Free-Divers Encounter Giant Black Sea Bass off Beach
CDN:
I would like to share with your readers, an unbelievable diving experience that I shared with my 14-year old son, Zack. We were free diving for halibut off a local beach last week when we were treated to one of nature’s best. We both found this small rock pile, although I’m sure it is no secret spot considering its location at a popular surf break. It was flat one day and we were chasing corbina along the shore with pole spears when we ventured out in the clear water and found this “structure.” Since then, we have enjoyed some pretty good spear fishing out there. We have harvested halibut and the now and again three or four pound calico from this small area.

When approaching this area and there is a lot of bait in the water, the anticipation level is on the Richter! No previous dive at this spot can compare with what we experienced on this morning. As you get into the area, there is a rock that sits alone. This rock has always been the “indicator” for my son in his dive training to slow his approach, relax his breathing, and to take his gun off of safety. Zack was slightly ahead of me as we approached this rock. He pulls up suddenly and points down and then lifts his head above the surface to speak. He states that the recent large south swell we had must have pushed another rock up against the indicator rock. This rock sits in about 20 feet of water and looking down myself from the surface, it did look like a rock-shaped “something” was down there.

I took a deep breath and slowly sank down toward the two objects. Visibility was limited, definitely not clear, but about half way down I stopped. Laying on the bottom, next to our rock, was a beautiful black sea bass! The fish showed no reaction to my presence as I resurfaced. I excitingly informed him what the rock really was! Although only fourteen, Zack has been diving with me for a solid five years now. He knows what’s up and it only took a little reminder that this was a protected species. We made the plan to split up and get on opposing sides of this fish and then to slowly swim to the bottom and observe for a moment from afar. It worked like a charm! The fish was facing out to the open ocean and appeared to be in a catatonic state. As we both settled onto the bottom, almost simultaneously, the fish cocked his head and looked in my direction and then quickly over to Zack’s direction, but did not bolt off!

The fish was unbelievable. It looked like power and mass. Silvery gray with dark gray to almost black spots. You could tell by his increased gill plate rhythm that he was trippin’, too! I nodded to the surface, and as Zack an I rose off the bottom, the fish flared up his fins and moved away from the rock. He swam slowly along the bottom toward deeper water. Just before we surfaced, he stopped and turned back towards us. Zack wanted to see, if we approached slowly along the bottom, how close we could get to it? We slowly swam along the sandy bottom, with our arms back and down our sides, towards the fish. He was facing us head on as we approached. We got to about ten feet away before he turned and slowly swam into the gloom of deeper water. And I swear he gave us a look like an old grandpa would give when interrupted of his nap! He must carry some heavy rep that precedes him because there were no game fish to be had on this day after we resumed our hunt!

My son and I will never forget this dive as long as we live. Walking out of the water and beginning the hike back to the car, through all the beach blankets, kids, toys, bikinis, etc., we both were buzzing over what we had just witnessed and where it happened and we were the only ones who knew. My brothers and I grew up free-diving and now I’m passing it on to my son. There is no bigger rush than sharing something like this experience with yourself and your son. No bubbles, please!

Robb and Zack Heberer
San Pedro Free-Divers

Black Sea Bass at Santa Barbara Island; Kudos to Iron Eagle
I am a reader of the magazine and enjoy every month’s issue. I recently decided to do my first live-a-board last month. I signed up for a three-day trip to Santa Barbara, San Clemente and Catalina on the ever so big Iron Eagle. I must say I have never had so much fun in a weekend.

The reason I am writing is we saw on our first dive at Santa Barbara five giant sea bass that just took my breath away! I have never been so close to such a big fish and to know they are still around for other divers to see.

I also want to tip my hat off to the captain and crew on the Iron Eagle, they did a great job! I understand they are the “new kid on the block” and have received some criticism from the competition. The captain really knows his place on a boat and the crew took great care of us at all times! I must mention the cook, or should I say the chef; he fed us like kings. Including ceviché with the fish we caught. I recommend this boat to all divers. This is the way all boats should be!

A. Steimle
Glendora, CA

We'd like to hear from you! Send your comments to EMAIL: mail@saintbrendan.com or P.O. Box 11231, Torrance, CA 90510; Fax (310) 792-2336 (please include include name , city and a way to contact you.)