What to expect in May?

[NE-Freediver]

Greetings California divers,

I'll be heading to the west coast, Anaheim, around mid May for the first time ever. I'll be freediving and spearfishing a couple of days. What should I expect as far as water temp, available fish species, typical visibility? Also, if WSB are in season, would I need to purchase a fishing permit to target them?

I don't plan on diving any further North than maybe Malibu.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Blackfoot]

may is a great time. the big whites are in. if your staying in anaheim your in my backyard. The farthest north i spear is in Palos Verdes... a very popular spot. Alos there is a good spot in Laguna and a great spot in La Jolla that i frequent. When you come out, lemmie know and you can come out with Julie riffe and myself. Talk with you soon.

Sask

[NE-Freediver]

Thanks for the invite Sask.

Any info on typical water temp or fishing permits for WSB?

[BLUEGILL]

California's deficit is possibly being helped by all fishermen. The fishing permits went up to about 35 bucks this year. Last year ,if i remember right it was around 18-22.50.Oh well Maybe we can all hope that the fee hike was imposed to help keep our beaches cleaner and stop some of the water issues. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm complaining, I just hope the $ is well spent. To answer you question, You have to get a fishing to take anything from the water; fish lobster scallops.Water temp is around 58 give or take a degree or so, probably a little warmer in May though.Hope you have a great trip out here.

[Prodigal Son]

Originally posted by BLUEGILL
Maybe we can all hope that the fee hike was imposed to help keep our beaches cleaner and stop some of the water issues.

Yeah...right. :(

[NE-Freediver]

Thanks for the info

[JustAddWater]

Be sure to pick up a Dept.Fish&Game reg. booklet for fish species that you're allowed to take. It seems like the regs are changing nearly every year. Favorite species of mine include halibut, sheephead and lingcod. Lobster season will be closed by then. May visibility should be fine (by our standards); 30 feet or more. Viz. is often a tough thing to call and can change quickly. Are you planning on shore diving or taking a charter?