Non-kayak Channel Islands dive report 2/17-2/19

Anderson's dive shop isn't doing their usual March lobster trip this year so I went with a group from Capt. Aqua's in the East Bay. A great bunch of people and of course the Peace dive boat was the usual superb operation.
Water was a little sporty the 1st day but the weather was hot and sunny, and we did manage to dive the front side of Santa Cruz island. I tried freediving the 1st 2 dives; got my 1st 2 free-dove lobsters. Everyone else was finding them at about 40-70' so I switched to tanks for most of the rest of the trip.
Next day colder weather and rougher water forced us to Anacapa and the back side of 'Cruz. Monday really rough so never any chance of sea bass but 1 more freedove bug.
All in all a great trip with 16 bugs for me, good quality with several 2-4 lb. range. Looking forward to June WSB trip!
Sorry I missed the fishing show and awards presentation, but my only chance for lobster this winter...

thanks for that report, i was really wanting to go down there last year on the peace boat with a friend of mine.  they had talked about taking my kayak for a little extra charge but when the boat filled up i didn't hear anything more about it.  I've seen the pics on their website.  Makes me want to get certified, but first things first, more freediving.  jtf..

thanks for the report, it must have been beautiful down there. some friends and i are doing a camping / spearfishing / kayak fishing trip in the middle of May at SC Island and I am looking forward to maybe seeing some wsb and halibut.

Its been a while since i have been down that way. too bad bugs will be off limits then: )

john