Crystal Clear Conditions in the Kelp Forest

Beautiful dive the two days in Palos Verdes. The visibility was about 25+, with swells around 1ft. We were looking for some White Sea Bass but no luck. I did end up catching my personal best Kelp Bass(aka Calico), at 20 inches long. A great diving weekend overall.
Here are some resources that could be helpful:
Protected Areas in SoCal: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/...
About the fish in the area: wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean...
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If you want to further support the channel check out the affiliate links below:
Find the gear you're looking for at Spear America(my local spear shop): www.spearamerica.com/?ref=Jh7...
Pre/Post Dive Gear:
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Continue the chat:
/ dive.spear.eat
/ dive.spear.eat
Dive safe. Have fun!

[@ensenadaspearfishing8440]

👌✌️

[@divespeareat]

Appreciate the emojis. Thanks for watching!

[@heyguys612]

I love this.

[@divespeareat]

Thanks Kevin!

[@TinoVega99]

Damn La Jolla never disappoints the times I’ve went. Im think of going tomorrow

[@divespeareat]

totally, definitely, a beautiful place to dive most of the time. Check out the kelp paddies out there. Dive Safely!

[@bradjohnson918]

These videos are awesome. I live in south OC so I probably won't make it up to PV much, but where is a good spot for a somewhat beginner? I don't want to hike a crazy steep cliff with all my gear (and hopefully a fish or 2). I'm looking at taking either Bluff Cove Trail or the Drain pipe Trail. Have you used both of these? How do you rate them? Thanks

[@divespeareat]

Appreciate the support!
Overall, I wouldn't recommend PV to beginners most of the time, as they're a good chunk of rocks you have to navigate going in and out which could be tricky. BUT if waves & winds are projected to be low, it is not too bad.
I would recommend trying Bluff Cove Trail, and Bluff Top trail if you are newer to PV. They both can be a bit tricky to hike down but not as long as the pipe. Just take your time and you will be fine.
The Pipe is good but there is a high density of kelp which is great for potential large Sheephead, but can be frustrating to swim through.
The last thing I would strongly recommend is getting a pair of Crocs. I use them all the time to save my booties from getting ripped up on walks/hikes to the ocean. You can get a cheap knock off ones at Daiso for 5 bucks. The best investment you will make!
Dive safe.

[@matthewellingwood8735]

@@divespeareat which cove were you at in the vid?

[@bpcustomknives4392]

Hey man!! My parents have had a boat down in shoreline since I was a kid. I’ve been going out on my sea doo often and want to get into spear fishing close to Long Beach. Know any good spots or have any advice for a beginner free diver?

[@divespeareat]

Hey Brandon! There a couple good spots between Rat Beach and the Dominator Shipwreck. I would suggest getting right at the edge of the kelp with your Sea-Doo and scan from the edge of the kelp to the shore. The depth at the edge of the kelp varies depending on which spot you are at, but generally, I found the depth to be around 40ish ft. If you are just starting out I would say try to get closer to shore and dive in shallower waters(maybe 15-20ft) to get familiar with the terrain and your gear. You can still catch some larger Sheephead, Calico, and Halibut fishing the shallows. Also, the kelp can be tricky to navigate in the beginning but once you get comfortable in them dives become way more fun.
Here are some high-level things to remember:
- Check surf/visibility reports before heading out
- Spit in your goggles then wash it off before wearing the to prevent fogging
- Keep a knife on you...for fish and to get out of ticky situations(hopefully you won't need to)
- Mark your speargun or pole spear with minimum lengths for target fish (mine is marked at 12, 14, 22, 24, and 28 inches)
Hope that helps. Save diving!

[@patricklalyopal]

You eat opaleye?

[@divespeareat]

Absolutely! They make great taco meat, fry with panko crust, or baked whole. Not a bad tasting fish.

[@patricklalyopal]

Hmm I'll give them another try. I remember them having a heavy algae taste. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@divespeareat]

@@patricklalyopal Definitely do! Let me know how it goes. I would say out of all the ways to prep them, prepping them with panko is easiest. Enjoy!