British Columbia Spearfishing Trip

[Amphibious]

Great Article Pete!!!!!!!

[Fondueset]

I know this is off topic - but I'll take the jump anyway. As you guys probably know I've been stalking the elusive Freshwater Drum of late - with my camera since the DNR does use binoculars. These are pretty skittish fish. This morning I dropped my daughter off at work and parked down near my usual spot. I've been checking out an old pipeline about 100 meters south of my usual haunts. It's a popular spot with the Scubies and runs a little deeper which is nice for my work on depth. The morning was overcast, with light rain, and visibility was down under 30 feet; making it very dark on the bottom. I ended up encountering quite a few. One large one with some scarring around it's mouth seems to know me and has been getting bolder. Here is a shot taken in very dark water at about 10m.

The Video is definitely a personal best for proximity. Looking at it now it seems almost that the drum was getting aggressive! It was the first time I've ever seen one spook and come back in. I think the spook was caused by some small bubbles escaping my hood.



Drums of DOOM!!

[feign]

Thanks for the article Pete, great job. Also, once again Chris, excellent video and fish stalking skills.

lee

[Fondueset]

hmmm.. you know. To my knowlege there is no law preventing me from hunting with a knife... Today I saw a huge school of shad - a first - and a salmon in the 1 meter range.

I discovered the drums were spooked by a noise I made with my soft palate while equalizing. The big one seems to find it a bit of a challenge and likes to circle back.

Pete - I really enjoyed the way your article was written.

[icarus pacific]

Indeed, that article was excellent and serves as a reminder to all here to try and get together and enjoy the water and eachother's company. As with the Keyz Kraze and the Ab Grab, many of you participants will enjoy long lasting friendships.

[unirdna]

Great photos and vids, Fondu! You are the ambassador of L. Michigan.

Strange that the drum (sheephead to some) are usually so spooky. We can get right on top of them in the inland lakes. Don't get me wrong, they are NOT curious like centrarchids. But, they also don't flee when they see you coming. I could shoot them all day.....were it not for the fact that other fish taste better (imo), and drum are very thin across the backbone, too. Deceivingly little meat for their size.

That fish is the sole fw representative of its family. Because it has such recent sw roots, it still breed sw style - in a big mass orgy in open water, floating the eggs on the surface. During the fun, they males "serenade" the females by clacking together bones in their heads. I'll bet if you could mimic this sound, you get males running from all corners - similar to grinding a pair of antlers during the rut.

And great article, Pete!!

[Erik]

Well written article as always Pete. It helped me to see what I missed
Next year amigos.
Erik

[Fondueset]

Looking forward to your next idea Erik - that one was certainly a winner.

Unirdna. As I get quieter the drum get closer. Particularly that big one in the video. But generally they move off the minute they see me - sometimes returning with limited curiosity. I have managed to watch them feed for a few seconds - by hiding behind a big pipe and just peaking over. It was a kick yesterday watching them bolt when I equalized. They definitely don't ignore you! I'm sure I'll get onto something else soon but they sure are awesome looking fish - quite large too.

Big fun encountering the scuba divers out there. They were a little blown away to find me lounging at 10 meters and waving as they swam by. They kept looking back over their shoulders to see if I'd surfaced yet. On the way back I was sitting with my back to them - leaning against a big pipe watching for a big school of shad like I was at the movies. Maybe soon I'll have someone to dive with!! then I could start working more on depth. After watching Eric, Pete and Tyler I decided I want to be as comfortable at 30 meters as I am now at 10 or 15.

[icarus pacific]

Originally Posted by unirdna

I'll bet if you could mimic this sound, you get males running from all corners...

Uh, ok Ted. I'll take your word for it.

Yes, if this is going to be an ongoing event, definitely keep me posted. With the familar temps and game, the people and the viz are definite pluses!

[BatRay]

I'll second that. If there's a Telegraph Cove Part II in the works, I'd love to be there .

[cdavis]

Third! Just announce it early enough for me to order an Elios to keep this tropical wuss warm.

Connor

[Fondueset]

The whale lady may go critical mass...

[BatRay]

Sounds like a personal problem

[Fondueset]

She fell for Jim in a big way, and took it hard when he chose a greenling over her.

[jimdoe2you]

I found this beautiful pic I took from the trip and thought I would share it with everyone!



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