Another day of incredible weather on the reef. Our day starts out with swim at the Cod Hole. A popular stop for all the boats because of it’s trained abundant life. A bunch of resident Giant Cod, along with a menagerie of Red Bass, reef sharks, and Coral Trout. As soon as you hit the water, everything seems to swim up to greet you as the bubbles clear around your mask. Kinda spooky at first. Later on when the light chumming started, it was time get back in the boat. The natives were starting to get restless…

 
 
Couldn’t resist hand feeding a few of the big boys.
 
 
As we heeded outside the reef for the day, we made some passes along the outer edge. Since photography is my profession, it’s not often I feel that a picture doesn’t do a scene justice. But this is one of those places on earth that reminds me of the truth in that old saying. The beauty and extent of the reef can not be captured in any media.
 
 
Then the poppers hit the water and the Giant Trevalle’s pounced. This one found it’s way into the tail rope for a quick photo.
 
 
Back out in the deep for the afternoon troll. This Queenie rigged on twisted double wire makes for a fine offering. And it doesn’t hurt that it swims like an olympian.
 
 
Carl and Steve make the release part of catch, tag, and release look easy.
 
 

 
The weather remained spectacular today. But not the ideal conditions for the marlin bite. Light North winds and strong full moon current historically make for slow fishing on the edge. So we have to wait it out. The forecast is for things to get back to it’s normal fishy self in a few days time. Meanwhile, we try to stay entertained. This morning we anchored down and went for a swim on the reef. The reef is alive! Lots of critters and someone living in every hole in the coral. Even got to swim down and touch a Giant Clam once the Whitetip sharks moved on.

 
While Tim was paddling back to the boat with our lunch in tow, a small Bull Shark thought he would help himself. Some fast thinking saved the day and our lunch. That shark was onto something, turns out Coral Trout are delicious.
 
 
 
Stephan takes advantage of every moment to get in some fishing. Here is a big stick bait, loaded up for a big cast.
 
 
 
His diligence pays off with a perfect bait sized Scaley Mackeral.
 
 
 
Our fearless leader Tim in his office. We pounded the waters in front of Ribbon #7 today, no sightings, no bites.