Caspar 11-1-10

Went to Ft. Bragg to hit up the used gear sale to get my own diving gear finally, then put it to use!  I checked the swell report before I left and saw that my only chance would be Monday.  So I got to the dive shop, bought my gear at a frickin great price, then headed just south of Russian Gulch to do some shore fishing and check for a dive location.  I found a secluded, protected, calm cove and shore fished for about an hour and a half watching the swell and after snagging my line about 5 damn times decided to put my gear on and jump in.  The visibility was off the hook!  20 feet easily!  I have been getting excited while ab diving thinking everything I see when I first get out there is a 10 and coming up short.  So this time my goal was to not pop any Abs until I knew they were decent size, I really want to work on my Ab diving. 
So I'm swimming around in my secluded cove, seeing tons of Abs, measuring and not popping them, even though I really wanted to!  Measuring good sized keepers and not popping them was a victory for me.  I'm working at becoming a better Ab hunter, I want that 10!  So I'm swimming around minding my own business and this whiteish/grey spotted seal buzzes me going 1,000mph.  It gave me the creeps.  So after that, I decided to stop measuring and get on with the popping.  Just makes me realize how awkward and helpless humans can be in the water, creepy.  I'm still working on that underwater camera so no water pics yet, just out of the water pics.  I saw some big Uni but left them for next time as well as a scallop shell, but nothing was inside that, but it was still cool finally seeing one, and It was in 5 feet of water.  I'm glad I read the swell report cause this is what I woke up to in the morning.


Pug Sniff of approval

Not the best camera angle, it was just shy of 9", but not popping anything under 8 is a victory for me. 

Congrat on the Ab limit!  Thanks for the report and pictures Jeff.

thanks for the report and pics, caspar looked ugly, glad you found some smooth water, cameron

NICE!!!!

Those are great looking abs!!!

Stoked you found a nice sheltered spot with good viz...I have dove a few times just south of Russian Gulch too and really enjoyed it!!

Congrats again and thanks for sharing the great report and pics!
 
Sincerely,

Jim

The pics are from the day after I dove, it was way ugly.  The day I dove (the day before) was awesome, knee high waves at best!  Thanks for the replys fellas!

That's my main problem!Jumping in the water with an ab boner! Need to just chill but most of the time just wanna get er done!Great job dude thanks for the inspiration.Gonna take it easy on my last four.

Nice one Jeff! Way to be patient.  That seal would scare the s@$T outta me!    Maybe that's why I dont dive 

So I'm swimming around in my secluded cove, seeing tons of Abs, measuring and not popping them, even though I really wanted to!

 
 

Measuring good sized keepers and not popping them was a victory for me.  I'm working at becoming a better Ab hunter, I want that 10!  

Right on, Bro!  That's what it's all about.  You'll get your 10 doing just that.  

PS:  Nice abs!

nice snails!

Kiiiilllleeeerrr!!

Nice report!

Whats up with  this used gear sale? Im in the market for a few more items myself.

Whats up with  this used gear sale? Im in the market for a few more items myself.

Subsurface Progression dive shop in Fort Bragg rents an "abalone package" its everything you need to get some abs.  Near the end of the season, (Nov 1) of every year they sell their rental stuff to make room for new gear.  With the exception of gauges, irons, Abalone Floats and weight belts, which I discovered were frickin expensive!  Anyhow, I bought it all, and I got it for about 50-60% off.  It was awesome.  I got there before they opened and was the only one there when they did open so I got the best pick.  Im happy.  Here is thier website if you want to check them out www.abdive.com

Your on the right track for big abs.  Carry your spear gun while measuring abs. 

Way to go, Like others have said you have the right mind set and trust me it will come, only a matter of time.

I lookd at the Swell and said No F'n way. This Guy is crazy lol. Cool reportman. I felt like i was diving with you when you were describing measuring big abs, and that darn seal. Looks like a fun Monday. WTget out there and Do it

Sweet report Shellback! Major kudos for picking some good abs Keep up with the awesome job, looking forward to diving/fishing with ya my brother

- Daniel