Always a popular wreck, the Independence II headed out with a full group of experienced wreck divers to the Resor. The seas were calm, and since it is a bit of a ride out, many were able to get a quick catnap on the way. Yoda Frogman (Terry) jumped in for the tie, and had the pool open in no time. We heard rumors that another boat had been there recently, but tied into the bow. Dan’s numbers are for the stern. Given the size of the wreck, there were no real worries. This wreck is huge. It’s a good swim from the bow to the stern, and anyone looking for dinner would take too long to make the full journey.
Sunset over the bay
Terry clocked a 150 minute dive and brought up a bag of goodies for his effort. I jumped once he was on deck.
There was some current on the surface, but it dropped off by the 100ft mark. The bottom was bright with a good 30+ ft of vis. I tied off and headed out. Terry inflatable games told me about his excursion to the left of the anchor, and recommended I go right. Within a few seconds, I knew exactly where I was, the stem. There above me was the deck gun, and a few feet away was the scallop dredge … and then the stern of the wreck. OK, Right is not the right way to go.
The bottom was littered with empty scallop shells from previous trips. Here and there were live scallop. By this time I’d nab a few. Lobsters were in short supply. I saw a few small claws, but nothing that called out “take me home”. Heading back through Terry’s path of carnage I ran into the largest Ling Cod I’ve ever seen. I had no poll spear available. It swam right up to me. I pulled out my bag to see just how curious it was, but it was not quite that stupid.
While picking up a few scallops in my path, I was still looking for lobster here and there. Finally, I found my quarry in large pipe about 4 ft off the bottom. With claws just smaller than my hands, I estimate a good 4 pounder. Rules of engagement were discussed, battle plans were drawn, and the moment of truth arrived…. I had was at a distinct disadvantages. The pipe provided him a deep area to retreat. But for some reason he would come up to within a few feet of the open end, almost in reach After he mocked my attempts, I gave up and continued the scallop harvest. On the way back to the line Lingzilla swam by again. It’s annoying when the fish have attitude!
All in all a nice dive. The bottom was a bit cool at 43, but the hang was a close to 70.
A good number of nice lobsters came up, and Terry extracted a good 4 pounder from another part of the wreck. Scallops came up by the bag full. Captain Dan had so many, he had to shoot his up on a lift bag. Many divers had acquired their first scallops, and Dan spent time demonstrating the proper cleaning method, and discussing various ways to prepare them. (I’m partial to the wrapped in bacon and grilled, but my wife has many recipes that are all good.)
Most divers did a second dive, with even more scallops and lobster were brought aboard. Joe and Terry jumped in for a short dive and pulled the hook.
We were quickly home and coolers were loaded. A great day of diving!