Free diver pole spear newbie looking for buddies in Laguna

[redpanda608]

Hey all,
I am new to the forum and Spear Fishing. I went out myself about a week ago next to Seal Rocks and got a little 12 inch Sheepshead my second day out! This is probably not all that exciting to most on this forum but for my second day ever spearing I was pretty happy.
I am going to be moving down to Lake Forest the second week of June and was hoping to find some buddies that I could go spearing with in Laguna. I hope to get a Kayak when I save up the money and go search some kelp beds too.
I am not quite sure how deep I can get yet, but I have been practicing my static breath holds and I can do 2 minutes on my third try now after two days of practicing. I am also a life guard if that makes any one feel better.
Any way enough about me, I was hoping to start getting to know you all a little bit now till I move in June. Then we will know a little bit more about echother before going out.

[slimsteve]

Hello Climbing Panda
I to am a newbie and am heading to Monterey area from Iowa in mid May and have been trying for a month or so for a buddy with no luck. I did have three people try to put me in contact, got one return call from a referral and then nothing. I am not sure if cause I'm a newbie or because they worry about some one from Iowa even though I spent years in the Ocean. Congrats on the kill. Keep the good karma flowing.
slimsteve

[RydDragyn]

Panda-

My fiance and I go to Laguna a lot for snorkeling and freediving, but haven't done a lot of spearfishing yet. From what I hear bass and halibut are big here. Anyways, PM me back when you get into the area and we can meet up to have some fun at 'guna.

-Alex

[VaclavH]

Hey Panda.
I do live in L.A. and looking for people to dive with as well. I do not do much spearfishing (just when I want some for dinner) , but I do dept, some video and just dive for fun. But also want to do more training so I can start competing again.
Let me know when you are here and lets do some freediving.
Vaclav

[LGHT]

Anyone going out next weekend. Can't make it this weekend, but I need to get into the water soon!

Vaclav did you end up going out last week? I noticed your e-mail, but already had plans and couldn't make it.

Abel

[VaclavH]

Unfortunately I will be in Toronto next weekend.

[redpanda608]

Sorry, I'm on vacation to Lake Havasu next week.

[mike5150]

Hey Panda
I'm a Newbie too. Been out kayak fishing in Dana Point several times, a little success. I got a pole spear some time ago and have planned on dropping anchor and freedive down, but haven't done so yet. It'd be great to have other freedivers around. I go out to the water on Sunday mornings. PM me and we can make plans.

[RydDragyn]

Mike5150 - do you do any beach entries? Don't have a kayak

From what I understand the viz isn't supposed to be very good this weekend. I'm going to the beach for a 6am run soon though, so I'll see what it looks like as a possible harbinger for sat/sun.

[mike5150]

I plan on beach entries, but haven't yet, maybe that's how Ill spend this Sunday (takes a bit of practice I hear). BTW my kayak seats one, or two, (even has a place for a third, but it's for a child) I'll be rigging it to be more surf friendly (more tie downs) this week. My goal is to eventually kayak to a good spot, freedive down, and polespear halibut. No criticism please I plan on plenty of practice and planning to ensure I don't injure a fish and let it get away.

[LGHT]

Originally Posted by mike5150

I plan on beach entries, but haven't yet, maybe that's how Ill spend this Sunday (takes a bit of practice I hear). BTW my kayak seats one, or two, (even has a place for a third, but it's for a child) I'll be rigging it to be more surf friendly (more tie downs) this week. My goal is to eventually kayak to a good spot, freedive down, and polespear halibut. No criticism please I plan on plenty of practice and planning to ensure I don't injure a fish and let it get away.

Mike if you plan on halibut the time is now. They are in very shallow water right now and a lot of guys have been having a bit of luck. The hardest part of beach dives is the 100+ stairs you have to take to get to most of the spots in OC. Other than that it's just a matter of timing your entry between sets. If you have a yak there are only a few places you can launch easily that don't force you to navigate stairs so that means a bit of paddling to get to the sweet spot. However if you have 2 guys you could either carry the yak or pickup a one of those trailers that have the huge bicycle tires on it the help you get the yak to the spot. Anyone diving Sunday? I may be up for a quick 9-12 dive.

[mike5150]

LGHT,
Which beaches specifically has had luck with halibut? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I paddle Doheny from Dana Point, can probably hit Salt Creek without a problem (trolling along the way). I'll be going out Sunday morning ~7-12, and Monday morning ~7-11. Don't have wheels yet, just hoist it over my head and walk. Wouldn't try 100+ stairs like that though. Where do you normally dive out of? Maybe I can find a way to get over there.

[LGHT]

Originally Posted by mike5150

LGHT,
Which beaches specifically has had luck with halibut? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I paddle Doheny from Dana Point, can probably hit Salt Creek without a problem (trolling along the way). I'll be going out Sunday morning ~7-12, and Monday morning ~7-11. Don't have wheels yet, just hoist it over my head and walk. Wouldn't try 100+ stairs like that though. Where do you normally dive out of? Maybe I can find a way to get over there.

PM sent...........

[newportnewbie]

I just moved into newport beach and really want to get into freediving and spearfishing. Never done it before. Never salt water fished before either : ( I am from wisconsin so the only water i had was green bay and lake michigan. If anyone in the area has time to show a newb how do this that would be great. New to this site also so I might have difficulties navigated to any PMs. Thanks : )

[RydDragyn]

Currently dining on a nicely fried fish taco freshly speared but 2 hours ago

My fiance and I are looking for more people to go with on successful hunts such as today. We tend to frequent crystal cove state park and other areas in the LA-OC area.

If anybody is available specifically on weekend days for spearing or freediving, PM me.

I also like venturing down to La Jolla and am getting ready for a Catalina trip soon. I'm a newbie myself, but willing to go with anyone of any experience. I have my own gun.