Better visibility

[Prodigal Son]

Went out at Reef Point in Laguna this morning. Visibility was the best I've seen in Laguna this year (15-20 ft) and the water was calm as a lake, so get out there while it lasts! It was the first time I've ever been freediving up close with a seal. I was repeatedly buzzed by a small harbor seal. This thing would not back off, though holding a bleeding fish probably didn't help. The amazing thing was that this occurred in only about 5-6 ft of water; I didn't think they come in that shallow.

BTW, anyone have any suggestions how to prepare and cook surf perch? There were a bunch of them out there about 12" in length, but I've never eaten one. Are they worth eating?

[DaKahuna]

My diving buddy Bluegill and I have eaten several species of surfperch this summer/fall, including the rubberlip surfperch discussed in a fairly recent thread. They are all decent and edible to me. We have pan fried them both naked and battered, BBQ'd them, and used them in a casserole. I say "we", but I really mean my buddy Bluegill (chef by trade) has prepared many a tasty meal from our catches.

Easy to fillet and skin, now that the chef has taught me. I say go for it! But get a few as they are on the small side....