Diving with Dad

Today was one of those rare days where the conditions were almost perfect for diving off the beautiful hamakua coast. I was lucky enough that on this same day my dad was off from work. We decided to do a morning dive since there was a slight high tide. All this past week, the winds have been gusty. However today, there was no wind at all.

I decide to test out my bumper buoy rig that my friend Troy had helped me with. I also wanted to test out my flashers which were finally finished after 3 coats of clear casting resin had been applied. I checked my freezer and found two ziplocs of anchovies from the last dive Nick and I went on.

Soon after breakfast my dad and I load up the truck and drive down to one of our favorite spots to dive. Upon reaching our destination, I make quick note that the wind and water was almost perfect. We spotted a truck parked on top and I started to pray that they would let us jump in. We quickly suited up and hiked down.

There were two fishermen there who stayed and fished all night. They were friendly and allowed us to jump in since they were leaving. The water was the nicest I've seen it all summer. We started to swim to the right and stayed right along the ledge looking for some big game. Seeing nothing we decided to head in a ways to work the reef. I come across a nice fish pile with a good size Mu and Joe. I take a drop on the Mu and am just about to level off when the fish spook.

We continue to swim and I see yet another Mu which quickly evades me upon noticing my presence. I decide to head to really shallow water so my dad can pick up some kole. I see this good size omilu swimming slowly and throw a spoon but he bolts and doesn't want anything to do with me. We finally come to the pinnacle and my dad starts shooting koles. I see a Mu in the distance and notice that he is curious. I take a drop and hide behind a big bolder. I flatten my body as much as possible and take a quick peek to see the Mu swimming towards me. I look down and stay as still. The Mu finally swims within gun range and I get a good shot!

Since the water was nice we decide to swim out past the ledge in search of onos. I start to lower my flashers and start to chum. We drift for about an hour and see nothing. Swimming back in we decide to call it a day.