How to Spearfish Greenling & Rockfish: Catch and Cook.

[@snasty5]

Wasn’t gonna comment but that somebody needs to say something about “that little bit of cumin” 😂😂😂 19:18 But real talk and I’ll keep it as short as possible. On vacation almost a year ago in Hawaii, I went pole spearing (but really it was just swimming because I got skunked) and fell in love. Fast forward a month and I’d purchased everything I need like an idiot and was ready for lobster season. 2 weeks before it started I was diagnosed with guillain barre and haven’t walked without assistance or supervision since around august 2022. Your video series started when I was in the hospital those 4 months and gave me something to look forward to and continue to look forward to. As a Orange County/SoCal resident, it’s awesome to doing this all within driving distance and pulling out the fish I grew up eating. Hate to get all “make a wishy” on you, but when I was at that point in the hospital last year, it would have been “have the doc guide me to my first scallop and eat it in the water with him”…and When I can walk again/not be a liability in the ocean, I will be inquiring to make that happen (and spoiler alert…I’d consider taking out a second mortgage to make that happen haha). Again…seriously thank you for your videos and please keep them coming 🤙🏻

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

I remember watching Fisherman's Life when I shattered my kneecap. I was stuck on the couch for months. I had never met him at that point. Now we dive together! I hope we get you out in the water eating scallop sashimi soon!

[@broomstickcowgirl]

There's no way anyone could say they don't like these videos!! YOU are a legend my friend!

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Thanks Kelly!

[@sandcrab805]

Oh man that clear viz makes me so jealous! I know just what you mean about how when the water is clear like that , your brain just sort of lights up when you get in it, great to see even on video. I'm looking forward to your Keyhole limpet episode, I like to take them, they are such a soft easy to eat and prep shellfish. I'm always a little nervous that it's going to come into vogue as a forager food because it's one of those species that's so easy to take and currently almost nobody does. I'm curious as to what you have to say about the use of their shells in the archaeological record as well, I know that Keyhole Limpet shells figure prominently and a lot of Chumash ornamentation and ceremonial Goods. As far as your advice on putting on and off free dive suits I have found good success and minimal stress on the suit by doing one arm then my head then the second arm. same thing talik it off, i try and avoid yanking on the beavertail whenever I can. Might be more of an issue for me though then for you , as I'm a lot "taller from side to side" . While I'm handing out unsolicited advice, you might like to try out a mask with an opaque skirt as opposed to the translucent/clear one that you have. The lack of Reflection from light coming through the sides on the lens is something that I really like about an opaque skirt. If you're particularly attached to that mask you might try just darkening the sides with a sharpie. I really like your channel have been a fan of your videos since I learned how to make a stone bowl from one back what seems like maybe a decade ago. Thanks for producing the content

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Wow! Thanks for watching for so long! I might have to sharpee that mask skirt! I agree that minimizing pull on the beaver tail is a good idea especially with old suits. Yes, those Chumash ornaments from keyhole limpet shell are very cool! How do you prepare your limpets to eat them? I have a simple system but am always open to trying new methods!

[@LonC1966]

I was looking for a new video from you 2 days ago. What timing. Taku says not to make Sashimi from fresh water fish. Does the “chemical cooking” of ceviche kill the bacteria he was talking about? That looked so tasty. I’m jealous of the fresh sea food you have such “easy” access to.

[@Husapalooza]

sweet visibility. good ep.

[@barbarasmith9809]

I can't tell if your love for the outdoors is more important than your love of food. Both great loves. I wish you had taught me to dive. I think I could have overcome my fear with your techniques.

[@jasonallen7779]

Way cool video, the reef area looks so healthy and colorful.

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

That was a heck of a day for sure!

[@catchcookeat]

Great day guys, looks tasty.👌👌

[@seanbreed8248]

Awesome video! Nice shots with the pole spear. That ceviche is making me hungry!

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Thanks man!

[@yanjijay6752]

Spear fishing looks fun especially coastal foraging only nk if I lived near the ocean

[@zinmaker2522]

To help protect the end of your spear poll from poking anything while not in use, try taking a little over an inch of old piece of garden hose and squeeze the end of your three prongs together and slide the hose over just enough to cover the points... Enjoy watching your shows, thanks!

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Good idea! I lost the tip cover and was trying to think of what might make a decent replacement.

[@ShivSilverhawk]

What an awesome video! Especially the ceviche at the end. I love free diving too! There’s nothing better than the feeling of pressure on your skull!

[@betzaidavazquez5579]

Nice video, always great to tune in because so much is learned. The under water footage was amazing and always accompanied by your soft narration, and that ceviche ! looked delicious. Will try that hot sauce X . Looking forward to more adventures of the outdoors. 🥰🎣🌟👊

[@desertfairychickres4021]

Killing me with the Ceviche Kevin. So hungry. Blessings too you and Diane.

[@alexizzarelli9122]

Nice filet job!!

[@happytam]

The last time i dove in vis like that was about 7 years ago. I miss having to swim over kelp.

[@AseanNomad]

Nice vid, thank you for sharing. I'm coming to California next month from Australia, Would love to dive with you..

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Thank you! I am guiding freedive-spearfishing whenever the ocean conditions are calm. If you are interested you can check out my website catchncookcalifornia.com The easiest way to stay up to date with what/where I am guiding is to get on my email list which you can do through the website. Hope we get a chance to get you in the water!

[@financeisflippinfun]

thanks for that pin bone tip!

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

You got it! I do perch the same way.

[@92bagder]

Never thought about rockfish ceviche. The captain of my fishing charter mentioned it, thought he was crazy. I'll have to make that next time I visit.

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

I always blanch the nearshore fish to be sure they are safe to do that way. Pelagics, scallops, clams, etc. can just be soaked in lime juice for an hour or so as they are safe to eat raw.

[@asianseaanimals]

It is the awesome underwater swimm

[@felix8788]

amazing !!!!!!!

[@EverythingIsPhysics]

beautiful water!

[@reel_rafael831]

If in not mistaken, I know that area and I’m most positive it’s a fin fish only. All crustaceans, snails, uni, scallop etc are protected

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Rafael, Your concerns are valid however, this location is not within the SMCA. The SMCA boundary is quite close by however (a few miles from there). I appreciate that you are also very concious of the rules and live by example to maintain the sustainability of what it is that we do.

[@wdinarte]

Man, I love fishing and the ocean but going down to the rift to join the fish is way too much for me 😂😂😂 nice video and thank you for teaching me what you know 🙏🏻

[@AnOctopusProduction]

Great vis! Loving the video

[@kimprocarione5473]

Wow!!! Gorgeous water! Are you around Monterey? Green ling is one of my favorites!! I've only had it straight out of the ocean. 😋 I love seeing your face when you take a bite of pure deliciousness!

[@alejandrocantu4652]

I guess you learned something new everyday quick civici I hope It tastes good as it does looks..

[@andrewhting]

bro, you are the friggin man. Thank you for all you do man hahaha

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Thank you!

[@melaniehoffman]

Thanks for teaching this and the vicarious adventure. RIP ears @15:55 for headphones users.

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Dang! The audio is too loud there again!? I have had nothing but problems with audio equalization with this editing software. Sorry about that!

[@ryansampson9445]

Man I swear greenlings are one of the hardest fish to shoot here! Usually pretty sporadic swimming/behavior imo

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

They sure can be! When they are free swimming I dive down, gab the bottom and don't move. They usually swim away, then turn to inspect at the edge of visibility, then come back to get a closer look. That is when I take my shot. It is an Italian hunting technique called the aspetto and it works very well on many species including greenling.

[@ryansampson9445]

@@catchncookcalifornia1574 I like to aspetto when I'm hunting vermilion, it works wonderful for that. I don't shoot greenling anymore, but I remember they are fantastic for ceviche!

[@haroldtakahashi8875]

💛...

[@melaniehoffman]

When you said "my favorite hot sauce from when I was a kid" I thought, it has to be Tapatio. Only good hot sauce that's been around that long. Cholula lime has definitely dethroned Tapatio for me but it's still good stuff.

[@ReVeralife]

Just found your channel and love it! I have a 26 ft trophy with new engines, in a slip in Bodega, anytime you want access to a boat out of Bodega hit me up! Always looking for people I like to bring fishing. I feel like it’s wasting money whenever it isn’t being used. I only work 3-4 days a week so I’m more flexible than most working ppl. You mentioned your email in a vid and I forgot which now lol, if you reply with it I’ll email you. Channel fans too, definitely going out 6/6/ Tues and would like a few ppl to go with.

[@rileyjones650]

Excellent work Sir! What length speargun do you shore dive with?

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Thanks! I recommend a 70cm for Central and North Coast hunting and a 90 cm for southern CA where the water tends to be clearer. Monterey area divers would do well to get a 70 and a 90 as the vis can be great or not-so-great so both options are good to have.

[@joesgotya9930]

Why is it the urchin barrens haven’t decimated the kelp in central and south CA? I was diving Westport above Ft Bragg last week and it was urchin City.

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Much of it is giant kelp down there which reproduces in a different way. CenCal and SoCal also have sheephead which eat sea urchin. I am sure that helps! Thanks for watching! Sad to see the damage they have done up there for sure!

[@melaniehoffman]

How does your stove not die from a full on cast iron skillet? Ultralight backpacking stoves would snap off.

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Not sure lol.

[@Katarjana]

“Make sure your hood is facing the right way or else it’s going to…” really got some anxiety about my claustrophobia going! Haha even if I put a hoodie on wrong like that I get into an anxiety attack. I couldn’t imagine how much that would feel like a wet, rubbery death sentence. :P I love the little boop you have the yellow sponge! :) “Like a total noob I didn’t get the footage of him getting the scallop” That transition was anything but “noob” man! You talk about calmly dive bombing the fish but staying where they can’t see you. Is that directly behind a fish? What materials does that non stink work on? I’ve got a closet in my house that smells like haunted sea butts. Hahaha

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

If you see the fish below and come in from pretty much directly above they tend to not see you. Once in line if they start to turn to look at you, stop kicking and take the shot. If you keep kicking at that point they will blast out of there.

[@junmelbarbon6632]

Hello boss i enjoy ur videos,watching from phiippines.I have question about the body board as a float. If it is connected directly to my speargun is it hard to pull,, does it cause too much drag? I'm planning to buy one,, need ur advice. Thank you very much...

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Thanks for watching internationally! When you switch the leash mount so that the leash is attached on the bottom of the board it glides along the surface pretty effortlessly. The only time the nose dips down and creates drag is if I put all of my catch in the bag but too close to the bag opening. If your catch is relatively evenly distributed in the bag the board will still glide beautifully. I outlined how to rig the board in episode #5 of this series (Dungeness crab) if you would like some more details.

[@junmelbarbon6632]

Thank you very much ,, I will make one myself...

[@IronWillClipz]

Hey man, what knife is that? I think it looks really nice.

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

It's literally one of the cheapest dive knives on Amazon. Nothing special but it works lol. Here's the link amzn.to/3p01mjV

[@mokukahae]

Could you use a surfing wetsuit? I have always hear some people use them but others dont not sure what the right answer is

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

You can use them in SoCal especially in summer. I used one for a couple of years in NorCal when I was a kid but I could only stay in the water 45 min or so and my lips were blue by the end of the dive. It was a 4/3mm. Thinner suits will also require less weight. Thinner suits in cold water can be dangerous though as the risk for hypothermia increases with less insulation.

[@melaniehoffman]

@@catchncookcalifornia1574 Aaaah. So you aren't grinding through misery. Surfed a 5/6 for years and 45-60 minutes would have your hands and feet useless getting out. Was wondering how bouyant your suit is with all the weight and floating so high in the water still. Your bodyfat % is lean and that belt full of enough lead to keep a 1700s platoon armed looks preposterous to a skinny boogeyboarder. ha ha

[@KillerJupe]

Everyone wants to grab the tail on the suit to pull it off, this is infact the incorrect method as it streatches the material and can cause tears. The correct method, according to the wetsuit manufactures, is to fold the front up over your arm and use that to lift the suit up and over your head. Here is a great video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emSTfpipgZqqmck

[@anomalistic3046]

what was the thickness of the suit were you wearing ?

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

7mm though a 5mm will also do for most of the year down there.

[@angelunderwood6932]

Are there any fish that you would bleed after you brain 😢them?

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Any pelagic species like yellowtail, tuna, or even mackerel should be bled out. The tuna family especially needs to be bled out as they have a compound in their blood that will turn to ammonia and will rapidly deteriorate the meat. All tuna you have ever eaten has been bled immediately after being caught to remove this compound.

[@timtec8541]

Where is this? Central Coast?

[@catchncookcalifornia1574]

Yes. Central Coast.