Laguna dive report-1/10

[Prodigal Son]

I heard about all of the great vis reports in Laguna, so I went diving out at Reef Point this morning with Dan33 and ApneaRoche from OC Hunter. The water looked good from the cliffs, and the surf was only 1-2 feet. The vis just beyond the surfline was about 15 feet. However, it took a major dip once we swam about 50-100 yds from shore (no better than 10 ft several feet below the surface). Also, the surge was surprisingly strong despite the gentle surf. It's been like that everytime I've gone diving at Reef Point, even when the vis is good. Has anyone else noticed the strong currents out there? The only thing I saw that was worth shooting was a legal-size sheepshead (doh!). ApneaRoche spotted a WSB, but he thought it was short. I came home empty handed, but I'd rather have a day out in the water than at work. Anyone dive any of the smaller coves in Laguna today?

[Peter R.]

P.S.

It seems to me that, in the winter at least, water clarity in No. Laguna and CDM is pretty much influenced by the exposure to swells and surf or lack thereof. When you, Dan and I went out on Saturday the swell had been building overnight; it was'nt big but it was consistent and was moving in through the outer reefs churning things up. Unfortunately for us, the harsh realities of work meant we could'nt take advantage of the lake-like conditions at Crystal Cove during the week. I drive to work from Tustin to Laguna and often stop at Reef Point to check conditions. Last week it was torture! It was completely flat all week (thus crystal clear). But cough, hack, talk in a hoarse voice and scheme as I might, I just could'nt pull my self away from work. :D
Until Saturday when basically we just missed it. :(

BTW: Dan, his friend Mike and I met up Sun. a.m. @ Treasure Island and conditions were much the same, maybe worse. I tried a couple of times to go out to the outer reefs like you and I did before, but I just got bounced around in the swell and breakers like I was in a washing machine. I could see the calicos and sand bass down there laughing at me! :mad:

Dan did gather himself a scallop dinner that morning, so it was all good.

Carraig

[Dan33]

You'll get your chance! :)

[DFC5343]

What about the oil platforms? Anyone head out there for a look?

[dpc]

I dove Platform Holly off of Santa Barbara about two years ago through Truth Aquatics in SB. I think that you need special permission or to contact the manager of the platform, or something like that. There weren't as many fish as I thought there would be, a lot of Blacksmith and a few rockfish. Huge scallops and lots of 'em though! It's pretty cool if you're into photography, but after two dives and a limit of scallops I was bored. You can pretty much go as deep as you want though!