where's the kelp around here? (Orange County)

[Erik Sun]

I've been diving for about 2 years now but I've only gone out with a partner on a couple times. I picked up spearfishing on my own; shooting various reef fish. Curious, as I am interested in exploring kelp forests but I have only seen reefs...Maybe someone can point me in the right direction -- maybe a place to go? Places I've gone:

pretty much all over Laguna, but concentrated at moss street and Treasure Island. Mostly rock reefs//sparse life. Occasional here and there, however not "200 fish" as PV spearo sees!
50+ dives at Moss Street
Treasure Island+Goff
at Seal Rock/crescent
once at Reef Point (had no idea where to go. Stayed pretty close to the rocks for the majority of my 3 hours in the water.


Thanks!

EZE

[Kyle]

Salt Creek has a huge kelp bed. Do you have access to a boat? If so, head south to the San Clemente area, there are huge kelp beds out that way. Then you can head out to the San Onofre Power Plant, the water is generaly warmer in that area and it also has very large and deep kelp beds. Good Luck.

Kyle

[Erik Sun]

thanks, kyle. I was at salt creek yesterday but not to dive. the surf was 8 feet!

hadn't gone boogie boarding for a while so i jumped in (its been 3 years). Still fun though.

Unfortunately no access to a boat...I'm in Laguna Hills so i always pass thru Aliso Viejo if you ever wanan go.
Where in Salt Creek? The surf is generally rougher there than in most areas--do you dive the north side where the rock extends?
How's the vis?

Cheers,

EEZErik

[Prodigal Son]

I finally visited Salt Creek yesterday, and now I see what you mean by the kelp. However, that place must be a royal pain in the a$$ to go diving from shore. Do most people dive there from a boat?

[Erik Sun]

not to mention the walk down (actually, the walk UP) the hill =P

I am headed to laguna right now. Possibly salt creek to check it out despite the patches of Red Tide.

10~ish visibility as reported by Laguna Beach ocean observation