Casino Point Dive Park

[lamarpaulski]

Thanks for tips! Really appreciate I think I’ll try to get a fishing license ... do you know if am I allowed to get a lobster if I’m there and see one?

Protected area. And lobster out of season anyway. Get a cooked one in town at The Lobster Trap. Google /Google Earth will show you layout of Avalon/Casino etc. You will dive in the shadow of the Casino.

 

[drbill]

What exactly should a "black sea bass" be called... scientifically speaking?

As Sam Miller pointed out, Stereolepis gigas

 

[Kathleen Sea Hare]

Been diving there many times. It's always a great dive.

I personally haven't seen any Ray's, but that doesn't mean you won't.

I have found since I started bringing a dive light, I use it constantly. Always a good thing to have a long.

Oh ok I thanks so That’s like normal you take a light even during day?

Protected area. And lobster out of season anyway. Get a cooked one in town at The Lobster Trap. Google /Google Earth will show you layout of Avalon/Casino etc. You will dive in the shadow of the Casino.

Got it. Okay didn't realize it was a protected area! Thanks for info!

 

[Kathleen Sea Hare]

You can buy a waterproof Franko's map / fish ID card at Catalina Diver's Supply on Catalina Ave in Avalon, or buy one in advance. It has a map of the dive park, which is very handy for navigating. I will be the odd man out and say that I was there this February the day before a gale warning, and it was very unpleasant. We knew the tide was going out and we'd have to crawl over the rocks to get up the stairs, but the wind really kicked up and marginal conditions became poor. The current pulled us away from the stairs, past the buoys and almost into the harbor. I didn't have enough gas to make it back underwater, so we had to surface swim. The waves were over the top of my snorkel. My buddy helped tow me in, I'm super grateful for that. It really sucked. Obviously I made a lot of mistakes, probably shouldn't have gotten in the water. But the year before it was spectacular, way better than Kohala on the Big Island. Have you dived in cold water before?

Cool I'll get the Franko Map! Sorry you had that experience but thanks for sharing because the more I learn from others, I think situationally- the better equipped I will be for various situations. .. yes I got certified in Monterery CA at Breakwater ..which is cold water and around a balmy 55 degrees

 

[Kathleen Sea Hare]

Protected area. And lobster out of season anyway. Get a cooked one in town at The Lobster Trap. Google /Google Earth will show you layout of Avalon/Casino etc. You will dive in the shadow of the Casino.

Do you know where in Southern CA divers are allowed to lobster hunt?

 

[wnissen]

. .. yes I got certified in Monterery CA at Breakwater ..which is cold water and around a balmy 55 degrees

Super, me too. You'll be fine, I'm sure, just providing some context.

Do you know where in Southern CA divers are allowed to lobster hunt?

We went out with the Scuba Cat and they would tell us where divers could and could not collect. "On the left side of the boat..."

 

[NAUI Wowie]

Hello!
I’m a newbie diver and taking a tour with the local dive shop. This spot I’ve read everywhere looks amazing so I’m excited! Does anyone have any tips of what to expect with where they may tour me? I read this is where locals get certified so should be a good dive right?

I’m going to try to research the types of fish of area because a recent trip I think it would have been better to know the names & identify prior to diving. Does anyone know if you see bat rays often? Are there rocks to look or a wall, should I bring my dive light?

Also I experienced my 1st strong current at Sharks Cove in North Shore HI last weekend and we were around 40 or so feet.. I did okay but it was tough to get out of! Does anyone have any experience of what the park area may be like, pending conditions are good this weekend? Thanks for any info if you know area!

Always bring a dive light. There are almost always places to poke it into to see things hiding and just light up something better at say 60ft or deeper. In addition visibility could be less than 10 feet. On such days if you have lights you and your partner can keep track of each other easier. also if you are ever separated from others and drifted away it helps searchers when night falls the dive light will be a beacon to make it much easier to find you. Always have a dive light and always have an smb with you. boats cannot see you in the water without an smb sticking up out of it. and for kelp areas always carry a cutting tool.

As a new diver I never carried a light, smb, or cutting tool. after a couple dives I realized these are mandatory for my safety.

 

[saxman242]

Oh ok I thanks so That’s like normal you take a light even during day?

Yup, I bring it (and use it) on every dive.

 

[The Chairman]

Oh ok I thanks so That’s like normal you take a light even during day?

Take it every dive every where.

I've dove the park a few times and it's my favorite place to dive in California. Actually, my only dives in California have been there!

If you're very, very lucky, you might be blessed with seeing the shy and elusive Garibaldi. Keep an eye peeled.

 

[saxman242]

Take it every dive every where.

I've dove the park a few times and it's my favorite place to dive in California. Actually, my only dives in California have been there!

If you're very, very lucky, you might be blessed with seeing the shy and elusive Garibaldi. Keep an eye peeled.

If you don't watch carefully, one might run into your face. Ha!