 |
 |
| FROM THE PRESIDENT |
Here Comes the Dive Season!
The FSDA team has been busy planning
and preparing another great dive year for 2005. Here is some of what is coming
up:
-
The season kicks off with the 2005 FSDA State Freedive Championship on April 16. Entry forms, rules, and details are freshly posted at http://www.divefsda.com/Free_Diving.htm David Shelton has done anther great job in planning this event.
-
The West Coast Council Series begins April 30 with the Pasco Tournament hosted by the Suncoast Seals. The rules and details will be posted soon.
-
The 3rd Annual Spearboard Open is May 21 in Port Richey, FL. This is a cant-miss event!
-
The Southern Open State Championship photography begins June 18, and spearfishing will be on June 25. The event will have longer dive hours this year, a new freedive category, and we are back at
Ballyhoo Grill in Tarpon Springs. We are trying to make this one our best ever!
-
Members can now sell personal items on the brand new FSDA Marketplace! There is a button to it on the upper left of the front page of the site.
-
We are working on setting up the web site so that you can sign up and pay for events online.
That is just a few of the things
planned or underway. A great list of all the events, with links to the sites, is
on the FSDA Calendar, which
also has a button on the front page of the site.
Editorial: As far as Diver’s
Rights go, the challenges keep coming, and we keep fighting them back to the
best extent of our resources. Most of you do not realize the entire undue burden
that divers bear in this area. Did you know that the daily commercial bycatch in
the Gulf of Mexico, that is fish that are discarded, is somewhere in the area of
the entire annual harvest taken by spearfishing, which has the lowest discard
mortality?
Those of us who do not spearfish might ask: “Why do I care about this?” The
answer is that if you enjoy seafood at all, you should support spearfishing,
since of all methods, it has the lowest bycatch and effect on the habitat of all
methods of harvest. It is the environmentally preferred method, but is thrown
under the bus by some other groups as a sacrificial distraction.
I do not want to bore you with more detail, but I do want to say this to you:
FSDA membership dues have been $15 for ages. For this reason, and the fact that
as a non-profit enterprise our ability to exert political influence is
restricted, our most substantial efforts have been to support the
Fishing Rights Alliance, which seeks “Fairness in Fisheries Management”.
They are doing everything that their slim budget will allow to get the fisheries
managers to control fishing methods like longlining and trawling, which ruin the
habitat and kill many, many fish unnecessarily. I urge you to do your part.
Spend 35 bucks to support the sport we love, and join the
FRA. After you do
that............
Let’s go Diving!
Thanks, John Schmidt and the great FSDA team.
PS: Thanks to all the great members who have already joined!
SunCoast Seals
The Seals banquet was held in Tarpon
Springs at Ballyhoo’s back in January with 43 or so members and quests talking
shop with Ray Odor and some other special friends. A couple works of art were
auctioned to benefit the Fishing Rights Alliance and the awards for 2004 were
handed out.
Mark Huffman and David Shelton took top honors for scuba and free diving
respectively with David also taking the Captain of the Year award. Bill Harshman
had the catch of the year with his 95.08 lb Amber Jack. Tom Morris harvested a
24.04 lb Middle Grounds Hog Snapper and Bret Walley brought the top Grouper, a
hefty 49.08 lber, home.
The past year was one to remember, but 2005 is lining up just fine for the
Seals. We’ll be hosting the first WCC Shoot on April 30th in Tarpon Springs and
we are looking forward to seeing everyone at all of the FSDA functions in ’05.
Keep your ear to the ground and stay informed. Join the FRA and introduce more
friends to our wonderful sport.
Safe diving to all and we’ll see you at the ramp!
Dan Addison “Shooter Dan”
Suncoast Seals, President
SUNCOAST REEF ROWDIES
Awards! Awards! Awards! Rowdies award
two special traveling trophies each year in memory of deceased past club
members, one for Bunnie Louser was established in 1982 in recognition of service
contributions to our club. Congratulations go to Lori Smith who was honored with
the Bunny Louser trophy as past president of the club for several years, among
other services. We thank her for all she has done. Lori was also awarded “Best
of Show” with her contest photograph entered in the “fresh water” catagory. Way
to go, Lori!. Pat Friedette garnered top 2004 competition points in all
catagories and was awarded the club’s second traveling trophy which was
established in memory of Len Favel. Pat’s photography and shell entries were
outstanding. (Pat also won the raffle award this past year – double your
pleasure!) Other great awards were given for the winners of other levels of our
competition. Pat, how do you manage to find such unique awards every year?
Special thanks to Steve Kisco, our competition chairman. (You too Ruth!) What a
great way for all of the Rowdies to celebrate the
holidays!
Digital! The Rowdies have embraced the cutting edge of new technology in
photography, both in above ground and underwater, by merging digital in with the
35 mm and fixed focus catagories in our competition rules for the 2005 season.
New challenges keep us on our toes! (Sorry, couldn’t help using an OLD
saying.)
In that light – the “Three Musketeers” – no, the “Three Grannies” decended
(literally) on Ginnie Springs in February. Yes, we were on the cutting edge
using our digital underwater cameras. But, I have to remember to check my
settings more frequently, I seem to move dials and not realize it ending up with
a surprise video! Let’s see – how can I use that “negative space” creatively
????
We Grannies know how to do a trip though – dive the caverns and then go
shopping, of course! Pat and Eileen are quite the treasure hunters in the
antique shops – ask Pat about her own new shop!! We were sorry that one of our
favorite restaurents in High Springs has closed but we found a new one in
Alachua. Always look forward to good food on these trips too. Alachua has a lot
going for such a small town.
Keep it interesting! Use a different camera focus – see beyond color into the
world of black and white. Finding the contrasts and shadows that make great
black and white pictures takes a whole new perspective. Bobbie Jo Roe and I had
the opportunity to hear the world renowned photographer Clyde Butcher give a
slide show and seminar at Weedon Island’s Nature Center, St. Pete (what a great
building) on his fantastic black and white photographs. He is inspiring! I
purchased one of his books and I am willing to share. Ernie Sigmon encouraged
the Rowdies to add a category for black and white photographs several years ago.
Let’s all give it a real try!
Have you all been swimming with the manatee this year? Six of us had a great
time in January, as usual. Ed always does a good job making the arrangements and
he makes a great captain driving the boat too. Like that hot cocoa too! Bobbie
Jo went back during the week and found even more manatee without all the
congestion of other swimmers. Then Bobbie Jo, two friends and I tried something
new – donned our wet suits, stashed the flippers, masks and hot chocolate in the
hatches and kayaked out to Three Sisters spring to swim with them. It worked
great!
When not diving – go Kayaking! Steve and Ruth have new kayaks with foot peddals
– great for those windy days. Fort Desoto was our destination to see a beautiful
flock of white pelicans. I hear Steve got some good photos and Lori's turned out
great too. Kayaking the Hillsborough River will be the trip March 13th. Let
Bobbie Jo know if you would like to join us – bring your camera!
The following Sunday, March 20th, we will slog around in the cold water of the
Peace River to find that elusive fossil – the Megledon Shark tooth! Who knows,
we might find a great fossil arrowhead point like Pat found several years ago.
April 9th we will join Scuba West to scuba Venice for those great fossils. If
you need a new wetsuit you might consider as semi-wet suit – Steve Kisco loves
his, especially in the cold winter water.
If you have missed our business meetings on the first Tuesday of the month, you
are missing some good programs. The Rowdies were the judges of the Florida
district Ocean Pals Poster contest in January, I showed my Hawaii slides in
January and Bobbie Jo’s great slides of Alaska were shown in March. “Bringing
Back the Bay” and “Living Waters” videos will be future programs. We love to get
together to eat the 3rd Tues of the month. Check our website to see where we
will be meeting: www.knology.net/~bgedz/rowdies/
Keep it wet, Sonia
Seabunnies – Just Trying to Stay Warm!!
It’s winter and the water’s cold! So
the Seabunnies have been out and about, having fun! But we did have a few brave
souls jump in the water the beginning of this year.
Tom and Eileen were diving on Denny and Peggy's boat January 2nd and had a warm,
calm day with plenty of fish. There was some strange dark water for the first 30
feet, then good visibility at the bottom. A standard wetsuit was plenty and
diving was great.
Mary T was diving in the gulf recently. She reports viz was excellent. Air temp
was good. Seas calm. Water temp was do-able in a 5 mil wet suit with hooded
vest. Hogs, and Snapper were scarce and small. Lot's of tropicals. She wishes
she had her camera. The captain of the boat went all over the place, from 85ft
to 125ft, looking for fish. AJs were the only fish in abundance, so she shot her
first fish for the 2005 competition. What few Grouper she did see were solitary
and big. True point of interest: she free shafted a 30+ pound Gag, (no
exaggeration on the size), but failed to get a kill shot. He took off with her
shaft, then wedged the shaft horizontally between two rocks, and escaped in an
instant by breaking the shaft into two pieces!! Gotta have respect for the
mighty grouper!
Leslie got wet – but not from diving! The only water worthy adventure she did
was kayaking the Little Manatee River. The upper end was like an obstacle course
with downed trees - it was beautiful and challenging but not much wildlife to be
seen. It was a cool day and they ended up pretty wet - but it was great!
Even colder activities included snow skiing! Lisa S and John along with Eileen
and Tom just got back from skiing in Montana for a week. They had a fabulous
time in Whitefish Montana, Big Mountain. Mary T went snow sking in the Lake
Tahoe in January, and I think some of the other Bunnies found a ski diversion to
compensate for no diving in mid-winter.
On the warmer side of things: In September Sally and Giovanni Recchia joined Deb
and Terry Holtz, on a tour of Italy, celebrating their 25th anniversary. It was
new itinerary for Trafalgar Tours, and was chosen because it started in Rome,
finished near Milan, and went down to the Amalfi coast and Pompeii. Florence was
another main stop with day trips to many varied locations. It was a great
tour...busy, superb guides for the Vatican, the Iufizzi Gallery and most other
special stops. The great vistas, the medieval fortifications on nearly every
mountain prominence, all the history, and the varied terrain and colors
throughout the country made for an incredible trip. And the food and wine!
Anyone considering a tour of Italy would be pleased with the itinerary of this
trip! After the tour D&T and S&G met up with Giovanni's brother, his wife, and
their 85 year old Mom. The seven of them visited the 3 major lakes regions,
Venice, and the Italian Alps region. What a trip! Deb shot nearly 700 photos and
Giovanni another 800. Where to next?
Rita would like to mention that we all need to keep planning our dive trips!
This past year, the world has experienced some of the most severe disasters of
our lifetime, from the intense destructive hurricanes in this hemisphere, to the
devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean. But we divers still must get out and
support these areas. After the four hurricanes hit Florida this summer, surveys
showed that 60% of travelers were going to “rethink” their Florida vacation
plans. Say what you will about tourists, but if this is true, our economy would
be hard hit. Rita has been in contact with her dive buddies in the Caribbean and
the Andaman Sea (Phuket Island) and she was assured that the major reefs have
been spared. In fact, in the Caribbean, the reefs were “dusted off” and wiped
clean of damaging algae. And, underwater off the coast of India, the force of
the tsunami uncovered what is believed to be an ancient city and parts of a
temple of a centuries-old pilgrimage town. Click on:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-tsunami-sea-temple,0,7531491,print.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines
for info. Phuket is welcoming visitors and that is a beautiful island with
wonderful diving just a boat ride away. So don’t change vacation plans, call
your travel agent and support these areas. You will be glad you did.
Locally, our Artists, Connie and Patti have had a busy season. Their upcoming
art shows are the French Market, being held at Julies Cottage on Indian Rocks
Road in Largo, March 18 & 19 (Fri and Sat). If the weather is good, they will
have the torch set up to do glass bead making demos during the show. Their next
show is a juried show, the weekend of May 14 & 15. This is the "Out of the Blue"
indoor show which is held at
the Harborview Center in Downtown Clearwater. They will also probably be doing
the "Cool Art Show" which will be the middle of July, down at the Coliseum in
St. Petersburg.
The Seabunnies are looking forward to some good diving this year. We already
have our first gulf dive set for the Main Squeeze on May 7th. Contact Lisa B if
interested. Deb H is planning two east coast weekend trips later on, dates TBA.
Lisa S is planning more diving too, because hubby, John, bought a fountain boat
and he is getting it "tournament ready"!
Many thanks to Debbie and Frank for hosting the Judging Party. Her kitchen
remodeling is gorgeous – now we all want new kitchens! We once again had great
food and fun. The preliminary judging results are attached, but you’ll have to
come to the Banquet for the final tally!
Once again, we have our Annual Bunnie Banquet (it’s our 33rd!!). We will be
“Stepping Out” at the Wine Cellar, Reddington Beach on March 26th. Be there
6:15pm for Social Hour with Dinner at 7:00p. We have entertainment, a silent
auction and awards. The “Stepping Out” theme means glamour!! We want to see your
best!!
Congratulations:
Mary B was just accepted to an "intensive care" program at Morton Plant
Hospital. Congratulations to Mary -- she will be missed at Countryside.
Eileen & Tom were blessed with their 4th grandchild, a beautiful healthy baby
boy named Braedan in January.
Paula Argyros plays with the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, and has been traveling
around Florida participating in Celtic festivals and Highland Games. This summer
the Band will be traveling
to Scotland and Ireland to compete in the Irish Championships and European
championships for Pipe Bands
Sea Bunny Judging Party Winners
Shells—Novice Best Collection
Place Sea Bunny
Points
1st Rita Fitzpatrick #8
5
Shells
Best Collection
Place Sea Bunny
Points
1st Mary Taylor #17
5
2nd Betty Tucker #19
4
3rd Pat Fredette #7
3
4th Mary Bergin #6
2
Best Shell
Place Sea Bunny
Shell
Points
1st Mary Taylor #17
(Chrysanthemum) 5
2nd Mary Bergin #6
(Flame Helmet)
4
3rd Betty Tucker #4
(King Helmet)
3
4th Pat Fredette #7
(Atlantic Wing Shell) 2
Artifacts
Man-made
Place Sea Bunny
Points
1st Rita Fitzpatrick #8
5
2nd Mary Bergin #6
4
Natural
Place Sea
Bunny Artifact
Points
1st Pat
Fredette#7
5
2nd Mary
Taylor #17
4
3rd Mary
Bergin #6
3
4th Lisa
Boing #23 (Turtle Scute) 2
Photography
Topside Prints and Slides
Place Sea Bunny
Title/Subject Points
1st Peggy Logan #14A
(Great Blue Heron) 5
2nd Debbie Holtz #2B
(Seaside)
4
3rd Paula Twaits #16B
(Sunset Boats)
3
Fixed Focus
Place Sea Bunny
Title/Subject
Points
1st Debbie Holtz #2C
(Turtle)
5
2nd Mary Taylor #17A
(Black Bar Solider) 4
3rd Rita Fitzpatrick #8B
(Clownfish)
3
Creative/Digital
Place Sea Bunny
Title/Subject
Points
1st Lisa Tatro #5B
(Diamond Blenny) 5
2nd Peggy Logan #14
(Red Grouper)
4
3rd Pat Fredette #7C
(Goby)
3
Standard 35 mm/Wide-Angle Prints
Place Sea Bunny
Title/Subject Points
1st Lisa Tatro #5
(Silversides)
5
2nd Pat Fredette #7A
(Angel in soft Corals) 4
3rd Peggy Logan #14A
(Eel)
3
Standard 35mm Macro
Place Sea Bunny
Title/Subject Points
1st Peggy Logan #14A
(Starfish/Crab) 5
2nd Lisa Tatro #5
(Crab)
4
3rd Pat Fredette #7C
(Conch Eyes) 3
Slides Standard
Place Sea Bunny
Points
1st Lisa Tatro #5
(Lobster)
5
2nd Pat Fredette #7B
(Sponge In Coral)
4
Slides—Macro
Place Sea Bunny
Title/Subject Points
1st Pat Fredette #7
(Feather) 5
2nd Lisa Tatro #5
(Crab) 4
Food Awards—No points toward banquet
Hors d’oeuvres
Place Sea Bunny
Dish
1st Lisa Tatro
Apple Brie
Main Entrée
Place Sea Bunny
Dish
1st Debbie
Pernicano Tilapia
Dessert
Place Sea Bunny
Dish
1st Betty Tucker
Mud Pie
The SPUC Superbowl party lived up to
it's billing as the finest place in the state to catch the game. This
unqualified success was due entirely to the hard work of the volunteers such as
Leon Vasquez setting up the big screen, Terry England for making the gambling
boards, Bill Hardman for running them, GR Tarr, Paul Kerr, and Matt Joswig for
cooking and those who brought the bountiful array of spectacular side-dish
delicacies to the event. We ate 'till we couldn't move, and washed it all down
with a bottomless supply of beer and Bahama mamas. Next year's Superbowl party
will occur on February 6th, 2006, and we've got a standing reservation at
Minnreg hall. Spuc's get in free, and guest admittance is only $10, why stay
home and wreck your own place?
Our "Outstanding Spearfisherman" and "Outstanding Freediver" for 2004 awards
were given at the Superbowl party. Outstanding Spearfisherman was won by Ken
Jones, who shot a tournament record 55.4 pound Cubera snapper in the St. Pete
Open, and Outstanding Freediver was won by Jerry Guerra jr. who's aggregate
included a 272 pound Yellofin Tuna!
Once again, I'd like to mention that the 2005 St. PETE OPEN will be held on
August 19th, 20th and 21st at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, 6800 Sunshine
Skyway Lane, St. Petersburg.
www.holiday-inn.com/marinacove-ss. This year's venue will be much more
accommodating to our tournament, with many more rooms available, and at a lower
rate. Access by boat or car is far easier, docking is much better, food and
beverage are readily available, make plans to stay overnight after the
weigh-in/party! Lounge on the beach, enjoy an excellent breakfast, and wander in
to collect your trophies and prizes at the awards ceremony. To get there by
water, simply come in from the Gulf via Egmont (the shipping) channel, Bunces
pass, or North (Tierra Verde) channel. Turn North on the Skyway channel (you
know, the one that runs alongside the Skyway bridge), and turn East under the
Dick Misner bridge. Immediately after you've gone under the Dick Misner bridge,
turn due North again and run 'till you see the Sunspree beach on your port side,
and the entry channel (stay to the left side, due to sandbar) to the Sunspree
harbor dead ahead. Charts with waypoints will be handed out at the captain's
meeting.
Don’t forget to support the FRA. They are
working hard to protect your fishing rights!!
Scott Hooker
