Posts by Spearhunter

  • Children's Pool Controversy thread

    Went down to spend the afternoon on the beach. The activists put "beach closed" signs on the beach to mislead people into thinking they can't go down there. We counter by prominently setting up chairs on the beach and hanging out. One of the guys has a big "open" banner he puts up.


    In any case, today was absolutely gorgeous after the sun and people started to come down on the beach after we showed up to show it is safe. The activists yelled from the cliffs and videos and glared at us for several hours. Late in the day, they packed up to leave and as soon as they put their signs away to leave, there was a flood of people and the beach was full all of a sudden. The activists decidedmto call in reinforcements and the lady we affectionately call "grandma blackheart" showed up and starts stalking the cliffs in impotent rage. We sat on the beach and enjoyed the sunset and low tide. One of the regulars pulled out his mandolin and started playing and I shared some stories about the bottom scratchers. It was one of the better moments I have had at the beach and the beautiful weather, people enjoying themselves, the music and the angry activists made it all worth it.


    Unfortunately we had to pack up and leave as it got dark. One of the beach regulars went to the grocery store for dinner and then went back to the pool to see what the activists had done in our absence. Unfortunately, the beach was cleared again and there were cones and caution tape across the stairs. Knowing the city would never place those there and that the cones are a tripping hazard in the public right of way as well as an illegal impediment to access, the guy picked up the cones and tossed them I. His truck as evidence. Unfortunately, not all of the activists were gone and one of them (blackheart) ran back over spitting mad but couldn't do anything. He even offered to stay and wait for cops to show up but nothing more was said.


    Unfortunately, this is the daily battle at the CP. It is tough for some people to use the beach because the activists lie, trick, steal and harass to make their point. We will keep people updated as new things happen. We are planning a post-thanksgiving dive and BBQ for anyone interested and a "rope day" celebration on dec. 15.

  • East Coast vs West Coast: or: how to dive away from home

    Great topic.


    I typically dive with a 5mm suit year round (although I will be investing in a 7mm this winter). I typically have 14 lbs. on my belt but with a new suit I take it up to 16 lbs.


    The viz in san diego is typically 10-15 ft. with rare days of 30-40. Out at the channel islands it is always much better with viz that is typically 20-30 and days of 100+. The islands are absolutely beautiful and completely amazing. The amount of life is truly epic. Big calicos everywhere and lobster/sheephead etc..... Larger fish cruise in if you are lucky.


    The kelp is awesome. when you have low viz and you are in deeper water, it is nice to have the reference of a good kelp stalk. You can also play hide and seek with fish in the kelp and it can mask your approach on good viz days.


    I use a 90cm gun for inshore work and a 55" wong hybrid for the deeper kelp.


    The terrain is incredibly varied. There is reef with sand in between. The deeper rock areas grow kelp. At the islands, there can be huge boulders all over the place and you can find kelp as well. The erie thing in kelp is when a shark cruises you that you didn't even see. The exciting thing is that there could be a seabass in any kelp "room" that you swim through. The danger is getting caught in the kelp so you have to get used to moving through it and it is best to keep everything on your body streamlined. It can get so thick that you can barely move and then it is a game to figure out which path through the kelp is best. I like to plan my dives between two "holes" in the kelp because I prefer not to push my head and snorkel through a thick matt of kelp.


    I don't find the kelp disorienting but instead find it comforting as it is a frame of reference when you can't see the bottom. I use the kelp to spot fish and focus on the areas between kelp stalks when hunting for larger game. I also know that fish hide "under" and behind kelp so I move slowly when swimming around large stalks and try to get a view on the other side before barging through.


    I do find the eel grass disorienting as it waves back and forth close to shore it can make me feel sick.


    There is more sand in socal than rock and kelp. The kelp only grows on a rocky bottom so almost all my diving is in those areas.


    I should mention that shore diving can frequently be a challenge. Between enviro-nuts, over zealous wardens, the adoring public (can I take your picture) and the cliffs/waves etc.... shore diving can be a bear. On the other hand, boat diving costs more.


    Water temps range between low 50's and high 60's typically with a serious thermocline most of the year. It can truly make you numb and it can really ruin your breath hold if you are freezing.


    I imagine you get deeper/longer dives in Florida.

  • Slip-tip recommendations please

    I have used Riffe, Mori and Wong slip tips. The Riffe was a decent tip but I didn't use it long and sold the gun for other reasons. The Wong slip tips I have had are solid and what I like to call "Almost Mori". They are really similar to the Mori sliptips and they are great hardware. I have had a few crazy shots with my Wong sliptip. I have owned a few Mori tips as well and they are as solid as it gets. They seat flawlessly and feel secure when it is loaded. They go right though fish and have deployed every time for me (when I hit them that is). You can't beat the Mori tips. I think the Wong tips are just about the same price and came with both cable and spectra rigging as I recall.


    I just switched from a wong back to a Mori when I took a shot too close to the reef (damn 8 lb. Calico!).

  • Lingcod in San Diego?

    I have heard rumors and seen a few pics of lingcod in San Diego over the last week. i know that water temps have dropped and we seem to be heading into winter. I have heard that the lingcod are in deep water (80-120) and have been nailed on scuba. I have seen them on scuba before (didn't have my gun or a good knife). Has anybody seen these in shallow like they are up north?

  • New from Ulusub

    That is a really generous offer! I absolutely love my 125. How much for a 165 mid-handle enclosed track without shaft or bands? I have been saving up for a bit. These guns are awesome!