. The seas pick up a little at Stetson Bank #1 to 3ft, a mild current, vis 80 and water temp 84. There was plenty of marine life to be seem by all - nurse shark, silkys, turtle, rays, eels, urchins and squid.

27. august 2009

We had a GREAT IGE trip this year with great weather and a great bunch of divers. On the West Bank buoy #1 the seas were running around 1ft, a very light current, vis 100 and water temp 84. The divers had the company of a large grouper, manta, jacks, and barracuda on this buoy. At HI-376A the conditions were the same with sharks, a turtle, and lots of fish. On the East Bank with seas pick up a little to 2ft, a light current, vis 100 and water temp 84. There were 2 mantas, silkys, nurseshark, and a grouper hanging out on buoy #1. On HI-389 there were hammerheads, silkys, a turtle, jacks, and a barracuda cruising the rig. Once again the divers hit the jackpot on Stetson Bank - the seas were running between 1ft - 2ft, vis 100, a light current, and water temp 84. The divers had a lot company - bullshark, silkys, turtle, octopus, eels, urchins, rays, large angles, and flying grenards. What a great 3 day trip.

24. august 2009

The weekend trip, August 22 -23, we had a full boat with groups from Lone Scuba Scuba, Scubaland, and Seasport Scuba. On the West Bank #1 the seas were running between 2ft to 3ft, a mild current, vis 80 and water temp 83. The divers saw a manta, grouper, jacks, and nurse shark. At HI-389 the seas were around 3ft, a mild current, vis 100 and water temp 83. We had a turtle, crabs, bristle worms, and a barracuda ranging out on the rig. At buoy #5 on the East Bank the seas started out between 3ft to 4ft but subsiding to 2ft during the dives. There was a moderate current, vis 100 and water temp 84. The divers enjoyed the company of eels, a turtle, urchins, shrimp and a shark at this buoy. On Stetson Bank #3 the seas were running around 1ft, a very light current, vis 100 and water temp 84. The divers found eels, a shark, and rays on this buoy. All in all every one had a great trip.

22. august 2009

The Thursday/Friday trip, August 20 -21, the seas pick up from the Monday/Wednesday trip and they were running between 3ft to 4ft for the entire trip. On the West Bank Buoy #2 there was a mild current, vis 80 and water temp 84. The divers enjoyed the company of a big grouper, sting rays, barracuda, and a eel on this trip. At HI-389 we had a mild current, vis 100 and water temp 83. The usual critters were on the rig again - a turtle, shark, jacks, and lots of fish. At West Bank #4 the current pick up a little, vis 80, and water temp 83. The divers were treated to a manta, shark, turtle, urchins and shrimp. At Stetson Bank #3 the vis was down to around 80 ft due to the rain, a moderate current and water temp 83. The divers were visited by stingrays, eels, sharks, trunkfish and large queen angels. All in all a good trip.

20. august 2009

Well, the group from The Dive Shop II in Little Rock had the weather gods on their side for their 3 day trip this week. Doreen stated that this was their 6 or 7 trip out to the Flower Gardens and it was the best ever. On the West Bank buoy #1 the seas were running between 2ft and 3ft, with no current, vis 80 and water temp 83. There was a free swimming eel, large grouper, a shark and a manta on this buoy. At HI -376A the seas were running around 2ft, with a light current, vis 80, and water temp 83. The divers were treated to a lots of fish, sharks, and a turtle on this dive. On the East Bank buoy #5 seas were 2ft, light current, vis 80 and water temp 83. Once again the divers were diving with a manta, sting ray, and sharks. At buoy #1 on the East Bank we had more mantas, shark, eels, shrimp, and urchins. At HI-389 the seas were running between 2ft and 3ft, with a light current, vis 100 and water temp 82. There was a large schools of fish hanging out on the rig, sharks, a turtle, barracuda and fireworms. The divers were visited by the big boys on Stetson #3 & #4; a turtle, eels, bull sharks, rays, silkys, trunk fish, octopus, and a scorpion fish. All in all a great trip for everyone.

17. august 2009

What a awesome weekend trip. The seas were around 1ft all weekend, with no current, vis 80ft to 100ft and water temp 83. On the West Bank the divers were diving with a big black grouper, a juvinille spotted drum, lobsters, and lots of creole fish. At HI-389 there was a turtle, shark, jacks, grouper and a manta. At the East Bank there were still some spawning from the brain coral, 2 dusky sharks and heart urchin. At Stetson Bank there was a very huge sandbar shark around 7ft, golden spotted eel, spotted morray sharing a hole with a slipper lobster, dusky shark, 2 squid, southern ray, spotted drum juvilille trunk fish

16. august 2009

Everyone had a fantastic trip on the week only Coral Spawning Trip, August 10th - 14th. There were two good nights of spawning, Wednesday & Thursday. The seas were flat most of the trip with 2ft to 3ft on the first day, current was mild to no current, water temp 83 and vis 100. On the West Bank #2 & #4 there were manta's ealge rays, sharks, big grouper, turtle, and spawning sponge. We did a good rig, HI-385D, and everyone that did the dive agree that t was a great dive - there were sharks, juvenile lobsters, and lots of fish. At the East Bank #1 there were more Mantas, sharks, a turtle, spawning sponge, huge grouper. We try to do another rig dive but the weather was to good with nothing it keep us off they rig and we were unable to do it. At Buoy #3 & #4 on the East Bank Mantas were everywhere, nurse shark, reef sharks, lots of fish, and a very good spawn on the night dive. On buoy #6 on the East Bank there were lots of fish, sharks, and mantas again. On buoy #3 at Stetson Bank the divers were treated to eels, lots of schools of fish, sharks, big lobster, and sting rays. All in all a wonderful trip.

10. august 2009

The weekend trip, August 8 - 9, 2009 had seas running 2ft to 3ft, with a light to no current, vis 100 and water temp 83. On the West Bank buoy #2 there were sting ray, grouper, shark, and a manta. At the rig HI-389 the divers had a turtle, shark, barracuda, and lots of fish to enjoy. On East Bank #5 the divers were treated to a manta, shark, trigger fish, and a trunk fish. At Stetson Bank on buoy #3 we had french angles, eels, sting rays, eagle rays and sharks. All in all a great trip with great divers.

8. august 2009

On the Thursday/Friday trip, August 6 - 7, 2009 the seas were flat, current was light to no current at all, vis was 100 and water temp 83. We were unable to do a rig dive on this trip because the conditions were so good. There was no wind or current to help keep us off the rig. On the West Bank buoy #2 there were mantas, large grouper, barracuda, East Bank buoy #1 grouper, puffers, filefish, shark, trunk fish, and a manta, on East Bank #5 Mantas, devil ray, urchins shrimp, and on Stetson Bank #3 sharks, rays, eagle ray, lobster, lots of hugh schools of fish and eels. What a great trip.

6. august 2009

On the 3 day trip, Monday/Wednesday, the seas were running between 1ft to 2ft. The current was light, vis between 80ft & 100ft, and the water temp 83 on all banks. On the West Bank #2 we had sharks, Manta, grouper file fish; at HI-389 we had silky sharks, a hammerhead, and lots of fish; at buoy #5 on the East Bank we had more sharks, starfish, blackjacks, baracudas, and at Stetson Bank #3 & #5 sharks, rays, eels and yes the seahorses are still on Stetson.

3. august 2009

The weekend trip, 8/1 - 8/2/09, was a great trip. The seas were running between 3ft - 4ft on the West Bank with a light current, vis 100, and water temp 83. The divers were visisted by barraacuda, sharks, jacks, and a large grouper. On HI-389 the current was still light, vis 100, water temp 83 and seas were still running 3ft to 4ft. The comment made by the divers was "fish everywhere". On the East buoy #5 we had 3 manta's, sharks, crabs, and urchins. The seas were around 3ft, a light current, vis 100, and water temp 83. On Stetson Bank Buoy #3 there was no current, vis 80, water temp 83 and seas running between 2ft & 3ft. The divers had rays, sharks, lobsters, schools of jacks, and eels.

30. juli 2009

We had 3 different groups for the Monday/Wednesday trip. We had a group from Florida with Diver's Emporium, a group from Louisana with Dixieland Diver's and a new group from Oklahoma with Tulsa Aquanauts and they all had a great time. The weather forecast was way off and the seas were from 3ft to 6ft on Sunday but we didn't miss a dive. On West #5 the current was very strong, vis 80ft and water temp 82. The divers were treated to a Manta, Nurse shark, eels, and a grouper. At HI-389 the current was still very strong, vis 100ft, water temp 83 and a very large schools of fish and barracuda. At East Bank #5 the current was still strong, vis 80ft and water temp 83. We moved the Fling to Stetson earlier than normal to get away from the strong current. On buoy #5 the current was light, vis 100, and water temp 83. The seashorses were still on Stetson Bank with turtle, sharks, eels, rays, slipper lobsters, and school of spade fish.

27. juli 2009

The divers for the Stetson Only trip couldn't have asked for better weather. The seas were running between 1ft to 2ft all weekend, with a mild to no current on all dives, vis 100ft and water temp between 81 and 83. It seems like all the usually critters came out to play - sharks, rays, eels, big grouper, swimming eels, 12ft shark, scorpion fish, turtle, lobster, urchins many huge schools of fish, large sandbar shark, silkys, angel fishs and not 1 but 2 SEAHORSES. All in all a great trip.

24. juli 2009

The current was back on the West Bank for this two day trip. We had a very strong current, with seas 3ft to 4ft, vis 100+ and water temp 83. The divers saw a black grouper, trigger fish, and a eel on this dive at buoy #1. On HI-389 there was a big improvement in the sea conditions. The seas were running between 1ft to 2ft, a light current, vis 100 and water temp 84. Once again there were sharks on the rig, with filefish, jacks and barracudas. At East Bank buoy #1 there conditions were the same as the rig and there were sharks, Manta, and large puffers on this dive. On Stetson Bank buoy #4 the conditions were still good and about the same as the rig and East but the divers were treated to a real surprise - a seahorse was on Stetson. The divers were also visited by sharks, rays, and a turtle.

20. juli 2009

We had a full boat for the weekend trip, July 18 - 19, with great weather. On the West Bank the seas were running around 2ft, vis 75, and water temp 82. There were amberjacks, snapper, stingray, shark and Manta to keep the divers company on their dive. On HI-389 the current was very mild, vis 75, and water temp 82. The divers were treated to a Hammerhead, turtle, and other sharks on their third dive. The East Bank was a real treat for everyone. A Manta was spotted on the surface and one of the divemaster and a couple of the divers spotted another Manta with a wingspan of 12 feet or bigger. On Stetson Bank the current was mild, water temp 84 and vis down to about 50feet. There were a lot of sharks, lobster, and a morray eel and the ubolt.

18. juli 2009

We had a group from Louisana and California on the Thursday/Friday and they all had a great time. On the West Bank Buoy #2 the seas were running around 2ft, there was a moderate surface current and a mild bottom, vis 100, and water temp 83. There were silky sharks, barracuda, jacks and nurse sharks to keep the divers company on this dive. On HI - 389 the seas were running between 2ft and 3ft, vis 100, water temp 83, and a mild current. There were fish eveywhere on the rig, with a barracuda, and a turtle. At buoy #4 on the East Bank the seas were running around 2ft, with a mild current, vis 100 and water temp 83. The photographers had their cameras ready for the hugh grouper, sharks, mantas, urchins, shrimp, and trigger fish. At Stetson Bank on buoy #3 the seas were running between 2ft - 3ft, vis 100, water temp 82 and a very mild current. There were sharks, ling, file fish and spade fish all hanging out for the divers to enjoy.

13. juli 2009

The Teacher's couldn't had asked for better weather and sea's for their 3 day trip. On the West Bank seas were running 2ft, a strong current strong and a moderate bottom current, vis 100+ and water temp 82. They were visited by puffers, jacks, barrcuda, and a big grouper. At HI-389 sea's were still around 2ft, vis 100+, and water temp 84. There were the usual critters on the rig. At buoy #5 & #1 on the East Bank the Manta's, rays, eels,. barracuda and turtle came out to play. The sea's still running 2ft, a mild current, and water temp 83. HI-376B the seas pick up little - 3ft, a mild current, water temp 83, and vis 100. There were a large schools of school, turtle, and sharks hanging out on the rig. On Stetson Bank buoy #3 & #1 were was no current, seas 3ft, vis 100 and water temp 82. The divers enjoyed the sharks, eels, cobia, french angles, lots of large schools of fish, rays, and scorpion fish. All in all a great trip.

13. juli 2009

We were hoping that some of the whale sharks were still hanging out on the West Bank and they were. On buoy #2 seas were running between 2ft & 3ft, with a strong surface current & a mild bottom, vis 100, and water temp 83. The divers were treated to 4 whale sharks, barracuda, eels, and jacks. On HI-389 there was a moderate current, seas around 2ft, vis 100, and water temp 82. There were lots of fish, turtles, sharks, and dolphin to be seem by all. On the East Bank buoy #5 seas were running 2ft, mild current, vis 100 and water temp 83. The divers were treated to sharks, manta, shrimp, eels, crabs, and lobster. On Stetson Bank buoy #1 there were dolphins, sharks, rays, eels, lobster, a mild current, vis 100, water temp 83, and seas running around 1ft to 2ft - what a great dive.

10. juli 2009

There was a very small group for this trip and a brand new store - Scuba Ventures from Al. and what a trip they had. One of the divers from Sucba Ventures asked Captain Bland what is the percentage of seeing a whale shark and he told her about 1% - boy was he wrong. On the West Bank buoy #2 we had a moderate current, vis 100+ and water temp 83. The divers were amazed by Manta, barracuda, jacks, eels, whale shark and 2 miles off the West Bank "22" whale sharks. At HI-389 the seas were running between 2ft to 3ft, current mild, vis 100+ and water temp 83. On the East Bank buoy #5 seas were running around 2ft, with a mild current, vis 90 and water temp 83. The divers were visited by octopus, turtle, eels, shark, urchins, black jack, and manta. Stetson Bank there was no current, seas around 2ft, vis 100, and water temp 83. The rays, eels, lobsters, scorpion fish, and sharks all came out to have their pictures taken.

9. juli 2009

Our Monday/Wednesday trip, July 6 - 9, 2009 was a full boat. The seas were running between 3ft and 4ft for the entire trip. On the West Bank buoy #1 there was a strong current, vis 100+, and water temp 82. The divers saw sharks, manta's, dog snappers, and AJ. At HI-389 the current was moderate, vis 100, and water temp 83. There were lots of fish on the rig, with shark and a turtle. On the East Bank #5 & #1 vis was still around 100ft and water temp 83. The East Bank had sharks, turtle, rays, lobster, grouper, barracuda, mantas, jacks, angel fish, and eels. On HI-376 there was a mild current, vis 100, and water temp 83 with 3 turtles, silky sharks, and lots of fish. Stetson Bank was still the favorite with a mild to moderate current, vis 100, and water temp 82. The divers was visited by rays, sharks, lobster, octopus, squid, urchins, eels, sailfin blennys, and brown chromis. All in all a good trip.

6. juli 2009

Well, the forecast for this weekend trip was off - instead of the 1ft to 2ft seas that they were calling for - we had 3ft to 4ft on Saturday and 4ft to 6ft on Sunday. On West Bank #1 we had a mild current, vis 100ft, water temp 83 and a big grouper, shark, eel, parrott fish and puffers. On HI 389 the vis was 100ft, water temp 83 and a mild current. There was a large school of jacks, barracuda, crabs and lots of fish. At East Bank #4 the seas were around 2ft to 3ft, mild current, vis 90 and water temp 83. The divers were visited by tiger grouper, turtle, eels, shrimp and a big barracuda on this dive. On Stetson Buoy #3 we had a moderate current, vis 70ft, water temp 84 and a turtle, eels, big lobster, and rays.

29. juni 2009

The current was back for this weekend trip. The seas were running around 3ft on Saturday, vis around 70ft, and water temp near 79. On the West Bank buoy #1 the divers were treated to an octopus, jacks, grouper and a barracuda. At HI-389 there were a lots of game fish and tripical fish. At the East Bank buoy #5 silky sharks, octopus, eagle ray, and turtle all made an appearance for anyone wanting to take their picture. On Sunday, at Stetson Bank the seas were down to 1ft - 2ft with a mild bottom current and vis 100+. The ususal critters were hanging out on buoy #3 - rays, lobster, turtle, eels and sharks. All and all a good trip.

26. juni 2009

Another great weather trip, Thursday/Friday, June 24th - 25th, 2009. The seas were running 1ft to 2ft all trip, with water temp near 80, moderate current and with the vis around 80 ft on the West and East Bank and around 60ft on Stetson Bank. On buoy #5 on the West Bank we had our usual critters, eels, nurseshark, and lots of jacks. On the East Bank the divers were treated to Starfish, Manta's, eels, shark, shrimp, crabs, and urchins. On buoy #3 on Stetson Bank there were large silky sharks, rays, eels, turtle, scorpion fish, large lobster urchins and a hammerhead. Don't miss out on the great weather and diving call your dive shop now and book a trip.

25. juni 2009

FLOWER GARDENS TRIP REPORT (June 25, 2009) WHAT TO EXPECT: In a nutshell, the Flower Gardens is a protected National Marine Sanctuary located about 130 miles off shore. Trips are 2-3 days allowing 7-11 dives respectively. You'll dive on all 3 banks...East, West and Stetson. You'll also get to dive on a platform which might be the coolest thing ever. You get a comfortable bunk and the galley will keep you well fed. Its not resort style diving; its a little more adventurous! The folks at LOCAL DIVESHOP can tell you more about diving on the Fling and what specialties you might want to take before your trip to the Flower Gardens. VIZ: Earlier this season there was some algae and plankton bloom as well as some mixed temps that compromised the viz. It seems like in the last 2 weeks that has started to clear up. Its not 100% just yet, but you can see 100 ft vertically and 85 feet horizontal on the East & West Banks. On the platforms, there are more layers of murkiness, but the viz below 65 is great. At Stetson Bank, there is more flow so the viz is still limited. All week it has been milky at the surface and then opening up to 50-60 feet at the bottom which is all you need to see all the amazing marine life that makes Stetson so special. CURRENTS: The currents in the Gulf change from day to day and hour to hour. 2-3 weeks ago, they were ripping and in the last 2 weeks they have been very manageable if there has been any current at all. CRITTERS: The Flower Gardens is ON right now! The customers and crew are all coming back to the boat with exciting finds! We've been watching all kinds of spawning including the Ocean Triggers, scallops on the platform, bluehead wrasse and more. We've been seeing all kinds of sharks. In just the last two weeks we've seen reef sharks, nurse sharks, silkies, sand bar sharks and a hammerhead. There have been a couple of daytime octopus sitings, devil rays, southern rays and MANTAS, spotted eels and golden tails in holes and free swimming, big lobsters and groupers, kobia, sea turtles, schooling jacks and scorpion fish! Of course, we can't leave out all the little guys like the yellowhead jawfish and all the patches of sailfin blennies that live at Stetson! BOOKING: Traditionally, diveshops have been limited to what trips they could book. This season, there is more flexibility. Get in touch with LOCAL DIVESHOP or your LOCAL DIVESHOP instructor to find out about booking for this season!

25. juni 2009

FLOWER GARDENS TRIP REPORT (June 25, 2009) WHAT TO EXPECT: In a nutshell, the Flower Gardens is a protected National Marine Sanctuary located about 130 miles off shore. Trips are 2-3 days allowing 7-11 dives respectively. You'll dive on all 3 banks...East, West and Stetson. You'll also get to dive on a platform which might be the coolest thing ever. You get a comfortable bunk and the galley will keep you well fed. Its not resort style diving; its a little more adventurous! The folks at LOCAL DIVESHOP can tell you more about diving on the Fling and what specialties you might want to take before your trip to the Flower Gardens. VIZ: Earlier this season there was some algae and plankton bloom as well as some mixed temps that compromised the viz. It seems like in the last 2 weeks that has started to clear up. Its not 100% just yet, but you can see 100 ft vertically and 85 feet horizontal on the East & West Banks. On the platforms, there are more layers of murkiness, but the viz below 65 is great. At Stetson Bank, there is more flow so the viz is still limited. All week it has been milky at the surface and then opening up to 50-60 feet at the bottom which is all you need to see all the amazing marine life that makes Stetson so special. CURRENTS: The currents in the Gulf change from day to day and hour to hour. 2-3 weeks ago, they were ripping and in the last 2 weeks they have been very manageable if there has been any current at all. CRITTERS: The Flower Gardens is ON right now! The customers and crew are all coming back to the boat with exciting finds! We've been watching all kinds of spawning including the Ocean Triggers, scallops on the platform, bluehead wrasse and more. We've been seeing all kinds of sharks. In just the last two weeks we've seen reef sharks, nurse sharks, silkies, sand bar sharks and a hammerhead. There have been a couple of daytime octopus sitings, devil rays, southern rays and MANTAS, spotted eels and golden tails in holes and free swimming, big lobsters and groupers, kobia, sea turtles, schooling jacks and scorpion fish! Of course, we can't leave out all the little guys like the yellowhead jawfish and all the patches of sailfin blennies that live at Stetson! BOOKING: Traditionally, diveshops have been limited to what trips they could book. This season, there is more flexibility. Get in touch with LOCAL DIVESHOP or your LOCAL DIVESHOP instructor to find out about booking for this season!

24. juni 2009

The divers couldn't have asked for better weather on this 3 day trip. Seas were running between 1ft to 2ft for the entire trip. On the West Bank the current on the surface was moderate with a light bottom current, vis 80ft, and water temp 79. The divers enjoyed the Manta, grouper, jacks, shark, and eels on this dive. HI-389 there were tons of fish, shark, turtle, large schools of jacks, with vis 80ft and water temp 78. On East Bank #5 the Manta's were back, with the shark, lobster, shrimp, and christmas tree worms. The current was moderate, with vis 80ft and water temp 79. On East Bank #1 vis was 80ft, water temp 79, with and a very mild current. The divers enjoyed the company of several Manta's, shark, mobula, and turtle. On HI-376 there was a mild current, vis 80, and water temp 80. There was a hugh number of fish, crabs, and turtle. The vis was down on Stetson Bank running between 30ft to 40ft, water temp 79, seas running between 1ft to 2ft, and a mild current. The diver were visited by silky sharks, lots of sting rays, eels, lobster, scorpion fish, french angels, butterfly fish and a octopus.

22. juni 2009

We had a small group go out for the Father Day's weekend trip but they weren't disappointed. Sea's were running around 3ft all weekend on all banks. On The West Bank #5 we had a moderate surface current and a light bottom current, vis 80ft, and water 78. There were puffes, large schools of jacks, lots of barracuda, lobster, and nurse shark. On HI-389 were was a moderate to mild current, vis 70 ft and water temp 79. There were lots of fish, file fish, blennies and fireworms. On the East Bank #5 there was a moderate current, vis 70 ft, and water temp 79. A large nurse shark, eel, lobster, shrimp and a turtle take the diver company on this dive. At Stetson Bank there was a strong surface current and a light bottom current, vis 70 ft, and water temp 79. There were schools of jacks, large angles, lobster, trunkfish, scorpion fish, eels, and rays.

15. juni 2009

Congratulations to MADISON LEE for making his 500th dive on the West Bank on Saturday, June 13th. On the West Bank #1 there was a strong current, seas running 2ft to 3ft, vis around 50ft, water temp 78 and the divers were treated to a bull shark, trigger fish, barracuda, and lobster. At HI-389 we still had a strong current but the rig had lots of fish, a large barracuda, schools of jacks and a turtle. On the East Bank Saturday afternoon the seas were running around 2ft, water temp 78, vis around 50ft and a moderate current. Free swimming eels, crabs, and a shark were spotted on this dive. On Sunday morning at Stetson Bank there was a very strong surface current and a moderate bottom current, vis around 50ft and the water temp 78. The divers were enjoyed the blennys, cobia, lobster, eels, and rays on this dive.

14. juni 2009

The Thursday/Friday trip, June 11th - 12th, 2009 had seas running around 4ft on Thursday and around 3ft on Friday. On the West Bank #4 there was a moderate surface current with a light bottom current, vis around 70ft and water temp 78. The divers found schools of amber jacks, lobster, and a large grouper. On HI-389 there was a moderate surface current, vis around 60ft, water temp 77 and the divers were visited by jacks, firworms, many different kinds of fish and a turtle. On the East Bank on buoy #1 the divers enjoy diving with shrimp, urchins, file fish, puffers, and a shark. The water temp was 78, seas around 3ft, and a moderate current on the surface and a lighter current near the bottom. Stetson Bank is always full of surprises - seas were running around 3ft, vis only 50ft, water temp 77, and a strong current. But the divers saw Ealge rays, stingrays, amberjack, eels and lobster. Thanks to all the divers and hope to see you again soon.

11. juni 2009

The D. D. Dive Shop from Chicago made their annual trip once again this year. The seas conditions pick up a little from the weekend trip and they had 3ft to 5ft seas for most of their trip. On the West Bank #5 seas were running between 3ft to 4ft, vis around 50ft, water 78 and a strong strong. The divers had slipper lobster, harracudas, groupers, and jacks on this dive. On HI-389 the vis was around 30ft down to 50ft and 80ft below 50ft, water temp around 77. The divers were visited by sharks, turtles, and lots of fish. On the East Bank #5 & #1 there was a mild to strong current, vis around 60ft, water temp around 78 and seas running between 3ft to 4ft. We had Mantas, sharks, lobster, stingray, eels, crabs, and barracuda on these dives. At HI-376B there was a mild current, vis around 80ft, water temp 78, and seas around 3ft. The divers enjoyed the turtle, schools of jacks, and lots of fish. On Stetson Bank #1 & #3 there was a strong surface current and a mild bottom current. The seas were running around 3ft to 4ft, vis 70ft and water temp 77. The silky sharks, eels, lobster, urchins stingrays, angles, snapper, and jacks made the last day of diving a great one.

8. juni 2009

Another weekend trip with great weather and seas. On Saturday with seas were running around 1ft, moderate current, water temp 78 and vis around 70ft and we were diving on the West Bank #5 with a big grouper, squid, triggers, eels, and barracudas. At HI-389 the seas pick up a little from 1ft to 2ft to 3ft with a moderate current, water temp 78 and vis 60ft. Once again there ever a large schools of jacks, sharks and a lots of fish. At East Bank #4 seas were running around 2ft, moderate current, water temp 78, and vis 60ft and the divers were visited by sharks, eels, lobster, tuna file fish, queen angles and 4 Mantas. On Sunday, once again Stetson Bank was full of marine life: schools of of jacks, scorpion fish, rays, eels, lobster, silkys, bull shark, and Hammerheads. The water temp was around 76 with a moderate current.

5. juni 2009

We had a new group from Mid-Missouri Dive Center to do the first Flower Garden trip and boy did they get great weather for it. On the West Bank #3 the seas were running around 2ft with no current, vis 80ft, and water temp around 77. This was the first ocean dive for a lot of the divers and they were treated to trigger fish, angle fish, butterfly fish, eels, lobster, mantas, and large crabs. On the East Bank we had a mild current, water temp around 78, vis around 60ft and seas running around 2ft. Once again the sting rays, puffers, jacks, shrimp, crabs and starfish were out and about. The divers did both rigs - HI-389 and HI-376A were the water temp was around 78, vis around 80, and a moderate current. There were many sharks, a very large turlte, lots of schools of fish, and crabs. Everyone who had a camera got some great pictures. On Stetson Bank the vis was around 60ft, water temp 77, and seas running between 2ft to 3ft. There were a lots of rays, hugh lobsters, eels, sharks, urchins, snapper, jacks, eaglerays, and octopus. Everyone enjoy their trip and will be back again.

1. juni 2009

The May 30 - 31, 2009 weekend was a good one. The seas were running between 1ft and 2ft all weekend and a very mild current. On the West Bank the water temp was around 75 and vis around 80ft were the divers visited by stingrays, large groupers, horse eye jacks, amberjacks, barracuda, turtles, large puffters. On HI -389 we have turtles, sharks, and the vis was limited because there were to many fish to see thru very far. On the East Bank #5 there were snapper, barracuda, jacks, shrimp, crabs, groupers, silkys, sea urchins, and lobster. On Sunday we were diving on Stetson Bank with a water temp around 80 and vis around 80ft with hugh Southern Rays, lobster, eels, snapper, silkys, urchins scorpion fish, eagle rays, and hammerheads - yes there are still hammerheads on Stetson Bank.

28. maj 2009

Well we had a full house for the Memorial weekend 3 day trip and what a great bunch of divers. The trip out Friday night was very good with 3ft to 4ft slow rollers. The current on the West Bank was very mild, water temp between 76 - 78, and the vis good. The divers had schools of jacks, creole wrasse, and nurse sharks with them on this dive. On HI-389 the water temp was running around 77 and the current once again very mild. Hanging out at the rig were amberjacks, jacks, and sharks. At HI376B with current pick up a little but the water temp was about same between 77 and 79 and vis good. There were 6 black tip and silky sharks, rainbow runners, jacks, and turtles on this dive. At the East Bank we found a large shark and slipper lobsters. On Sunday we were diving Stetson Bank with no current and good vis. The divers had a large variety of sealife - kingmackeral, amberjacks, hugh french angels, lots of stingrays, sailfin blennies, blue runners, blue gobies, lobsters, brittle starfish, arrow crabs, bristle worms eagle ray, marex couch and look downs. All in all a great trip for everyone!

26. maj 2009

We board the boat on Friday night, May 16th, with a very small group of divers. There was plently of room for everyone on this trip. The crew did manage to set 4 buoys in between dives and now there are 3 buoys on the West Bank and 3 buoys on the East Bank. We change our schedule a little due to the fact that there were no buoys on the West Bank and we made our first dive on the East Bank #5. The seas were running between 3ft to 4ft, water temp 75 and the vis around 80ft. There were large schools of jacks, eels, grouper and barracudas. Our second dive was on HI-376B - and the seas were running between 2ft to 3ft a mild current, water temp 75 and the vis around 70ft. The divers had plenty of things to look at: silky sharks, turtles, filefish, schools of jacks and a lots of other fish. At the West Bank on Buoy #1 the seas were around 2ft with a very mild current, water temp 75 and the vis around 60 ft. Once again there were nurse sharks, lobsters, mackeral, black grouper, eels, crabs, and southern rays. Our last day on Sunday, we were at Stetson and the diving was a little bit harder with a strong current, vis down to 40ft, water temp 70 and the seas running 2ft to 4ft. There were still hammerheads on Stetson, silky sharks, eels, lobster, and southern ray. All in all everyone had a great time and I hope to see each and everyone of you back again to dive the Flower Gardens.

6. april 2009

The ride out started pretty well but seas increased as we got near Stetson Bank. Arrived at West Bank Saturday morning to find only one mooring which was damaged. We tied to it and tried to repair it but the line parted. Seas were too rough to attempt to install another mooring, so we set sail for East Bank. We tied to buoy #6 at East Bank and did two dives. Seas were 5', mild current, water temp was around 68, vis about 75'. Divers saw a large manta, hammerhead sharks, eels, tuna, schools of amber jack, spanish mackerel, and lots of other fish. Seas increased to 6' by noon and getting back on the boat was a real challenge but everyone handled it well. Between dives our divemasters installed a temporary mooring on #5. After the second dive we moved to HI389 platform where seas were knocked down a bit by the structure. Otherwise conditions were about the same as East Bank. Divers saw a large turtle, and large schools of game and tropical fish. We completed the platform dive and returned to East Bank to dive buoy #5. By mid-afternoon the wind had decreased and seas were on the way down, so the fourth and fifth dives were much easier than the morning dives. Divers saw southern sting rays, lobster, eels, hammerheads and lots of small stuff. After diving four dives in challenging conditions everyone was tired and opted not to do a night dive, instead we spent the evening watching TV and eating brownies and Blue Bell. We left East Bankd about 2am Sunday and headed for Stetson. The sea had calmed to about 2' by then with a southeast wind so the ride to Stetson was quiet and smooth. We tied up at Stetson #1 around 6am and did two dives. Sea was 2', current was mild, water temp 68, and vis around 60'. Divers saw a large turtle, hammerheads, reef sharks, spinner sharks, eels, and lots of other critters. We headed home about 11:30am. Seas were about 2' and on our stern when we left making the ride smoother and comfortable. About 25 miles from home we ran into a strong Norther. Seas increased to 5' to 6' from the North making the ride a bit bumpy, but most everyone seemed to deal with it well and we made it back to the dock right on time.

25. marts 2009

They always said the third time is a charm. Our third trip of the season went off without a hitch. The seas stay around 3 feet all weekend with mild to moderate current. On the West Bank the divers were treated to hammerheads, reef sharks, eels, lobster, amberjacks, and a tiger shark. We move the boat to HI-389 were the visibility was 70 feet and the water temp. was running around 66. We had reef sharks, jacks, a turtle and lots of barracuda. The East Bank was also full of marine life; reef sharks, nurse sharks, eels, barracuda, lobster, shrimp, crabs, and spinner sharks. On Sunday we dove on Stetson Bank were the divers were once again treated to hammerheads, reef sharks, eels, lobster, schools of Spanish Mackeral and Amberjacks. All in all a very good trip and everyone had a great time.

23. marts 2009

Well our second trip had a very exciting start at the dock but once we got underway and trip was perfect. We made it out to the West and East were the seas were running between 2ft and 4 with a mild current and water temperature between 65 and 68 depending on which buoy you were diving. The divers dove on Buoy #5, Buoy #6 and HI -389 were they saw many hammerheads, silkys nursesharks, turtle, puffers, amberjacks, yellowfin tuna, large groupe, Manta, eel, and a very large tigershark. The visibilty on Stetson was running around 70ft with water temperature near 68 with a mild current. Once again the divers were diving with the hammerheads, reef sharks, amberjacks, eels, and lobster. All in all wonderful trip.

16. marts 2009

Well we finally made our first trip for the season and as with all first trips we had some minor problems. We blew out a hydraulic hose which made steering a little difficult. We did a Stetson only trip where there were plenty of things to see. We dove on Bouy#1 and Bouy #5 where the divers and photographers had plenty subjects to look at. They saw hammerheads, bullsharks, silkysharks, dolphins, mantas, jawfish, eels, lobsters, amberjacks, large schools of mackerels, and scorphian fish. On Saturadays the seas were running 3ft and 5ft with moderate morning current and a mild evening current with water tempature 65 and visiblity of 80ft. On Sunday the seas were running between 2ft and 3ft with a mild current.