Just this last week, my buddy and I were talking about how we had both observed several young adults/teenagers spearfishing at Crescent this summer. We both commented that we never seem to see them leaving the water with any game. I've watched these kids and all they carry are their slings or spear guns, but no game bags or stringers. On Sunday, we dropped down for a dive and found a near dead 14" long Plainfin Midshipman. I've made hundreds of dives in Laguna and have only ever seen two others of this fish. Upon examination we were dismayed to find that this fellow had been speared cleanly through the head. As they lay still on the bottom, it was surely an easy target.
I've got no issue with hunters taking game for sport or food, but this just appears to be guys out killing fish for fun. I don't even know if I have a real point to this post... perhaps I'm just venting a little. It really disturbs me.
Are Midshipman considered a game fish? As far as I can tell the Plainfish Midshipman is not on the list of allowable species for the Laguna State Marine Conservation Area.
I've got no issue with hunters taking game for sport or food, but this just appears to be guys out killing fish for fun. I don't even know if I have a real point to this post... perhaps I'm just venting a little. It really disturbs me.
Are Midshipman considered a game fish? As far as I can tell the Plainfish Midshipman is not on the list of allowable species for the Laguna State Marine Conservation Area.
infuriates:furious: me. I was at Fisherman's Cove a few weeks ago when this kid had speared a fish (don't know what kind) and was explaining to his mom that they should NOT take it home to eat because there was hardly any "good eating" on this fish. He said he killed it because this type of fish fights and struggles a lot making it more fun. He was not reprimanded by his mother in any way. 
Sickening.
