Talcott
ShoalWe were about to jump into the water when my buddy began to express a deep fear of encountering a shark. Since we were about to enter a thick kelp bed, I responded with my regular line: "Sharks never enter a kelp bed." This "urban legend" seemed to relieve my friend's fears, and we proceeded with the dive.
We were in the water only about five minutes when a seven gill shark appeared out of the dark water. Seven gills are not normally observed by divers, since they prefer deep or murky water, but here one was in crystal-clear water and it was coming closer. As the shark came directly at me I thought of nothing but concentrating on getting a good photograph. The seven gill made two tight circles around me, allowing enough time for two or three shots, and disappeared as suddenly as it had arrived. However, what was a "photo op" of tremendous proportions for me became a terrifying experience for my buddy. It took some time before she would speak to me again. I guess not everyone thinks of sharks as graceful photo subjects.
Our encounter occurred on the northwest side of Santa Rosa Island, at
a place called Talcott Shoal. This is a dive spot where the
unexpected can happen and encounters with big animals are common.
The bottom terrain consists of a series of ledges that run parallel to the island. Some of the ledges are only inches high and others jut 10 to 15 feet off the bottom. Diving here consists of ridge running. Find a ridge you like and follow it in one direction. If you don't like that one, swim perpendicular for 50 to 100 feet and follow another. Simply follow a parallel ridge back to the boat.
Within the ledges are hidden a great many spiny lobsters. These are often seen "porch sitting" at the entrance of their hole or hiding way back in the hole for protection. Since lobsters are nocturnal feeders, they rarely venture far from their hole during the day. The ledges also offer shelter to rock scallops, swell sharks, and a myriad of rock and reef fish.
The area is covered with a thick bed of giant kelp, particularly in
summer. This kelp can make it quite dark down below, so it is a good
idea to carry a flashlight. Always be on the lookout for big animals
passing by. Sea lions often pass through the kelp, as do bat rays,
and electric rays. Look for angle sharks in the occasional sand
channel. If you are really lucky you might run into a seven gill
shark.
Talcott is a good place to hunt for dinner. Lobster hunting in season is quite good, and two-or three-pounders are common place. There are always a few scallops around for those who take the time to look. Rockfish and calico bass are plentiful and make for an easy meal.
With all of the big stuff and game around, it is sometimes hard to take time for the "little critters." Brittle stars may be found out in the open during the day, and look for colorful nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and tiny fish. Talcott is a photographers delight for both big and small animals.
Location:
The north side of the West End of Santa Rosa Island.
Access: Boat only.
Skill Level: Intermediate or better.
Visibility: Generally good, 30 to 60 feet.
Depths: 20 to 100 feet.
Photography: Good wide-angle photography of kelp beds and big animals. Good macro for nudibranchs and other invertebrates.
Hunting: Good hunting for lobsters and rock scallops. Good spearfishing for rockfish and sheephead.
Hazards: Watch for boat traffic and thick kelp.
Suggested Dive Charter Boats Serving This Area:
Spectre - (805) 483-6612
Peace - (805) 984-2025
Truth/Conception/Vision - (805) 962-1127
Liberty - (805) 642-6655
or see the California Scuba Calendar section of this issue for trips to Santa Rosa Island.
