Nor Cal Trip

[FreediverGA]

Hey I'm planning a trip to take place in August. This is basically will be my first ever long distance trip and I'm itching to get some feed back on some questions I have for diving the sonoma and Mendocino shore dives. I have list of place I have narrowed down from a great book I found that covers the area. I had some questions like what the water temp would be during this time of year. what's the weather like and What seasons are open in August for spearfishing? I thought about maybe trying for some abs but sure how they will do for a trip back home. I'll post the dives sites I'm interested later, but I just want to see what kinda of response I get from this post first. I would be greatful if some one could dive with me and give me the low down on diving and spearing the areas I'm interested.

Thanks for any info you can provide!!!

Freediver OUT

[FreediverGA]

ok I have it narrowed down to four places stillwater cove(beach), Ocean cove, Salt point state park and Van Damme State Park.

If you've been to any of this places give me some details on the diving and spearing. cool pics would be a plus!!!


FreediverGA OUT

[VicT]

Check out this site:
http://www.sonic.net/~rocky/index.htm

It should answer most questions. What days are you thinking about going? If I have enough advance notice and get the ok from my wife maybe I (and some friends) can meet up there for some ab and ling cod hunting.

Let me know. Take care....

Vic Taus

[Apache]

I would love to tag along...if you wouldnt mind.

Austin~

[FreediverGA]

Thanks Vic for the info, I really appreicate it very much.

My trip will probly the third week of August. I'm going to use a full week of my vacation time. I'm hoping the weather and conditions will be in my favor. I want this to be great trip and big learning experience with my diving and hunting!

Do you know if you take Abs out of the state I wanted to some ling and some few abs back home to share with my family!


FreediverGA OUT

[VicT]

FreediverGA,
Califormia law states that you can only have 3 abalone in your possesion legally at any given time. This includes what you have in you freezer at home. Realistically, I don't know anyone who follows this rule. The law also states that you can give up to 3 abalone as gifts to family and friends. What this means is that I can legally give 3 abalone to my 3 year old son and go get 3 more for me that next day. And then give those three to my wife and get another three for me, and so on , and so on.......In other words you can most likely transport as many abs as you want to anywhere you want. Abalone though is VERY! filling. A little goes a long way. So don't think your going to need catch a lot of abs to feed your family or you may end up throwing a lot away.

Apache,
No problem going. The more the merrier. Just so long as you don't mind a bunch of drunk fools b.s'n around a fire after a day of hunting.....

Take Care All,
Vic T.

[FreediverGA]

I just don't want them popping my cooler open when I'm at the airport and have 7-10 abs with assorted fish and and bust me for having more than 3 in possesion at one time, that's what I'm worried about.

Oh what's water like in august? Ihad one friend in NC tell me he was out there the same time I'm planning on going. He said that a 5mm would be fine but he only usually dives 3 to 4 hours max and has only .5% body fat. So thought fine I have my Omer Mimetic Med, I'll set but then a another guy from the DB forum who ahas been diving NorCa for 20+ years says 7mm bare minium I should wear if I plan on stay in the water most of the day. I think I'm going to get the Omer in 6.5mm because I can handle water with little problems.

I'm planning on bringing my 75cm and 90cm guns would that pretty much take care of Ling, greenling, cabs and rock fish. The type of fish and the abs will totally be new to me. I completely fired up for this trip. I don't think I can wait untill August:eek:

[FreediverGA]

How deep is it just outside of Gerstle Cove. About 150 to 200 yds from the entry beach ?

[VicT]

FreediverGA,
Let me give you a little introduction to the north coast. It is NOT! for the novice diver(not trying to scare you). I'm not a macho type of person, I just know when, and when not to get into the water. Average water temp is about 49 degrees, so make sure you have your 6.5 mm wetsuit. You will still probably get cold (when tank diving) and a 7mm would be much better but do not try your 5 mm or you will be miserable and could cause cramping issues. Also, make sure that your somewhat comfortable with ruff and rocky entries/exits and some mountain climbing skills. The rocks getting in/out of the water during low tide can be very dangerous, so move slow. If we do swim out from shore we'll only need to swim about 100 yards to be in 80+ feet of water. Most likely we'll have a couple of boats so it won't matter, but just incase. Anyway, take care and talk to you soon.

Vic T

Apache and kill shot,
Are you still in?

[Apache]

Vic T or any one else, What gun do you use on the North coast. I havent purchased a gun yet but am planning on maybe the picasso centry 75 cm or maybe something along those lines. What do you think of the North Coast Spearfishing Package from Nor cal Free dive?

Apache~

[VicT]

Apache,
That is always a tough question to answer. Each person has there own preference. I prefer a mid-handle type of gun (i.e. JBL, riffe, etc, etc...) because there seems to be less drag when diving for long periods. One thing for sure though, you don't want anything longer than 35-40 inches in total stock length. Two reasons for this. One, most of the fish we'll be shooting will not be moving around to much. And two, kelp monsters can really piss you off when your gun is constantly getting wrapped up in them. You'll want a gun that has some pretty decent punching power. I say this because the bigger the ling, cabazon, and rock fisk, the thicker the skull. Speaking of skulls. Make sure you dive with a knife that has a tip (not blunt). I like to put it out of it's misery before stringing.

Hey,
Would anyone out there be interested in going halibut diving in June? I'll provide the boat if somebody provides the anchor hoisting....Later..

Vic T

Forgot to add. The halibut diving will be in Monterey.