Mike sent me the part # and instructions for replacing the prop hub and I likely would call a repair man on Monday morning to get us fixed up. I spent some time on Sunday night reading about spun hubs and recalling some of the prop maintenance I had completed on our Key West boat a few years back. That knowledge, a handy repair dock onsite and some tools we had brought down in the truck gave me the confidence to undertake this repair myself. Picked up the parts needed at West Marine first thing on Monday morning and went to work for replacing the hub.
About 10am I had completed the test drive (with the electric trolling motor onboard, just in case :). We were back in action and ready for a great day on the water and thankfully the weather had cleared up and forecast showed light winds all day.
First stop was back over by 7 mile bridge, this time being extra careful to not contact any floating objects. Cindy had seen some nice stone crabs at a spot last week and thought we might check if they were still home as this was opening day for stone crab season. Found the spot and anchored up to try my luck at stone crab extraction from holes. Struck out trying the tickle stick even while using the regulator with air. Rethought about other devices onboard for crab extraction and decided on some long-nose pliers. Most experienced crab hunters will grab them barehanded, but I wasn’t yet at that level to take my chances of getting pinched by a large claw. Pliers were the right tool and I was able to drag him out of the hole by locking the pliers onto his large claw which was about to be removed. Netted him once out of the hole and brought him up to the boat for further processing. I had watched a few youtube videos in previous days on proper handling and claw removal, so was able to capture his largest claw with relative ease. (you can learn just about anything via youtube videos). A great start to the day with a hefty claw on opening day!
A tasty treat from the ocean, keep in mind the size of my humongous hands
Proceeded onto a series of GPS spots in search of lobsters, where we spent the rest of the beautiful day exploring and loading up a nice haul of 16 lobsters and 2 red groupers. Steve got right back into the groove, pulling up a legal one on the first spot and his first dive down! Cindy also had a first today, using the regulator and lobster bag to dive down on an anchored spot and pull about 4 legals. With 3 people on the tank we ran out of air quite soon, so most of the day would be without the regulator and require the hold-your-breath snorkeling method. Some day we’ll splurge and buy the Brownies third lung or some variation so we can have unlimited air on the regulator.
Clear water, blue skies and light current makes for great lobstering
Steve back in action in the Keys
Steve’s first day of lobstering was a success!
Ended the day with a glassy sunset cruise back to the house, what a complete 180 from our experience on Sunday! Weather is supposed to be just as nice all week..
Couple of lobsters about to be prepped for dinner
Chris, Cindy, Charlie and Cecily’s Adventure Blog 
What a great day. Love that glassy water!