Kelp died out?

[GregAndrew]

There are lots of critters that feed on kelp. Most of them do better in warmer water. The most destructive of these are Sea Urchins. They do not necessarily eat the most, but they concentrate their efforts on the holdfast (root) of the plant. That cuts it away from the rocks and essentially dooms it. There are a few fish (mainly Sheepshead) that feed on Urchins, and some crabs too. Kelp die-offs help to keep Urchins in check, but the Purple Urchins can eat pretty much anything else that grows on the rocks. There used to be dive parties that would go out and smash urchins too. But now, with all of the MLPA area, it is almost pointless to do that. Their eggs spread to the current and cover most of the area between protected areas anyway. It is not a new phenomenon, I studied this cycle back in the early 80s in school. But the variables seem to be mutating a bit. On a positive note, we should see more Trigger Fish and possibly even Sea Otters due to the abundance of Urchins.

[bender0240]

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

There are lots of critters that feed on kelp. Most of them do better in warmer water. The most destructive of these are Sea Urchins. They do not necessarily eat the most, but they concentrate their efforts on the holdfast (root) of the plant. That cuts it away from the rocks and essentially dooms it. There are a few fish (mainly Sheepshead) that feed on Urchins, and some crabs too. Kelp die-offs help to keep Urchins in check, but the Purple Urchins can eat pretty much anything else that grows on the rocks. There used to be dive parties that would go out and smash urchins too. But now, with all of the MLPA area, it is almost pointless to do that. Their eggs spread to the current and cover most of the area between protected areas anyway. It is not a new phenomenon, I studied this cycle back in the early 80s in school. But the variables seem to be mutating a bit. On a positive note, we should see more Trigger Fish and possibly even Sea Otters due to the abundance of Urchins.

I fished Sheephead for a little bit and came to similar conclusions.

- they're way too easy to catch once you figure it out. It's like shooting fish in a barrel, not really sporting in my book.
- they're pretty dumb and don't seem to have any learned defense against fishing

To be clear, I don't have an opinion on what others do. I just won't be fishing for that species anymore myself.

[PapaDave]

I've fished Dana Point for about seven years now. There used to be kelp forests everywhere to the south and north. The point was a solid carpet, the south was dotted with heavy concentrations. These days there is little kelp, some small areas just past the point in 60 feet and some small areas to the south just past the pipeline in 40-50 feet. The fishing has deteriorated a great deal, it's sad.

[DanaYakAngler]

What is the kelp situation around newport?

[whereubinh]

Originally Posted by DanaYakAngler

What is the kelp situation around newport?

Pretty much gone. There might be a small patch outside of crystal cove but it's not even enough to latch on to. Last year around this time, the kelps were super thick and and was a good fishing ground for bass. It's probably best to leave the sheepsheads to level out the urchin population.

[Southwest Kayak Fishing]

Originally Posted by whereubinh

Pretty much gone. There might be a small patch outside of crystal cove but it's not even enough to latch on to. Last year around this time, the kelps were super thick and and was a good fishing ground for bass. It's probably best to leave the sheepsheads to level out the urchin population.

You may have been there when the kelp was laid down with the current or it was high tide. We were there a few weeks ago and it was laid down and there wasn’t much to clip on to but it produced well.

We found it south of Carona Del Mar along the cliff area about a mile
Off shore. If you catch it right there’s so much of it that you will get your mirage drive stuck in it lol

On a side note I realize that some folks won’t target Sheephead because it may not be much of a challenge, “but” they make great table fare and I personally find it rewarding to be able to bring home something good after peddling around all day and putting in the effort to make the trip worth while👍🏼

Where going to try north of Dana Point Saturday to see if the kelp is up on the surface. If so the plan is to clip on and hopefully limit out on Sheephead then maybe go out a few miles. The bones and barracuda have been showing up.