Abalone Shells Collecting/Central Coast Diving

[ystrout]

Hi Guys,

I'm heading up to Morro Bay/Cambria on a camping trip in a couple weeks. We'll be there for three days and will bring our scuba equipment along. We're hoping to get 1 dive in the first day and 2 on the second day, conditions permitting of course. I used to surf and kayak fish up there a bunch so I know how rough and nasty it can get. So I am fully prepared to not be able to dive, or just dive in the bay where it is protected.

We really want to collect a 2 or 3 abalone shells for wedding decorations. They have to be ones we earn though, no store bought shells.


I wanted to get some input from those of you that have dived there before.

1. Are there any restrictions against taking dead abalone shells? I know there's 'no take zones' but Spooner's cove isn't one of those. Also, have you ever seen abalone shells lying around there? I saw TONS when I was diving in Laguna beach a couple months ago but I know that's a protected area.
2. What is the most fun part of Spooner's cove to dive? Is it best to hug the point and stay on that reef there?
3. What is the water temperature like in April? Whenever I kayaked/surfed there, the surface was 55-58 F. Is there a distinct thermocline where it gets WAY colder? Or will the temp hover in the mid 50s.
4. Any other tips for fun, safe cold water dives? I live and dive in SoCal, but the central coast is definitely harsh, so I want to be as prepared as possible.

Thanks!

 

[MaxBottomtime]

Diving under the North T-Pier in front of the Harbor Patrol/USCG office is your easiest bet. If you catch it at slack tide and there is enough vis you may find a few shells there. They won't be large but at least there is no surf.

 

[ystrout]

Diving under the North T-Pier in front of the Harbor Patrol/USCG office is your easiest bet. If you catch it at slack tide and there is enough vis you may find a few shells there. They won't be large but at least there is no surf.

Like right under the docks under the CG boats? Is it legal to do that?

And can I just access the water from the docks? Or do I need to go to that little beach a little further north and make the .25 mile swim?

 

[MaxBottomtime]

It is legal, but I always go into the offices to let them know I'll be under the pier. They will remind you not to dive near the boats and let you know if there are any restrictions that day. If you seem friendly enough they will allow you access to their dock so you can make an entry from the end of their dock rather than from the rocks. As long as you stay within the pilings you're OK.
There is also a hose in front of the Harbor office and a bench. Another reason to be polite to them.

 

[ystrout]

Thanks for the info. I'm going to do that in search of abalone shells.

I'm also going to check out some of the sites off the rocks right next to Morro Rock. Target rock looks fun. Lots of big sea stars and anenomies.

It's nice to know there's a couple bay dive sites in case I can't make it to Spooner's cove due to conditions.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

There are a few more popular local sites nearby in case conditions are good.
Scuba Shore Diving Site Listing for: California Mid, USA West

 

[TMHeimer]

I collected a couple of nice empty ones at Casino Point (Catalina) snorkeling in 1972 when I was 18 (still in the collection). Nowadays they probably shoot you for that.