Introduction and Opinions on Two Harbors

[billydblair]

Hi all,

I am new to spearboard, but I have been actively spearfishing for three years now in the Los Angeles County area. I have done a few shore diving trips to Santa Cruz Island but I typically shore dive out of Catalina (Avalon) or Malibu. I attempt to fish for WSB off Catalina (Avalon) but unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to catch one!

I was thinking of doing a day trip to Two Harbors this Saturday. Curious to what the general consensus is of Two Harbors versus Avalon?

Also, I will be doing my first trip with Captain George and The Sand Dollar later this month. At the moment I do not have a float or floatline. Any suggestions on a solid set-up that would be compatible with my JBL Elite Woody Sawed-Off Magnum?

Any help with the above will be thoroughly appreciated!

On a side note, (depending on the opinions of Two Harbors) would anyone like a dive buddy on Saturday?

Thanks,

BB

[Jolinedaniel]

You will need a float and floatline on the sand dollar for safety and you'll want a bigger gun ask around and see if you can borrow one of buying one isn't in the cards

[Bob Ballew]

....You can spend lots of money on a float system or do like I did, go to Minneys in Newport Beach and buy an older co2 inflatable life jacket for $20, some of which come in a velcro bag you can attach to your weight belt after making a few alterations (cutting off excess straps, etc)..
...You can inflate it manually beforehand or, if working kelp, keep it on your belt and clip it on your gun if needed to spot your gun and fish...some strong poly floating line or a reel setup (my preference) and you are good to go..
...Assuming you haven't been to the Isthmus before, I suggest early morning dives, as a strong wind has been coming up by noon and is typical for afternoon conditions there... you can rent a kayak and go out to the west tip of Bird Rock, which is just outside the preserve..good spot to see a yt or sea bass...
...Ship Rock, futher out is a fun dive and has gamefish, but, current can come up and get you in trouble if the wind comes up with it... There is a bar, store, small restaurant and showers.....there are yellowtail all over the island, so both locations produce...the largest wsb I have ever seen was out at Ship Rock some years back....five fish; probably well over 100 lbs, based on length and width....

[Seansheds]

Originally Posted by billydblair

Hi all,

I am new to spearboard, but I have been actively spearfishing for three years now in the Los Angeles County area. I have done a few shore diving trips to Santa Cruz Island but I typically shore dive out of Catalina (Avalon) or Malibu. I attempt to fish for WSB off Catalina (Avalon) but unfortunately I have never had the opportunity to catch one!

I was thinking of doing a day trip to Two Harbors this Saturday. Curious to what the general consensus is of Two Harbors versus Avalon?

Also, I will be doing my first trip with Captain George and The Sand Dollar later this month. At the moment I do not have a float or floatline. Any suggestions on a solid set-up that would be compatible with my JBL Elite Woody Sawed-Off Magnum?

Any help with the above will be thoroughly appreciated!

On a side note, (depending on the opinions of Two Harbors) would anyone like a dive buddy on Saturday?

Thanks,

BB

I haven't been diving in Avalon, but I have been to Two Harbors camping and diving twice. Like Bob said you can rent a kayak or rent a skiff for 1/2 or full day and dive those two spots. It's a long paddle though especially if the wind is up.

If you want to shore dive you can hit Harbor Reef. It's not a bad swim and there's plenty of life there. A lot of big calico and YT run through there too. Last time I was there I saw a 250 lb Black Sea Bass.

Wherever you go make sure you know the MPA line.

I'll be on the Sand Dollar trip to Cortes (my first) later this month as well, thanks to Jolinedaniel.

[billydblair]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll do some more research on the MPA's surrounding Two Harbors. Sean, I'll see you July 19th!

Anybody diving LA area, islands or not this Saturday?

[Seansheds]

Originally Posted by billydblair

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll do some more research on the MPA's surrounding Two Harbors. Sean, I'll see you July 19th!

Anybody diving LA area, islands or not this Saturday?

I'm going on a different trip. July 24-26 to Cortes Bank.