Fort Ross Spearing?

[Thomas Magnum]

Has anyone here speared Fort Ross with regularity? It looks rather well protected, but I don't know what the bottom structure holds. The north area looks very nice with kelp coming up, but it looks like a very long swim as well. I'm planning on going out this weekend if the conditions allow, and I've been spearing Salt Point mainly, but would like to try somewhere new. Any advice is very much appreciated by my north coast brethren.

[rojodiablo]

It is okay. I have taken blues, a few reds, a few lings there. One surprising decent spot close to there is Fisk Mill. The south side. Walk the long trail down. If it is rough, PASS on it. Lots of nice blues out front, fair on olives, chinas, black and yellows.

[Thomas Magnum]

Is Fisk Mill north of Gerstle Park?

[rojodiablo]

Originally Posted by Thomas Magnum

Is Fisk Mill north of Gerstle Park?

Yes Thomas, it is north of Gerstle cove. It is on localmaps, and it is well marked.

[bigeyedave]

I dive Fort Ross all the time. I love that place. If you get in at the south cove and swim out toward the end of the long reef that separates Fort Ross from the rest of the coast to the south you will find some killer structure. Just be alert because the tax man tends to hang out in that area. I would advise kayak diving. It is a long swim back with bloody fish and a boogey board.
Dave

[deckhandmike]

Yeah I would say the south side point is much better than the north inside protected area. Lots of big greenlings, blues and other assorted rockfish. Not my first pick but nice and protected compared to other areas and usually a few other shark decoys diving out there as well, cuts down on the odds.

[jdeirmend]

Pacific halibut are rumoured to dwell there, which are NOT to be confused with their much smaller cousin, the california halibut. Anyone feel like going for a halibut ride?

[deckhandmike]

Did a pretty good look for buts and saw zero signs of even disturbed sand last week I would focus on rockfish however I found some short lings in the sand on isolated boulders. I think the small lings get pushed to the crappy structure or maybe they come in shallow to eat small fish.

[OutofBreath]

There are a few nice spot's to dive for lings and rockfish just south of Ocean Cove. If you have a kayak or a boat they are really easy to spot. Aim for the 3 boulders just off the south of the cove to start.

[Dave Edlund]

When you leave Fort Ross beach, head about 2-3 blocks in a North west direction (toward the northern point you see) and you will find a big rusted steel wreck that is scattered in pieces. It is mainly in 25-40 feet of water. Under pieces of this wreck are many good homes for ling and many 9 inch abs. Also, that reef to your south (Pedrotti's reef) is a great place for ling, particularly on it's western side in 40 feet of water. If you want shallow water reef diving, try heading just south of the main beach in 20 feet and you will find fish. Good luck!