Editor’s Note: This article is a recount of a lobster diving trip staff writer Jonathan Raditsas and his friends took in December of 2024.
San Diego Bay, ranked the second best place for lobster diving in California, is a landmark destination for lobster divers. Lobster season runs from October through March and is frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Rico Hallahan, a general maintenance mechanic at Point Loma Nazarene University, is a seasoned lobster diver and knows exactly what to look for when diving for lobsters. Any lobster over five pounds is considered a trophy size, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Hallahan has caught a handful of them.
While I worked for PLNU’s campus facilities during the summer of 2024, Hallahan shared his knowledge of lobster diving with me and my friends. While we have taken multiple trips between the four of us, this trip was between Adam Grubb, Spencer Horwath and me.
Just as the sun had set, the water was flat and dark as black glass. The boat glided with a low rumble along the surface of the ocean under a thick fog. At the helm of the boat, Grubb, a second-year environmental studies major, took us deep into San Diego Bay to begin our search.
Morale is high despite the 56 degree water temperature, cold wind and low visibility. Horwath, a fourth-year business major, and I finished donning our suits, masks and fins. That night we had completely traded any visibility above the surface for the crystal clear water beneath the ocean’s surface, a flashlight as the only light to guide us.
Because it wasn’t our first dive of the season, we knew that jumping into a cold black ocean never gets any easier, but it is not as bad as you anticipate. Each dive trip gets a little better as we find new ways to get more comfortable in the water. Horwath and I met together, assessed our gear and swam toward the rocky crevices and caves where we would begin our search for lobsters.
The beams of our flashlights were like long spotlights underwater, perfectly illuminating a cone of vision in an otherwise dark ocean. Large rocks and purple kelp plants were flowing in the current. Under the bright light, everything underwater looked bigger and more vibrant. We swam parallel to the rocks and searched all around looking for lobsters.
The California Spiny Lobster does not have claws but large spikes surrounding its body and antennae to help it ward off predators or potential divers. Lobsters can live up to 50 years and are known for their intelligence. While it may not seem like it at first glance, they are extremely nimble and quick in the water. Lobsters fold at the waist creating a clapping motion with their bodies and tail that propels them very fast underwater.
As we swam along the rocky coast we saw many fish, stingrays, sharks and sea life. Peering deep into some crevices just out of reach are lobsters tucked away. They were extremely wary of our lights and would flee if directly lit up by a flashlight. The best strategy I have found for catching them requires a bit of luck, skill and timing.
Spiny lobsters are nocturnal and only come out at night to search for food. When they do come out of hiding, they will be along the rocks and in the grasses. The tide pushed and pulled along as we searched. While gliding over a large rock, I spotted one crawling at the base of some eelgrass. I quickly moved the flashlight away from the lobster just enough that it was not spooked by it but I could still see it clearly.
As I dove down, now about arm’s length from it, I tried to get as close as I could before I made my grab. Per the California Department of Fish and Game, spiny lobsters must be caught by hand, ideally with a thick pair of gloves. Just as the lobster was aware of my presence, I shot my hand down to pin the lobster between my hand and the rock.
By grabbing the lobster where its tail meets its upper body, it prevents it from being able to clap its tail to its body, propelling it away. With a triumphant grip and pull, I caught a spiny lobster and swam to the surface. I met with Horwath, who was close by, to try to assess if it was of legal size, which is three and a quarter inches torso length.
Measuring a lobster in a cold dark ocean is not exactly an easy task. But after some teamwork, we figured it might be just under the legal limit for keeping and eating. Upon its release, we continued our search, and catching and releasing is just a part of the process.
As the cold set in and the water became a bit uncomfortable, we were able to find the next target and briefly forget about the cold water. Before the night was out, Horwath caught a legal sized lobster which we could then take home, cook and eat. The shivering cold and wet boat ride back to shore was full of jokes, energy and excitement as we strategized the best way to make dinner.
Post lobster dive we were in shambles, it was late and cold. We did not have dry clothing and still half way into our wetsuits, we entered a Ralphs to buy some ingredients we could cook with the lobster. Strictly for recovery, we ate some family sized Oreos and drank eggnog.
Then, we attempted to make lobster mac and cheese. While none of us are chefs, the result was fantastic. It surprised me how fresh and delicious the lobster tasted, which made all the effort worth it, and left us with a newfound appreciation for those who catch our seafood.
