Spearfishing the Kelp Forests of La Jolla: Derelict at Depth
There’s something primal about slipping beneath the waves, speargun in hand, and gliding through the towering kelp forests of La Jolla. It’s not just fishing—it’s a hunt, a meditation, and a humbling reminder of nature’s complexity, all rolled into one. As a biotech founder, I spend my days wrestling with data and deadlines, but out in those swaying underwater cathedrals, it’s just me, the fish, and the rhythm of the ocean. Here’s my take on spearfishing La Jolla’s kelp forests—and why it’s an adventure worth chasing.
La Jolla’s kelp forests, stretching from Boomer Beach to La Jolla Cove, are a biodiversity hotspot. Giant kelp sways from the seafloor to the surface, creating a maze of green and gold where sunlight filters through like stained glass. These forests—some of the most iconic on the West Coast—are home to yellowtail, white seabass, calico bass, and sheepshead, all fair game for spearfishers willing to navigate the tangle. But it’s not just about the catch; it’s about immersing yourself in an ecosystem that’s as fragile as it is fierce.
My first dive in La Jolla was a wake-up call. I’d speared in open water before, but the kelp was a different beast. Visibility was a murky 15 feet, and the surge tugged me like an impatient kid. I dove to 20 feet, threading through kelp fronds, and spotted a calico bass darting between the stalks. My heart raced as I lined up the shot—only to have my float line snag on kelp, spooking the fish. Rookie mistake. But that’s the magic of La Jolla: it demands respect, patience, and skill.
Here’s what I’ve learned from countless dives in these waters:
Know the Terrain
La Jolla’s kelp forests range from 10 to 70 feet deep, with reefs and canyons adding complexity. Start shallow (20-30 feet) near Boomer Beach or outside La Jolla Cove’s Marine Protected Area (MPA)—check regulations to avoid hefty fines. Kelp can tangle gear, so keep your float line tight and use a reel for heavier kelp. Lesson: The kelp is your map, but it’s also your maze.
Target Smart, Hunt Slow
Yellowtail are the prize, lurking in the kelp’s midwater, but they’re skittish—use slow movements and aim for surface iron shots early morning. Calico bass and sheepshead hide in rocks and kelp holdfasts; drop to the bottom and wait for them to cruise by. Opaleye and sargo are great for beginners, with no size limits and curious natures. Lesson: Patience is your best weapon.
Respect the Ecosystem
Kelp forests are under siege—climate change and overgrazing have slashed La Jolla’s canopy by up to 75% in some areas. Spear selectively, stick to bag limits (20 fish daily, max 10 per species), and avoid MPAs like South La Jolla and Matlahuayl. Sheepshead, for instance, control urchins that devour kelp, so don’t overharvest. Lesson: We’re guests in this underwater world.
Gear Up, Stay Safe
A 3-5mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and a mid-range speargun (or pole spear for beginners) are your basics. Heavy boat traffic means a dive flag or buoy is non-negotiable—kelp hides you from boats. Always dive with a buddy, especially in low-vis days (10-40 feet). Lesson: Safety is as critical as the hunt.
Embrace the Learning Curve
My first legal sheepshead—a 15-pounder—felt like a trophy, but it took hours of diving, tangled lines, and missed shots to get there. La Jolla’s kelp teaches you to read fish behavior, manage currents, and stay calm when a yellowtail bolts. Every dive sharpens your instincts. Lesson: The ocean is the ultimate mentor.
Spearfishing La Jolla’s kelp forests isn’t just a sport—it’s a connection to something ancient and alive. You’re not just hunting fish; you’re weaving through a living ecosystem, one that supports everything from garibaldi to sea lions. But with that privilege comes responsibility. As I’ve learned in biotech, progress means balancing ambition with care. In the kelp, that means taking only what you need and leaving the forest intact for the next diver.
So, grab your gear, study the regs, and dive into La Jolla’s underwater jungle. It’ll test you, thrill you, and remind you why we fight to protect our oceans. Got a favorite spearfishing spot or a kelp forest story? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears.
Keep diving, keep thriving.
