Tips/Help for a newbie in Goleta/Santa Barbara?

[Broseidon]

I just got into spearfishing and I've been having pretty bad luck so far. I've gone out twice, once at Devereux Point and then another time at the sewage pipe at Goleta Pier, and both times, around the kelp, the visibility was complete crap and I didn't see a single fish. I'm not sure if its just bad timing, me not being in the right spot, or my complete lack of skill/knowledge in this sport, but any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I'm also looking for maybe some more experienced guys in the area that would be interested in diving with me!

[Lompoc Local]

Keep hitting Devereaux and you will be in good shape. That place is loaded with life of all kinds and you shouldn't have any trouble locating fish there.

Actually, I am totally kidding, they shut down Devs on January 1st and it is now an MPA which means no take! Check the fish and game website for the exact boundaries, you don't want to get caught spearing anywhere near there.

I would advise you to start exploring and getting out of the IV area if you want to learn what SB has to offer and see more fish. I won't make any specific suggestions but getting in your car and driving a bit can pay off big time.

Good luck!

[bakaster]

Welcome Broseidon, Lord of the Brocean (It's my housemate's favorite portmanbro, so well played).

I'm also a new diver, but I've found that spending part of my time in the water focusing purely on improving a specific part of my diving (moving slowly, diving and surfacing as silently as possible, etc) has already allowed me to feel more comfortable in the water and see more fish.

When it comes to spots, If you are limited to the set of beaches within walking distance of campus you are going to have more people in the water, and increased chances that all your spots have terrible vis.

If you are limited in range, I can think of some places I used to surf when I was living in IV which, based on the waves they produce, probably have some interesting structure, tend to be less traveled than the 2 you have mentioned, and definitely have some kelp (I have cursed the dreaded "Kelp Monster" many times as it wrapped around my leg or leash costing me a perfect wave). In fact, I have landed a few perch and ray sharks fishing hook and line from IV beaches.

Disclaimer: I graduated before the restrictions were in place and have never looked at these spots with anything but the eyes of a surfer. I don't know if the ones I have in mind fall into the restricted areas, or if they are worth visiting in the first place. I'm also very new, so am entirely unqualified to speak on anything but my limited personal experience.

Cheers.

[kevtegr8]

Pm sent

[aperture16]

I am a new diver in SB too and am looking to learn the ways of under water hunting

[Namor]

"Gone out twice and had bad luck....."

Here with all the murk on shore you might have to be persistent to see some good vis.

My advice is as follows:

learn the regs and how to ID fish found locally. We have a very diligent DFG warden in the area, and You will be checked by DFG if you dive much at all. We have MLPAs here and you'd best learn their location.

Learn to prepare and eat small fish and shoot a lot of them. It will help your marksmanship to hit small targets. if your only target is good sized game fish the learning curve will be real slow, with minimal trigger time.

Just log a bunch of time in the water. Dozens of dives in all conditions from all kinds of beaches. Sandy, rocky, through the surf, murky, surgey, etc. Dont hold out for good diving conditions if you live here and want to get better any time soon.

Have a good time.

Jeremy

[Broseidon]

First time out with someone actually experienced, kevtegr8. I myself only caught the little tiny crab hanging out on the kelp T_T because I lost my spear tip early into the dive, but I learned a lot from this guy and am very grateful for him. He caught a perch and I later saw him emerge from the ocean with the spider crab and was in complete awe. Overall, I had a great time.

[kevtegr8]

Hell yea broseidon it was a pleasure diving with you. Your a hard charger and a natural under water. Get your gear straightend out and you'll be unstoppable.

[Namor]

Im glad you guys had a good dive. Good for you kevin for helping show the ropes to a new diver. Its "beneath" some but i think its cool. Keep after it Brosid. Im sure you'll eventually find some vis and fish.
Kelp crabs that small are tasty but can be hard to get all the meat out of. Check out the "popcorn lobster" method on youtube and save your self some labor on the small legs.

Thats a good K-sized sheepshead crab, did it have plenty of meat? the last one I took was tasty but a little light in some limbs.

Jeremy

[bearclaw]

That's pretty cool! I have passed a bunch of the sheepshead crabs thinking they were nasty, that's what I get for not asking folks that know...

Good job on hooking up with someone in the know and good luck figuring it out! Enjoy the ride... and dive safe

[Typheyed]

Hey Brosideon if you're ever looking for someone to go spearing with I was doing SCUBA for the longest time but my dive partner got a job diving 5 days a week plus dives a day so I haven't been going out there. Long story short I bought myself some freediving/spearfishing supplies and am looking for dive buddies to hit the seas with. I'm available pretty much every day seeing as I work restaurant hours. If you're down let me know.