freediving lobster opener

Went down to Catalina for the lobster opener. First night got into the water late. Most of the lobsters were already scared off by other divers. Saw 2 legals and missed them all. My bug-grabbing skill was rusty. Second night took a long swim to a remote spot, missed the first big bug then got my bug-grabbing sense back. Didn't miss a single grab afterwards. Filled my first free-diving lobster limit ever! It was funny after I had my 6th bug, I saw the 7th and I said in my mind "I am very slow now with the full bag of lobsters, but you, the 7th bug, is slower than me!". Sure enough, I slowly went down and slowly put my hand around his carapace and he was indeed slower! 
Spearfished during the day, took some nice calicos and sheepheads. Didn't see any yellows or whites. But it was still a great trip!

Sounds like an awesome trip.  Glad you were able to get your bug-grabbing sense back.

How deep were you diving? I am very interested in checking out Lobster diving and especially if you can freedive for them.
Thanks
jim

Dr H,
I tend to be conservative while diving alone at night. I stayed within 25 ft or so. In Channel Islands' clear vis, it's easy to forget how deep you dive at daytime. You see the bottom at 50-60 ft, if there is a nice fish there, heck I would be going after it!

Seems this is a deserted place now.

Bigeyedave, JohnGuineaPig, are you still diving?

I was in Carmel River SB last weekend. Didn't see any other diver. Usually I would run into another soul or two. Vis wasn't that great and ocean pretty rough, but I hunted in the dense kelp for a couple hours and got some olives.

I'm using my WAF points to practice with my shotgun for pheasant hunting in south dakota next week, probably make a couple runs up north that freedive and scuba gear to practice for the big trip in november.

South Dakota is quite refreshing compared to CA.  Entering the state there's a sign that says "In South Dakota we like Farming, Hunting and Fishing.  If you don't agree - turn back."

Sounds like my kind of state! The only problem is that they don't have an ocean there...
Nice weather + tropical ocean full of fish, lobster & abalone + a large land area full of games and legal for hunting...... unfortunately this paradise no longer exists on the planet called earth.

YUM YUM!! All those sweet little lobsters needs is a warm bath...........IN BUTTER!!!

wow, great trip! im jealous as i have not been diving much. i am planning to hit palos verdes soon though when i have a weekend off. i have not been inclined to dive monterey in a while after the closures.

im also going to do more diving up on the peninsula as well since linda mar and moss beach is so close.

i bet those lobsters were good!

john

I wanna do that.