Tug-Of-War

What a day! Can you believe a day of fishing, catching a boat load of fish and after splitting up the cost: $25! The water was rough starting out, just as good as many of the roller coaster rides that I have ridden in the past. Later, I really enjoyed watching those waves hitting the reef, especially next to some of the uninhabited islands. We chased the bird piles getting into many strikes and landing many fish. I was using a hand line. After several fish landed, I had a large fish hit. I was mid-boat and not making much head-way. Danny grabbed the line at the aft end of the boat and moved the line away from a fishing rod. He started to pull on the line and almost got pulled in, it was a stand-off, the fish (mackerel) rolled, looking fat and every bit of 5 1/2' long, and the line broke! Oh well, I knew this was going to be a good day when we started and was asked if I was ready for some tug-of war!
Like I said the fishing was great!
These guys can really slice them up fast!
I missed the picture of Danny eating some off of the fish, after the meat had been cut off. He had a 4' fish and eating on it like a corn on the cob! I ate some but like some seasoning and more fire!

What I think is a full load of fish!
Back at the dock and headed to the cleaning table.
Too many to haul up inside the ice chest.
The ice chest was over filled and there was not room for all the fish.
I was sitting with my legs over the ice chest to try and prevent any more escapes.

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We had a lot of fish loose and dancing all around the (inside) of the boat.
A Prized Yellow Tuna; but not a real big one.
These fish all seem to have teeth--to be avoided.

The Airplane Graveyard was an exciting dive. Two divers went first, came back up and Kyle and I went down. This first picture shows our anchor, which snagged one of the up-right planes.




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Find the clown fish and their host will be near by, this one hidden well.
Always colorful fish everywhere.
This fish has outstanding colors which did not come out well in the shot but the "dots" seem to glow underwater.
By 8th Island, went thru a small cavern, looking out; found a new type of Cowry shell inside it.

Sometimes these guys will let you get right next to them; watching them pound into the sand can be very impressive. They can really cloud up the water and almost disappear, covering themselves up when they want to.

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Hundreds of all types of fish all around, not to mention many sharks.
How many sharks can you see right now? No mater how many you get to see, one turning toward you and swimming directly at you will always get your attention.

This guy was hiding back under some over-hanging rocks; flash photos pick up the back-splatter (white spots).
These appear black underwater. Waving in the current, are a sight not to be missed.
The fans are truly impressive.

The sun setting over a small island of sand.

Sunset, with low tide starting to expose a small sand island.
The full moon reflecting over the water with Alcor and MMW glowing to the side.

The Terns are one of my favorite birds to watch out here; they will swoop down on you!
First ducks that I've seen here, by the water catchment; Chinese Mallards?
Bright moon + low tide = 6 Humpback Cowry Shells (but were hard to find).
Location for some shark fishing today. Hooked one but he broke my line.
Need to pick up some longer wire leaders.

Before going to work tonight, some bike ridding, fishing and hammock time.
Went on a snorkeling trip to 6th Island, several "empty" clam shells
(also water spots on the camera lens)

Went to 6th Island today for snorkeling.