The Tampa Bay Times

Close to shore the bottom water temperatures have bolted up and in the past week have reached into the mid 80’s.  This has led the Gag Groupers to run for their desired cooler water temperatures.  The slight thermocline in depths past 90’ have readily accepted the Gags. These fish flourish in the cooler water.  On most of our dives the thermocline dropped the bottom water temperatures down to 75 degrees.  That 10 degrees difference requires a light wetsuit to keep divers comfortable and warm.

The better news is that, over the past few weeks, the weather has been very cooperative for offshore divers and fishermen.  Relatively calm seas in the Gulf of Mexico has made the GOM look as flat as a good day your favorite freshwater pond.  

However, the best news is the superb underwater visibility.  For the past few weeks the offshore visibility has been stellar.  In 35’ of water, less than a week ago, I could easily see the darker underwater ledge from the helm of a single level fishing boat.  When we peered over the gunnel, we could plainlysee the fish darting over the ledge and sand. Just a few days ago in water 180’ we had over 100’ of visibility.  We were constantly surrounded by bait, African Pompano, Amberjacks, Yellowtail Snappers and more from the sand to the surface.  Swimming in the middle of this massive underwater realm was simply – inspirational.

Capt. Bill Hardman teaches scuba classes and runs trips for Scuba, Spearfishing, Freediving and Technical diving courses at Aquatic Obsessions, 6193 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL  33710.  You can reach Capt. Hardman at (727) 344-3483 (DIVE) or info@aodive.com