1st time snorkeling 1st time posting 1/18 S. PV

[sasabune]

Well, here's a little intro. My name is David and I live in the westside area and have been a long time surf fisherman. I love fishing and sushi, but realized I am limited to what I can catch by fishing from the beach. So, I decided to try snorkeling to see what else I can catch and eat. I found this blog and thought it was very helpful so I figure I should contribute to the board. Don't know much yet, but I think you might get a chuckle at how much of a newb I am.

Gear: 7mm Beauchat Wetsuit (probably for scuba), Pole spear JBL, Superview Oceanways mask, and aqua lung side draft snorkel.

Got to Pt Vicente at around 3:30 pm since I heard there is a lot of sea urchin there. Funny that so many people post that there is nothing at a location but sea urchin, and I am thinking oh wow there is sea urchin. I can make UNI!! Then I saw the trail down the cliff and realized I don't think I can make it back up the cliff so decided to find a less steep beach access. Ended up at Abalone cove and realized that it was an ecological reserve and I couldn't catch or take anything. Decided to test all the gear out anyway, and take a dip since I was so hot in my wetsuit. Water was really murky maybe 6 foot vis since all I could see were my fins and hands. All I saw was kelp and sand, no sea urchin, no fish, but oh well it was a nice day to take a swim, and I learned from many of my newbie mistakes.

I learned that PV is really steep and there is very little parking.

I learned I shouldn't carry all my gear in a laundry mesh bag since the gear is so heavy and its difficult to carry with no handle especially down a cliff.

I learned low tide really has horrible visibility.

I learned 8lbs is not enough weight and that I will float like a surfboard unless I get more weights.

I learned spit really does keep the mask from fogging up.

Here are some pics, it was great weather, and a great sunset. Also, I like photography so I photoshopped the pics a bit.

[FlyinJim]

Good to hear from ya! Try about 16 - 22 lbs with a 7MM suit, depending how big a guy you are. Abalone Cove is often like diving a cow puddle, since it faces directly South and a S swell nails it. Any other place in PV you can get down the hill is often better. There is a path way to walk down at Pt Vicente, just a short ways past where you were, cleverly named cardiac hill I think. But don't go out past the outside rock at PT Vicente unless you're clairvoyant cause some clown cutting in tight in a boat will surely run you over. There are often better spots that are safer.
There's lots of other ways down all over PV. Depending on the swell and the wind the S or the N side can be clear when the other is muck. Once you know a few ways down (there are plenty and most are obvious) you can scout visibility from the top at a few spots before you choose. With a little practice you can hammer perch from just about anywhere you dive in PV with a polespear. See you out there!

[bluewatermafia]

that first pic is awesome! welcome to the board!

[Ex Nihilo]

Welcome to Spearboard. Abalone Cove is a no invertebrate take zone. You can still take legal size fish such as calico, cabezon, halibut.

[fishmunger]

welcome to the board man! Each time you go you'll learn a little more, and before long, you'll be posting pics of all the fish you've been getting!

peace