Orange County, CA - Spearfishing regulations - Need advice.

Hi!
I got my OW this Tuesday, and I bought some spearfishing gear today, planning to bring home dinner now and then.
But I am getting conflicting information from people regarding what I can and cannot do..?

My questions:
1. Where in Orange county can I hunt lobster, diving off a beach? I hear that everything south of Newport is closed, and some say it's only the main beach in Laguna and a reef north of Laguna Beach. Anyone know for sure?

2. What fish spieces are legal to take, AND TASTE good (I am 100% for eating what I catch. If I can't or wont eat it, I will not hunt it!).

I will never be a threat to any spieces, as I might catch a couple of meals a month at max, but I would like to have the opportunity to "grab" dinner, when it's right in front of me....

If there is a regulation map online, I would love to get the link to that, so I know for sure where to go.

I would be thankful for any info you have

better take a look at this. new regs went into effect Jan 1. This article describes it pretty well.

Fishing ban to go into effect in Laguna | marine, fishing, beach - News - The Orange County Register

Happy Diving

socaljohn:

better take a look at this. new regs went into effect Jan 1. This article describes it pretty well.

Fishing ban to go into effect in Laguna | marine, fishing, beach - News - The Orange County Register

Happy Diving

Click to expand...

Wow. Thanks. Glad I asked here first! After reading the article, I found a map online showing the no take zone.

http://www.ocmarineprotection.org/docs/MPA_site_details_laguna_beach_smr.pdf

Guess Laguna area is a happy place for sea critters now.
Too bad, since I saw 2 big fat lobsters on my last certification dive this Tuesday
Was planning on eating one of them (or their bigger brother) this weekend, for our 1st year marriage anniversary..! Well, In-N-Out might have a special on cow this Sunday, so I'm fine.

I am glad the state is doing something to protect our waters for the next generation, and I do support their actions.

Maybe next year...:blinking:

Crystal Cove state park is a great spot for grabbing bugs the parking lot at the historic district is open until 10pm. But the entry can be a bit tricky there are lots of large rocks close to shore in the surf zone but once you get past those there are bugs everywhere. I would recommend going with someone that has some more experience especially if you plan to go at night.