People often ask me "when does abalone season open?" It happens frequently this time of year, as I begin my typical and incessant gibbering about abalone. My answer (April-June, August-November, except Fort Ross/Pedotti closed April-May this season), however, is always qualified by the fact that opening April 1 is, really, a cruel joke. This year was no different:
As you can see, there were nice, enormous, dangerous waves for the surfers - sea conditions that any diver worth his salt knows to avoid. It was a stay-home opener, as usual. However, and unlike last year, it appears the gods have smiled upon us, and a calm spot is currently forecast for this Saturday.
We always consider the first dive of the season a "gear check-out," but I'll be surprised if a couple big snails don't come home with us.... Stay tuned.
