Cool Octopus - 2/11/11

I saw the ocean get much calmer today and thought the south wind might push a bit of clear water up onto one of my favorite reefs, so I bailed work early and jammed over the hill to the Cape.  It was only slightly breezy over there, but it was 51 degrees vs the low 60's and dead calm that had felt so nice in town.  The clear water hadn't come in as I'd hoped, but there was a bit of nice water in the nearest channels, so I suited up and got in for an hour or so.  I hunted around in 2-6' of water hoping to see a grassy or a cab or even a MFP, but I could only see 2-3' at best.  I didn't end up seeing any fish other than a couple little scurriers, but I did stumble onto the biggest octopus I've ever seen.  I was pulling along on the surface in 2-3' of water and hugged right onto something large and slimy.  I thought it was a rock covered in that really slippery plastic like growth, but then realized I'd grabbed onto an octopus!  I backed off and got my bearings - I'm glad it wasn't at depth.  I flicked on the video and teased it a bit with my fingers, eliciting lightning quick suction cup exposure on arms that looked pretty weak individually, but the thought of the entire creature reaching up and grabbing onto my face was definitely crossing my mind!     I realized it was holding onto a rock the size of half a boogieboard - the octopus itself was as big as a bag of groceries, so I moved the rock a bit and the animal suddenly let go the rock and was out of there so quickly that I barely got it on video.  The ink bath was so cool!  I'd brought the yak and was going to cruise around the channels and maybe hop out on the rocks and fish, but just seeing that octo and being in the water for a little session was enough.  I headed home to clean up and wait for the family to get out of school.  They did and I decided to head to the beach before dinner to get rid of the dried up Christmas Tree.  I've burnt a few over the years and it always amazes me how they go up like a bomb.  Anyway, really need to go kayak fishing, but this got me through the day.   

Thanks for the cool video Eric.  Guess Octopus is not your favorite food huh...Me on the other hand love it the Sashimi way! 

Cute pet you got there. Thanks for the Vid.

Cool vid. Someone needs a better fitting pair of goggles. 

WAY Cool!!!!!!!!!

Stoked you were able to get in the water for some therapy bro....

I'm with Sonny....my mouth started watering as soon as I saw those suction cups!
 
Thanks for sharing Eric.
 
Sincerely,

Jim

The thought of eating the beast did cross my mind, but I don't know how to prepare it, and I didn't want to mess with such a big one.  Maybe we'll find a snack sized one at Shelter Cove...   

Cool octo! Thats also a very good saftey vid why people should keep their christmas trees away from heat sources. My wifes aunt put her tree next to the fireplace this year...I told her are you crazy!! I'm thinking of diving T-dad today, hopefully the viz is decent

Cool octo! Thats also a very good saftey vid why people should keep their christmas trees away from heat sources. My wifes aunt put her tree next to the fireplace this year...I told her are you crazy!! I'm thinking of diving T-dad today, hopefully the viz is decent

Get on it - it's FLAT right now, but it's supposed to bump up by tonight/tomorrow.  Good luck - watch out for face-grabbing killer octo's.   

Great video. I just watched a show on the octopus and how smart they are to be able to instantly camoflauge to any surroundings.  They break down the area into the most basic patterns and colors and then BAM!! you cant see it anymore. Amazing!! 

awesome, I have seen little guys but never one that big in the water.

on the christmas trees, once those puppies dry out, they're like gasoline.  But when wet, you cant light them up with a torch. 

Bro, another awesome Wild Kingdom moment from the North Coast.

Thanks for another great piece of video, that's some backyard you got there......

Another great story/vid, keep it up!

Eric,

wanted to head up north to enjoy the FAC water but had to work. Did make it out on the Sonoma coast this morning for some AB recon in the Yak.  Water was nice. Figured you'd be out during the last two days. Miss the Cape and hope to get up there soon.

SRJ

Very cool!  Thanks for the report and video.

Martin