This map shows the abalone fishing zones in Western Australia. To make sure you use the season wisely, check the conditions and features of each zone to choose the right spot for you. The following locations are patrolled by surf lifesavers during the Abalone fishing sessions. Look out for the lifesavers in red and yellow, if they can't see you, they can't save you. Abalone fishing permitted between am - am on: Saturday, 12 December Saturday, 9 January Saturday, 23 January Saturday, 6 February Saturday, 20 February Abalone fishing permitted between: 1 October - 15 May the following year.
Abalone Fishing Tips. Mesh Bag A mesh abalone bag is not only lighter and easier to carry, but it keeps your catch fresh Mesh Bag A mesh bag allows water to pass through, making it lighter to carry through the water. Long Sleeve Wetsuit A wetsuit will make it easier to move through the water, it is light and will help you float. Mask and Snorkel A mask and snorkel will make it easier to see under the holes and ledges where abalone will be hiding. Gloves and Reef Shoes Wearing gloves will prevent cuts and bruises when removing abalone from the reef.
Plan Ahead Before you leave home check the conditions of your fishing zone on mybeach. Don't Go Alone Never go fishing alone. Abalone Tool Always use a flat edge abalone tool. Where can you fish? UV Rating. Limited access. Stick to designated paths and access points. Limited visibility within the area. Mettams Pool Weather. Click here to read more about the Control Area. The Control Area spans along the coastline from Bridgewater Bay in the west to past Narrawong in the east and is varied offshore to 30 m ocean depth.
This includes Portland. Boats, vessels and fishing equipment cannot be anchored in the Control Area. However, a vessel can move through the area provided it does not stop. All line fishing is prohibited from shore or boat within the control area. More information is available at Agriculture Victoria's website.
In Facebook groups, abalone sports divers have been commiserating about the continued closure of the wild fishery. One recent post shows a woman sitting next to gigantic mounds of empty abalone shells in Monterey; another a fully clothed man prying a live abalone off a rock at a California beach.
Tara Duggan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tduggan sfchronicle. Most Popular. Funding through diving associations has been secured for professional divers to remove the invasive purple sea urchin from sections of Northern California's coastal waters in an attempt to jump start the growth of kelp and reignite the red abalone population. More abalone news. Northern California divers battle to save abalone - with a When you find them don't change your movements.
Stay calm and slow whilst trying to catch them. Stay focused and adapt your strategy to not scare the Abalone. Be very careful when measuring the Abalone before you take it. Do not stir up the water near the Abalone. They will hunker down and make it difficult for you buddy to catch it.
Swim up and measure the ab with your gauge while floating and breathing through your snorkel or regulator, and looking through your mask. It's iilegal to pry off an undersize Abalone as this process can damage their bodies and they are almost then certain to die.
Try not to get too excited and to remember that everything looks bigger than it is when seen through the mask. So measure correctly before you strike. If you break the law and take one that is too small to be legal, take care and replace it firmly on the rock that you got it from if you can.
At least put it somewhere safe as the fish and other creatures will swarm the poor thing immediately and you won't be able to get it later when it grows up. These are a fragile creature and we all should have the respect for them to make every effort to protect them.
Once you have decided which Abalone you are going to go after, it is time to prepare. Get your catch bag ready. Sometimes it is best to give your catch bag to your dive buddy. Ensure you have enough bottom time and air left to attempt the catch.
Do not go after the Abalone if it means you will exceed your dive plan. If you are the supporting buddy holding the catch bag, do not stir up the water near the Abalone. If you are scuba diving and you have plenty of air, we recommend taking your time and being patient. Keep your Abalone Tool in your hand, when you do spot your abalone.
You will 'sneak' up on the Abalone by not swirling the water around it or touching it. If you fail to do this and they sence you coming, they will clamp their shell tightly to the rocks and you may not even be able to slip your Abalone Tool under the shell at that point. Slide your Abalone Tool quickly between the Abalone and the rock as far as you can, then pry it off.
Grab it and you are done. Once you have the Abalone in your hand, do not celebrate! It is time to get in into your catch bag. Open your catch bag and place the Abalone inside. Close the catch bag over your wrist and then release the Abalone and slide your hand out. Please remember that Abalone are very easily damaged and have no chance of survival if you cut them, so you should only try for an Abalone if you are sure it is of a legal size. Every Abalone catching attempt is different.
You will learn as you go. Every time you attempt and fail, make sure you learn from the experience and take that knowledge into the next challenge.
As with any pursuit worthwhile it takes practice and persistence but with a little determination your pot will be flowing over and your friends increasing, especially around Christmas time.
In the thrill of the hunt it is common for scuba divers to become separated as their focus is elsewhere. For the safety of both of you, it is essential to maintain good buddy contact. Use a Dive Flag. It tells everyone on the surface where you are and helps to keep you safe. See Using a Dive Float and Flag for more information about this. Don't Take Unnecessary Risks. Diving can be dangerous and the ocean is very unforgiving. Know your own ability and don't get carried away. A simple cramp or fatigue can become life threatening if a long way from shore or the boat.
Watch Out For Danger. This might be other vessels, like boats and jet skis, or even sharks and rays. The risk from sharks is very small but is there.
Consider using a Shark Shield, or similar shark deterrent device. Rays, even small ones, if laid upon can inflict very nasty wounds that can get hideously infected. Be Careful of the Terrain.
Bumping your head on overhanging ledges can be very problematic, so wear a hood. See Boat Diving Safety. Once you catch your first Abalone you'll be hooked on a great sport that keeps you fit and feeds your friends and family.
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