Phil Johnson on Diving for Trophy Abalone

This is a short video featuring successful trophy abalone diver Phil Johnson giving a few hints on how-to find the big ones...

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Philjoh

[mepipeline]

Phil, thanx for your tips. I am motivated by it. Phil, which water conditions you are most comfortable with; low or high tide??

Do you prefer diving off a dive boat or kayak??

[abaloneten]

I prefer diving on a high tide when I'm in less than 20' of water. There's usually less surge, and the kelp is standing upright. Big low tides and shallow water tend to have more surge, and poor visibilty.

I'll choose diving from a boat over a kayak when there's a good launching site. You can cover a larger area and increase your chance of success.

[geolotus12]

what about location... near point arena ok? or should i travel farther up beyond fort bragg? thanks again for your tips! come to sacramento and i'll buy coffee or beer or whatever you like! george

[abaloneten]

Hi George,

I like Ft. Bragg north; however, all areas are productive...

[geolotus12]

well i hope i get a ten some day, maybe 2010. is there a particular month that's better due to surf and kelp conditions? thanks

[abaloneten]

The first ten is the hardest to get...All months are good...I like September and October; however, all months are productive...

[PhillipJohnsondiver]

@DevGau614 I would to say that most of us started pulling 8's as well, and it sounds like you have the desire so they will get bigger with time.

My average dive is about 3 hrs. and my average breath hold is 45 to 50 seconds in 50 degree water. Naturally in warmer water (80) it goes to 75 to 80 seconds.

[DevGau614]

Hey Phil, Great video! Thanks for the information. I've only been diving for about 3 years now and just last season I was so psyched to get my first 8. Sure, compared to a 10, its nothing, but Im hoping to get all 9s next season.

One question, when you are down, how long are you holding your breath?

[avau77]

massive advice, im a avid diver and been freediving for 25yrs myself and iv never herd alot of what abaloneten has mention...great advice mate!! respect!

[PhillipJohnsondiver]

When I was younger I would run 4x a week. I'm 51 now so I try to walk as much as I can. Lifting light weights with lots of reps is good. It's better to be fit than to be Arnold, because big muscles use more oxygen. Aerobics are good as well, anything to build up lung capacity and endurance is good. Inexperienced divers should only dive on calm days and never alone. Diving is supposed to be fun! you can't relax when your getting beat

up. Actually this should be true for everyone, be safe!

[mepipeline]

Phil, April 1st. isn't far from ABALONE SEASON. What can we do to keep in shape as an ABALONE free-diver..??

I post this question to you because of issues during the openning Ab-season

as potentially a volatile & dangerous day for the unweary new and inexperience DIVERS. Phil, what's your oponion..??

[mepipeline]

@kasiejohnson , yeah, I agree with you however, Phil seems to be a down

to earth, humble kind of guy. He is a naturalist and I sense honesty in him.

When I pull my 12"come 2010 it would be an honor to be interviewed by him for the record on National T.V. News.

It can happened..

....tell that to your dad......wont you?

[mepipeline]

@abaloneten , that makes a whole lot of sense Phil, I'll always keep that in mind and will pass it on to others and to whom I dive with. We have met before. In front of the Annapolis Anderson Gas & mini-store. We had small talk about your cousin. Anyway, may I put you as a YouTube friend?? Your video is great..!!!

Your advise is so valuable.

[jesnab]

Thanks alot for the tips. I will certainly be looking to use them this April =)

Wages Creek w00t!!!