There is kelp in Van Damme Cove?  I was there almost exactly 2 months ago and there wasn't a single blade of Nereocystis, at least on the surface, in that whole cove.  I left feeling pretty depressed at what I have seen happen environmentally over my own lifetime as exemplified in that cove.  I regretted not having time left on that trip to get in a dive to see what it looked like underwater, however - but maybe the program to dispatch the overpopulated spiny purples is having a positive effect? Tell me it is so.  In contrast, at same time two months ago Noyo Cove appeared pretty healthy kelp-wise, with maybe only a slightly diminished kelp population.

Thanks for the replies so far - you have already saved me from going the "bigger must be better" route, both in size & weight.  I may be nit-picking at this point, but I was previously being swayed toward heavier-weighted (>1# / ft) nets to sink faster, but I notice both recommendations are for less than that.  Now that I think about it, surf casting may not rely so much on the ability of the net to sink fast, so other factors may become more important (net spread, fatigue, ??).  Any further comments would be welcomed, I know people have personal preferences but I am just trying to learn and get opinions.

Oh, and so sorry the surf smelt so bad at the Salton!

Encouraging!  I'll be up there this weekend.