Russian Gulch and Jughandle june 25 & 26

took the kids camping with some friends at Hidden Pines campground in Ft. Bragg.

Friday, June 25
Foggy morning and great conditions.  Swells were manageable and the visibility was awesome.  you could see crystal clear to the bottom (20-25 ft).  this was my 3rd time ab diving, so I had a great time.  I caught my limits (7 1/2 to 8 1/4 inches) quickly, then looked for uni.  however, given what I've read in various threads here adn on NCUH, and given that it only took 10 minutes of diving to "meathunt" - it left something to be desired.  I know I'm not trophyhunting caliber yet, but I wanted something more than just meathunting.  I vowed that I'd spend the next day hunting for bigger abs, to be more selective, and enjoy more time in the water (and just enjoy the dive).  i stopped by the local dive shop after the dive to buy a bigger  gauge, but they only had 7 and 10 inch gauges.  I could have bought a 10 inch gauge, but I didn't feel worthy.

the group camping with me wanted fish stew for dinner, and I had my yak with me, so went to Russian Gulch for the first time- what a beautiful place.  couldn't get out of the main cove at the beach in the afternoon due to the rough conditions, but caught 3 grass cod and some type of bullhead (released b/c it was about 12 inches, and didn't know what the size limit was)- should have used it as lingcod bait.  spicy fish stew and abs for dinner hit the spot perfectly.

Saturday, June 26th
Jughandle again.
you could still see to the bottom, but not as clearly.Took my time on the 2nd day and tried to look for larger abs.  On the previous day I saw lot's of abs, but they were harder to be seen on Saturday even though we were diving the same area.  I learned on this 2nd day of diving that if you drink the night before, your performance will suffer.  My breath hold times were shorter, and had more difficult time equalizing.  I'm learning something (or losing something  ) every time I dive.  I ended up with 8 1/4 inch and 8.999 inch ab.  I wanted even more now to find a 9, but my friends wanted to get back to camp and watch the 2nd half of the World cup match.  My wife took my waterproof camera, so no pics- sorry.

I chatted with some locals during the 2 days of camping, and they were very friendly and each had their recommendations as to places holding bigger abs.  gonna buy a 9 inch gauge before my next dive in August.

John,

Glad you liked the spot.  Your 8.999 is bigger than anything I got there.  Sorry we couldn't hookup this weekend.  I stayed in FB.  I could have used some of that fish chowder.

Keep in touch,

Doug

Thanks for the report. Sounds like you had a great time.

Sounds like you had good time hunting for Abs.  I think they only sell the 7" and 10" Ab gauges.  I can make you a 9" gauge for free if you want one.  I made two 10" gauges but misplace one of them somewhere around the house.  If I can find it then you can have it too.

gonna buy a 9 inch gauge before my next dive in August.

Better bring your 7'' gauge when you dive. Even though any ab touching the edges on a 9'' gauge is legal...OBVIOUSLY....if you don't have a 7'' gauge with you while diving you are looking at a ticket.

Great job John!!

Yeah, I had the same experience diving on Sunday morning in Shelter Cove after drinking a bunch of beer at the PotLuck on Saturday Night...I sucked and couldn't hold my breath well at all!! 

Thanks for sharing and glad you had a great trip!!
 
Sincerely,

Jim

gonna buy a 9 inch gauge before my next dive in August.

Better bring your 7'' gauge when you dive. Even though any ab touching the edges on a 9'' gauge is legal...OBVIOUSLY....if you don't have a 7'' gauge with you while diving you are looking at a ticket.

I didn't know that.  Thx a million for the tip- or thx a few hundred dollars ticket !!

WTG on the abs John. I am still working on developing my breathing control at my
sister's swimming pool. I know that it is totally different in the ocean but I have to
start somewhere. Hope to dive with you soon someday.

Jedmo

Right on John! You are well on your way. It's an addiction, you know.

Good going, John.  Some shops do sell 9" guages, and I saw someone with a 10.5" guage the other day too!

If you went abaloneing with just a 10" guage they can't ticket you unless you have an ab under 10".

Good going, John.  Some shops do sell 9" guages, and I saw someone with a 10.5" guage the other day too!

If you went abaloneing with just a 10" guage they can't ticket you unless you have an ab under 10".

Ab Gauge
 Carrying a gauge is a necessity because it's against the law to return an abalone removed from the rock that meets the 7" size requirement and the only way to know if an animal is legal is to measure it. Many experienced harvesters set personal minimum size limits of 8, 9, and even 10 inches and carry gauges sized accordingly. However, they are still required to carry 7" gauges in order to stay within the letter and intent of the regulations.

 

(f) Measuring Device: Every person while taking abalone shall carry a fixed-caliper measuring gauge capable of accurately measuring seven inches. The measuring device shall have fixed opposing arms of sufficient length to measure the abalone by placing the gauge over the shell.

I believe someone on the board a while back got a ticket because they didn't have a 7'' gauge while diving. They had a 9 or 10 inch, but not a seven. Not sure if they beat the rap or not but the fees alone and time off work and gas driving to court isn't worth the hassle.
It's really no biggie to carry a 7'' just to be on the safe side.

Sub Surface Progression in Fort Bragg sells 9 inch gauges.  Just get a cheapo 7 inch gauge and hang it on your float.  I've got one hanging off my dive board that has algae growing off it from lack of use....but it keeps me legal.


Welcome to the addiction.

Sub Surface Progression in Fort Bragg sells 9 inch gauges.  Just get a cheapo 7 inch gauge and hang it on your float.  I've got one hanging off my dive board that has algae growing off it from lack of use....but it keeps me legal.


Welcome to the addiction.

thx Dave.  I was at SSP, and they ran out.  They won't have em until August.  thx!
I will for sure have one in August..

Sub Surface Progression in Fort Bragg sells 9 inch gauges.  Just get a cheapo 7 inch gauge and hang it on your float.  I've got one hanging off my dive board that has algae growing off it from lack of use....but it keeps me legal.


Welcome to the addiction.

thx Dave.  I was at SSP, and they ran out.  They won't have em until August.  thx!
I will for sure have one in August..

I made one for you today.  Call me when you want to pick it up.

Sub Surface Progression in Fort Bragg sells 9 inch gauges.  Just get a cheapo 7 inch gauge and hang it on your float.  I've got one hanging off my dive board that has algae growing off it from lack of use....but it keeps me legal.


Welcome to the addiction.

thx Dave.  I was at SSP, and they ran out.  They won't have em until August.  thx!
I will for sure have one in August..

I made one for you today.  Call me when you want to pick it up.

man, talk about NCKA service !!  You're faster than takeout!  I'll come knockin... thx!