Sea hunt

Jeff Benson

Mike Eimers has a special day marked on his calendar -- Sept. 24.

That’s the beginning of the recreational California spiny-lobster

season along the coast.

Eimers, owner of the Newport Beach-based Aquatic Center and a

longtime lobster-hunting enthusiast, said he can’t wait to scour the

rocky ocean floor of Corona del Mar, using the same type of scuba

equipment he sells in his shop.

“It’s like opening night of deer season,” he said. “A lot of

people come out for this.”

The shop’s next scheduled event is an overnight, guided

lobster-catching trip Oct. 1-2. Eimers said a location hasn’t yet

been established, but the dive will be held at night to take

advantage of the nocturnal nature of the shy crustaceans.

“You basically grab them with your hands,” Eimers said. “They’re

like wild chickens, because they’re surprisingly quick, and they

don’t wait around. They’re used to avoiding fishermen or other fish,

so when you catch them, it’s like a hawk coming down on a mouse.”

The six-month lobster-hunting season, of course, isn’t the only

thing the Aquatic Center gets involved with. The 45-year-old store

carries a wide range of scuba gear -- including masks, air

compressors and spear guns -- and caters to the needs of hunters,

photographers and recreational and weekend-warrior types.

Aspiring divers can become open-water certified for $345 through a

four-day scuba course. The course includes a lecture at the store,

instruction at an off-site pool and two ocean dives in Corona del Mar

or Laguna Beach, spots that Eimers considers some of the best around.

Eimers advised that all beginners be comfortable in open water and

learn the information they’re given before attempting their initial

dives. Some of the first lessons include turning the tanks on and

off, ascending and descending with buoyancy compensators and moving

around underwater.

“Once you get underwater, it’s an escape from reality,” he said.

“There’s nobody else out there, and you’re all alone.”

When divers feel they’ve mastered the basics, Aquatic

Center-certified divers teach them about or take them on more

specialized dives. Many of these occur at night, in deeper waters or

in caves.

Customer Troy Feinberg of Newport Beach said he stops by the store

regularly. Feinberg’s company, Leading Edge Yacht Services,

specializes in cleaning the hulls of local boats.

“I come here to buy supplies and fill up our tanks,” Feinberg

said. “Mike’s got a very positive energy, and this is a real local,

home-grown place.”

Aquatic Center, located at 4537 W. Coast Highway, also offers

instruction, group dives and refresher scuba courses throughout the

year for $80 to $140.