Although spear fishing is still popular, abalone is
why most divers come to the north coast. On summer weekends and holidays,
both individuals and dive clubs head for Mendocino County for this prize
from the sea. Albion River Campground is a prime destination for these
free diving hunters. The narrow band of rocky habitat that is our coast
line produces an abundant harvest every year. The reefs and rock walls
around Albion Point still teem with deep eight and nine inch abalone.
Commercial divers are still not allowed to harvest the abalone
like they did in Southern California.
Diving in the deeper water or rock picking (feeling
around the submerged rooks) in the inshore shallows is the usual method
to find them. An abalone iron is needed to separate them from the rock.
Access is usually by boat or the limited number of beach entries. Taking
of abalone is permitted on the north coast (Southern California is still
closed) with a state issued fishing license and abalone report card.
The red abalone, which is the larger and most tender
of this family of gastropods, is the
only one allowed to be taken in Northern California. I have never seen
any other in this area so other family members must be very scarce. Although
the red abalone grows to 10 inches and larger, seven inches across the
widest dimension is the minimum size for possession. If you take them,
don't forget to punch and fill out your abalone report card. Policing
by game wardens has been on the increase lately possibly due to increased
poaching. Yes, they have even increased inspections by boat.
The sound of hammering in the evening is a sure sign
of another successful hunt. The abalone is sliced, pounded, and breaded
for the evening meal. Egg and crushed saltine cracker is still the preferred
coating before deep frying. Plates stacked high with hot abalone and
a liberal supply of a good wine, who could ask for anything better.
|
