 - Red Abalone Shell
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 - The Abalone Song
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- North coast waters averages 10 to 15 feet visibility in the spring
and summer, but improves in the fall. While SCUBA-clad sightseers and spearfishers are
common enough, the snorkeler dominates. Abalone is by far the
most popular target in this breathhold-only fishery. Abalone season is open April 1 to
June 30, then again August 1 to November 30. Regulations are strictly enforced, penalties
can be savage. "Know before you go!"
Equipment rentals and air fills are available 4 miles south in
Gualala at Jay Baker True Value Hardware. (707)884-3534.
Ocean Conditions Recording from Salt Point State Park call (707) 847-3222.
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- Lingcod
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 - Boat Fishing
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 - Crabbing
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- For the boat fisher, your aluminum boat
of 12 to 14 feet, or inflatable (with an outboard in the 10 to 25 HP class), is launchable with a little know how. The launching area in Chicken
Cove is a healthy stroll up the beach so it is necessary to have launch wheels attached
and/or you can use the camp's launch cart. Launching ends when the sand goes out (from
about November to May). For the shore fisher, just walk out any
old time and start fishing.
The ocean salmon run from June to August can be great, so much so
that we hold an Annual Salmon Derby. And who would have
thought that crabbing for Dungeness Crabs would be so good.
- There are some fresh water fishing possibilities during winter
runs of steelhead on the Gualala River.
Tackle and information on local conditions are available in Gualala at Gualala Sport
and Tackle (707) 884-4247 and at Jay Baker True Value Hardware (707) 884-3534.
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 - Fish Rocks
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 - Sea Lions
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 - Scene at Fish Rocks
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- This sport has boomed. More folks are discovering a more intimate connection with the
hidden magic of this rugged coastline. Anchor Bay's ocean-level access makes putting a
kayak in a snap. The launching out front might present a challenge at times, but Chicken
Cove, a 1/4 mile up the beach, is almost always as calm as a lake. Then there are several
miles, both to the north and south, with little or no other such access. A 3/4-mile paddle
out to Fish Rocks Island begins a world class experience.
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 - Build a Dream
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 - Catch a Wave
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 - It's a Ringer
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- Tide pooling, sand castle building, sun bathing, surfing, boogie boarding, skim
boarding, jogging, or doing nothing at all. For the kids, the water is cold but safe. A
lightweight surf suit can give them more time in. There are no rip currents or submerged
dangers to worry about. At times a small lagoon/pond forms where our creek meets the
beach. This is a favorite spot for the younger kids.
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- Watch Them Grow
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 - Spot a Whale
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- The annual California Grey Whale migration between Baja California
and the Bering and Chukchi Seas brings all 20,000+ right past. The first southbound whales
are usually spotted here late November, and sightings continue throughout the winter.
However, they tend to stay farther offshore during this leg and are more difficult to
spot. During the northbound leg, begun early spring, they tend to hug the coast more
closely. And late in the migration, the cows with their new calves will often come right
inside the bay. Best sightings are late March to early May.
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