i had the bug to go out a bit ago and talked with some of my dive buddies about putting on the thicker wetsuit and going offshore at the fl/ga border, but one suggested west palm for some bug catching and i was easily convinced. we got a hold of a 3 tank trip for $100 (also spearfishing friendly) and was able to do it saturday and sunday. we were in about 80-90 feet of water with visibility from top to bottom only a mile or 2 from the beach with the water temp being about 75. saturday was great with 70-80 degree air temp with calm wind and flat seas. sunday was a bit more sporty with on and off rain and a 15-20 knot west wind and 3 foot seas. limits were had by all (6 per person per day) both days, but we found them faster sunday with the overcast skies and not as fun surface conditions. ive done bug catching once before in islamorada, fl (upper keys) and smashed my best bug with one that went about 2-2.5lbs. the tail alone went an even pound on a food scale. i also managed to stab a few lionfish, but never saw too many bigger shooting fish whether i went down with a speargun or a lobster bag. i did see a few mutton snapper i couldnt get a good shot at along with some out of season hog snapper, but never pulled the trigger on the speargun. i definitely want to do that dive again!
