Spear Fishing (Venice Reef)

Today we were planning on going 15 miles off shore and attempting a shipwreck that I will write about later. However when I woke up today I found out that there were 15 MPH gusts offshore, which was upsetting, because I had looked forward to diving. I decided to go ahead and attempt a basic dive on Venice Reef (2706.29 8228.904). My friend, my Dad, and I anchored up with ease and were greeted by tons of birds on the water, and dropped down with visibility being about 10-15 feet. We found TONS of life which is amazing because we have been experiencing red tide the past few days. We had a few shooters today, and attached is a picture of my friend holding his prized keepsake. I saw a few dive charter boats out anchored which reminded me of my trip to Mexico, just seeing the life and energy out on the water. During our surface interval a local Kayak sharks tooth diver swam up to us and clipped onto our boat to take a break due to all the current. We exchanged some numbers and stories, and went for our second dive. Although the second dive of the day did not produce any keepers to get any shots off at I still enjoyed the millions of bait fish and marine life. I love the calm that comes over me during these periods of visiting another world.                                         

Brendan (Author) preparing for the dive/ Dave with his hog fish

M15 Reef

M15 Reef (27° 05.001’ 82° 32.524’)

I have had the pleasure of diving this spot several times. About a week ago a friend of mine and myself decided to spearfish a few of the local reefs looking for something to shoot. We arrived to find a few fishermen on the spot and passed it to go to M16. On our way back in we dove M15 which is mainly concrete rubble, we were unable to find any shoot able fish on this day, however the colors of fish/reef are beautiful and always proves to be a very enjoyable dive.

Time off

Well, I took a trip to Cozumel Mexico and have not dove Venice since.... ha. I love my stomping grounds its not that I am spoiled I swear :) However we have been battered by Hurricanes off the coast ect... Viz has been improving lately in the gulf to the tune of 10-15 off the beach. I am a little nervous because all the fossil beds that I had been well aware of for Megs I am sure have changed. I will be posting some spots, and finds as soon as I hit the water within this week. I have also asked a local Free Diving Spear Fisher to help add to this blog. His name is Tom, and look for some stuff from him very soon.

Beach Bash

I am a huge fan on a website www.scubaboard.com it is a forum with tons of resources for the avid diver. One of the many perks I have found with this website is its ability to help network the dive community. Recently scheduled was a "Venice Beach Bash" an annual dive event where a bunch of divers get together, the local charter captains offer free dives out to the bone yard. If you are ever in the area around June take a look at the site and plan to meet some great people, and do some awesome dives. I recommend joining the site regardless and if there is a referral option please mention COWSskateGOOD, you will find TONS of reviews, spots, tips, accident reviews.....

How to clean sharks teeth

I do not take credit for this, and have learned this method from a charter captain in the area. However the best way to clean megs/sharks teeth/ and found fishing rods that have years/months of encrusted coral growth is to take Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with water, depending on the level of growth 25% - 75% mixture. Let the item soak for as long as needed with mild scrubbing/scrapping/wiping until desired effect.

Today dove a new spot off of Venice Beach. Approximately a mile or so directly West of the life guard stands in about 25 of water you will find a 4 or 5 foot relief on your depth finder. This appears to be a natural ledge with rocks. Beautiful reef with tons of fish, hogs and varied other species. Today the viz was not quite ideal 5' range with suspended particles and areas a lot less then that. However had a great time finding big sized Meg (Sharks teeth).

Sharks Teeth

Ramble Post:

Yesterday I had the privilege of diving Alhambra via beach. My boat has been broken this entire week and I actually had to get Tow Boat U.S. to come get me out of Lemon Bay a few days prior. I almost thumbed the dive, due to what I felt was too windy of conditions (winds from the SE 8knots) with what appeared to be strong top surge. However when I walked to the beach I saw crystal clear top to bottom viz. OHHH YEAH!!!! I went out to about 20 feet of water straight east of Alhambra and attempted to locate the bone yard  ( a well known fossil bed ) I loved the dive, it was approx 8 feet of viz and very easy to find teeth, fish, structure. I had a fantastic time. My SAC rate has seemed to drop and I blame it on Insanity the work out program and my latest training with the Fire Department, I ended up spending about 1 hour at 20' with 2/3 of my tank leftover... HOW AMAZING :)