Dive #92 - Rich Torkington's Dive Log

A HUGE hogfish at Shark Point
Videograph by Rich Torkington in TCI 2002

Dive Journal: We’re of course a bit apprehensive about diving a site called Shark Point, located just a bit north of Salt Cay Divers. We learn, however, that the site is so named because fisherman used to catch sharks around here, and not because divers typically encounter them here. In fact, this dive site is actually known for turtle sightings.

We’re of course a bit apprehensive about diving a site called Shark Point, located just a bit north of Salt Cay Divers. We learn, however, that the site is so named because fisherman used to catch sharks around here, and not because divers typically encounter them here. In fact, this dive site is actually known for turtle sightings.

It is again a beautiful wall here, with fabulous coral, sponge, and plant growth everywhere. Down over the wall, a relatively bold queen triggerfish shows her colors for us, and there are lots of flamingo tongues. Another school of chub fly through midwater at one point, followed a bit later by two scrawled filefish.

On the flats, I find a very pretty whitespotted filefish (orange phase). A HUMONGOUS hogfish finally appears, swims just beneath me, and seems hardly affected by my presence. In retrospect, that was interesting, because our neighbor Pat later sold us some excellent hogfish that we enjoyed for dinner later the same evening!

I’ve again resorted to wearing my gloves on the dives here. I’m not sure they help keep me warmer, but there is a psychological effect anyway. I also tried wearing one of the new Salt Cay Divers neoprene beanie caps, which cover the head but not the ears like a regular hood would. Similarly, I am not sure I can feel the difference, but there is a psychological effect of warmth, and so therefore, by definition, it helps.