During breaks between recent winter weather patterns, my wanderlust nature kicks into overdrive and I’ve just gotta get out into nature.
Jalama Beach came to mind recently, and off I went in search of some coastal fulfillment.
The 14-mile drive to Jalama Beach, from Highway 1 always makes me feel good because it is so scenic and country-like. The turnoff is roughly five miles south of Lompoc, and there is a sign to mark it.
The road has its share of twists, turns, and narrow spots, so taking it slow enough to enjoy the sights along the way makes it a safer driving experience.
Once at the beach, it always seems amazing to see some of the very large motorhomes and fifth-wheel camping trailers that negotiated that road to get there.
Jalama Beach is a great campground and day use spot, right off an expansive beach with nice views both upcoast toward Point Arguello and down-coast toward Point Conception.
This wild and majestic stretch of coast calls me to take a long beach walk.
I took that walk, armed with my trusty surf fishing rod/reel and my creel of fishing tackle over my shoulder.
This time I plotted a southward course, and I didn’t get too far along before I found surf zones with the right kinds of places to cast into, that just looked fishy.
A few casts later and I was rewarded with a dinner plate-size barred surf perch. Wintertime is when bigger perch commonly feed in the shallows. I knew there were other possibilities, so I kept walking and casting.
My choice of lures was a Lucky Craft 110 Flash Minnow in an anchovy pattern. I chose it because I know that some of the bigger fish in the area are partial to them.
Roughly 45 minutes later I connected with a hungry halibut and once ashore I invited that tasty critter to come home with me for dinner.
After a few more impressive surf perch catches, the wildest fight of the day was with a sizable striped bass.
That impressive fish came unbuttoned during the fight, so I just waved at it. I hope to connect with that one again.
I had plenty of fish and had done a good bit of walking, so I trekked back to the beach I started from.
After a good deal of healthy exercise like that, my tummy was grumbling and my thoughts turned toward another reason why that beach is so popular.
It is the home of the world famous Jalama Burger, which the store and grill folks claim is the best burger in the world. I don’t disagree.
Jalama Beach is a fabulous local resource for fun and exercise. I highly recommend the adventure and the world famous burger.