Activity Report for the Period
April 14 - May 12, 2011
Summary During this period there was 1 Reef Monitoring Trip. On May 7 a trip was made to FH-2 and FH-13. It was hoped to beat the nasty flood waters of the Flooding Mississippi River, but it appears that did not happen. Visibility rendered efforts almost fruitless with poor water on both the surface and bottom. There was a small window of workable water which allowed some observations on the Gerald Corcoran (Linda Susan), but only upper mid-water fish could be observed on the other structures.
060624 Gerald C. Corcoran Reef 435F13
Position: 29°59.794'N / 88°29.892'W
This 145' River Tug Boat is sitting upright in about 86' of water within FH-13. Visibility was poor due to the flooding Mississippi River. There was about 20-30 feet of murky water on top and again 20-30 feet above the bottom. This left a 20-30 foot area of usable water in between. Observations could be made on this reef due to its high profile, but the other sites were not tall enough. There was a great abundance of red snapper (1-16lbs./100-150) with good concentrations of Trigger Fish (25-30), and Spadefish (200-250). There was a noticeable decline in the Sheepshead population (1-4lbs./3-5) compared to last month which is an indication of the arrival of the Summer season. Urchins, Arrow Crabs and a couple Damsels were seen, but still no Angels or Butterflies. There was the usual few Gag Groupers (1-3lbs./3-4), Mangrove Snapper (1-6lbs./6-10). Noteworthy was the sighting of a large Sea Trutle. Some depth readings were also taken, lower railing was 66 feet, upper railing was 58 feet, Spotlight was 55 feet, Radar Tower was 54 feet. Topside fishing was quite good for red snapper on all the reefs visited. Two redfish were also caught.