What is required to go spearfishing in Southern California?

Question

I am trying to become a spearfisher. I have all my gear, such as mask, snorkel, gloves, boots, fins, wetsuit, and polespear. I will be freediving. I still need to purchase a salt water fishing license, right?

Also, can I just beach dive off any public beach and start hunting? I may start at Redondo beach because it is the closest. Can I just bring my gear and jump in the water, take my meal, then walk back to my car with my dinner hanging around my body? Or will I get stopped even before I bring my spear on the beach?

Answer 1

The spearfishing regulations are basically the same as the rod and reel regulations -- you need a license, you have to observe size and possession limits, keep out of closed areas, and so on. Make sure you know the regulations -- lots of fish have minimum sizes, and there are zero limits on others, specifically the black sea bass (giant sea bass) -- the largest fish you're likely to see in nearshore waters.

(The regulations booklet is available in tackle shops where you can buy your license.)

As to going into the water from a public beach, if it's crowded, a lifeguard would probably stop you, worrying about you spearing an unsuspecting swimmer. (They'll also keep surfcasters off crowded beaches for the same reason.) But then, if it's crowded I doubt you would find much to be worth spearing anywhere near shore, especially in a heavily fished area like Santa Monica Bay.

When I was in high school I did some scuba diving off the beach in Malaga Cove (on the north side of PV, a few miles south of Redondo.) I saw plenty of fish, but nothing over about a foot, though I don't think I got out to water deeper than 20 feet or so. I saw many more fish when I was diving at Catalina.

Look for areas with rocky bottoms and kelp. Though you might find halibut in the sandy areas, remember they have to be 22 inches to keep, and most of them you see will be short. (Remember, fish look a lot bigger underwater.) I think your best bet is to probably look near cover for rockfish or bass, and check the edges for halibut or whatever else might be around.