Spearfishing near Monterey?

[trip4dave]

Hey guys I can't get a straight anwser from anyone about this, can you or can't you spearfish there?
Where is OK, were isn't.
I have been told that there are city regulations but they aren't really enforcable, does anyone know whats up?

Trying to shot fish, but not if means ending up in jail.

Dave

[daver]

Yea, you can spearfish in Monterey. I hear Lover's point is a popular spot. Stay away from Breakwater .. it's a marine sanctuary (no huntin)

[jeffkuan]

Dave(s),

I'm recently PADI certified and I'm very anxious to get into the water and start spearfinishing. I've got all my dive gear ready but haven't had a chance to joing clubs or find those interested in diving and spearfishing.

I live in San Jose, Work in Tech, 29, Married, In good shape, and ready to go!

jeff

[daver]

Hi Jeff,
Yea, that would be cool.. my gf and I recently certified too. Haven't bought our gear yet... but soon.

[zeN||]

Monterey, yes spearfishing is allowed, but a large area is off limits as a marine sanctuary, around the aquarium area (you can get the exact boundaries from any of the dive shops along Cannery Row), Monterey prohibits spearfishing, but their jurisdiction ends at the waters edge, so to be legal you must go in a boat or spearfish from one the other municipalities' beaches, I know in fact that Monterey prohibits spearfishing at Lovers Cove and the Breakwater. They can ticket you perhaps confiscate gear if you attempt to enter one of their beach areas, but as soon as you are in water you are legal, Monterey and Fish and Game are going 'round on this one.
You can spearfish at Del Monte Beach, around Pacifica, Carmel (can't spearfish at the mouth of any river, e.g. Carmel State Beach), or north of Monterey hope this helps zeN

[VicT]

Ok,
I've been reading these post and I would like to clear this up once and for all. Yes, you can hunt out of Breakwater. However, you can only shoot fish in water atleast 60+ feet deep. There are some real good halibut spots out near the metridium fields which is in the "hunting zone". I only recommend though hunting there during the week when there aren't any classes going on. Also, be ready to take some real nasty looks from people who are diving. But the DFG can't do anything so long as you take in the area mentioned. If you have a questions or concerns call the DFG and the will confirm these facts. Take care all.

Vic T

[sertdog]

If you are going to spearfish any where near breakwater get yourself a kayak or boat and launch from next door at the boat launch and return the same way. Spearfishing around breakwater is highly frowned upon. The Ed Ricketts reserve extends from breakwater down to lovers cove. The city of monterey can cite you for spearfishing from breakwater while DFG doesnt enforce this.

[trip4dave]

Does anyone know if how far south the Monterey jurisdiction extends? Coral street? Or does it apply for the Pacific grove area too?

Much thanks to VicT, but I don't like to free dive over fifty feet when I am alone so I'd rather just skirt the issue and avoid the Monterey problems all together. As the Breakwater it sounds like you are just asking to get harrassed if you try and hunt there, and with good reason it is very touristy and crowded.

As for Jeff, I'd love to have someone to go with but I strictly free dive so I don't know if you are still interested but I get tried of going alone.

I'd love to go out but I am cramming for the CPA test until the 5-6 of November. But I will definately give you a call.

Happy hunting!!

[kill shot]

Freedivers wanted;

Hey for some reason this forum will not let me post a new thread so I thought I would put it in the area of the nor cal divers that are talking back and forth. Looking for some people to do some free diving with and have all the gear. Have plenty of experiance diving and just looking for people to go kill fish with so I can get some real fresh fish. Don't worry I am not trigger happy. I'm very picky about what I shoot. Also willing to dive for abalone when there in season and I do pretty good with the bugs.

[JustAddWater]

Are the dive shops in the area helpful to hunters; telling them where they can hunt as opposed to where they can't hunt? Never having hunted in that area, I haven't experienced the local ire against hunters, somehow I'm not surprised that it exists there.

[sertdog]

Originally posted by JustAddWater
Are the dive shops in the area helpful to hunters; telling them where they can hunt as opposed to where they can't hunt? Never having hunted in that area, I haven't experienced the local ire against hunters, somehow I'm not surprised that it exists there. Aquarius over on del monte(not the one at breakwater) are usually very helpful. I often ask them where the halibut hot spot is for the day and whether they are in shallow or deeper waters. The owner is an all around great guy and fun to talk too.

[eyebaby]

Here is my opinion. Take it or leave it.

It is generally a bad idea to do any kind of harvesting at popular dive sites especially training sites. We all have to share these sights and it really pisses the guys of that make a living of diving to see some moron haul out the local attraction and act like they had a real fight on their hands. As an instructor (now retired) I have had to try to explain to students why the octo or sheepshead that we just saw is now being cooked on a barbi next door. This kind of thing turns many new divers immediatly against spearfishing. I love to hunt, and find that the most satisfying catches are at those sites that take some time and thought to find and fish. The goal shouldn't be to bag as many of the local species as easily as possible. It should be to challenge yourself and enjoy the experience as a whole.

:cool: