Lobster Burrow Hunting vs. Spearfishing in San Diego Fall: How to Maximize Both

Fall in San Diego brings two of the coast’s most rewarding pursuits into direct competition for your time and energy: lobster hunting and spearfishing. From October through early December, water temps hover in the high 60s to low 70s, visibility often climbs to 20+ feet, and both lobster and fish are actively feeding. The question isn’t which activity to choose—it’s how to hunt both strategically.

The Seasonal Window: Why Fall Matters

California’s recreational lobster season typically opens the second Wednesday in October and runs through mid-March, but fall’s sweet spot is October through November. Water clarity peaks, lobsters are hungry after summer dormancy, and cooler temps concentrate fish species like bass, halibut, and calico.

In San Diego specifically, this window aligns perfectly with the best offshore conditions. The Santa Ana winds haven’t yet dominated, and the marine layer clears by mid-morning most days. By December, conditions can deteriorate, making October and November your non-negotiable months for serious effort.

Lobster Hunting: Burrow Strategy

Lobster hunting in San Diego requires local knowledge. The best burrows aren’t random—they’re concentrated near specific reefs and rocky outcrops where shelter is abundant and food delivery is reliable.

Top San Diego Lobster Zones:

• Scripps Pier to La Jolla Shores: Shallow-water burrows in 15–35 feet. Accessible for less experienced divers. Look for rocky ledges and kelp forest edges.
• Sunset Cliffs and Point Loma: Deeper, more productive burrows in 40–60 feet. Expect larger lobsters here, but currents can run strong.
• Torrey Pines Artificial Reef: Less crowded than tourist spots. Burrows cluster around the reef structure in 50+ feet.
• Mission Beach to Pacific Beach: Shallower options in 20–30 feet with moderate crowds.

Lobster Hunting Technique: Lobsters hide in crevices during daylight. You’re looking for antennae poking out or the telltale shadow of a body wedged in a burrow. Use a tickle stick or net to coax them out. The key is slow, methodical searching—cover 50–100 feet of reef thoroughly rather than rushing.

Expect 3–5 lobsters per successful dive in fall, depending on pressure and your skill. Legal size is 3.25 inches carapace length (measure from eye socket to tail).

Spearfishing: Targeting Fall Abundance

Spearfishing in fall capitalizes on fish concentration and aggression. Calico bass are hunting actively around structure, halibut are transitioning to deeper water, and sheephead are visible and catchable.

Prime Spearfishing Zones:

• Wreck of the YPF Rig (offshore, ~7 miles): Requires a boat but delivers large calico, sheephead, and lingcod. Fall visibility is often 40+ feet.
• Kelp beds near Torrey Pines: Calico bass ambush prey near kelp edges. Shallow (20–40 feet) and accessible.
• Coronado Islands: Deeper structure, larger fish. Calico and sheephead prefer the 50–70 foot zone. Current can be unpredictable.
• Sunset Cliffs rocky bottom: Sheephead and calico in 40–60 feet. High-pressure area but productive if you dive early.

Spearfishing Technique: Fish behavior changes with depth and light. In shallow kelp, use stealth—move slowly along edges where fish hunt. In deeper water, stay on bottom structure and wait for fish to come to you. Fall water clarity means fish see you from distance; use darker wetsuits and move deliberately.

The Overlap Strategy: Maximize Both

Here’s the practical approach most experienced San Diego divers use:

Plan your dive location based on depth and structure:

1. Shallow dives (15–35 feet): Prioritize lobster. You’ll find them abundant, the work is less physically demanding, and you can spend 60–90 minutes searching burrows. If you spot spearable fish (calico, sheephead), take the shot, but don’t abandon lobster hunting to chase them.

2. Medium dives (40–55 feet): This is your overlap zone. Spend the first half of your dive hunting lobster burrows along the reef, then transition to spearfishing as you work toward open bottom. Calico bass often hunt near the same rocky areas lobsters hide.

3. Deeper dives (60+ feet): Commit to spearfishing. Lobster density drops, but sheephead and larger calico reward the effort. Limit your bottom time and plan conservative ascents.

Timing matters:

• October: Water’s warmest, lobsters most active. Prioritize burrow hunting early in the month.
• November: Peak conditions for both. Visibility often exceeds 30 feet, fish and lobster are feeding aggressively.
• December onward: Conditions decline. Prioritize your preferred activity.

Gear Considerations

If you’re hunting both, bring a small mesh bag for lobsters and a slip tip or 3-prong for fish. Keep your speargun in one hand while probing burrows—you’ll need to shift focus fast. A good dive light helps inspect deep burrows and illuminates fish in kelp shadows.

The Reality Check

You won’t max out your lobster limit and your spear bag on the same dive. Accept that. A successful hybrid dive means 2–3 quality lobsters and one or two spearable fish. This is better than an unproductive focused hunt.

Track conditions with Element to nail your timing—water temp, visibility, and swell forecasts help you choose the right location and dive window. October and November don’t last long.