Kids from grade school through college are out of school for the summer need some fun in nature. So help them. It’s easy, just invite a couple of kids to go fishing.
A fishing trip is way more fun that moping around home, playing games on the mobile phone and saying, “I’m bored!”
They will learn a bunch about nature and critters and hopefully get to enjoy a healthy fresh fish dinner. You are going to have fun, too.
How and where? It’s easier than you may think. Piers are an easy place to start. Goleta Pier is probably the best overall fishing pier on the coast. Stearns Wharf is pretty good, too.
You can opt instead to fish on the beach, casting into the waves for perch, sharks, rays, and maybe even a halibut. Boat fishing can be arranged and is a truly memorable experience, but ups the ante financially.
Wherever you decide to go, the starting point is your local bait and tackle shop, Hook, Line & Sinker exit is one place to go. The owner Ben Miller and his staff will set you up with what you need and offer helpful advice. Kids very much enjoy the stop at the tackle shop.
At the shop, you’ll learn the best (and maybe even secret) spots, and how to rig up and fish them. Ben teaches people this stuff all the time, and it’s easy to learn.
Then you are off to a pier or beach spot, or if you prefer, onto a fishing boat.
A trip on a big open-party sportboat is an awesome experience for kids. Stay right with the kid at the rail and you can both have great experiences.
Ask the crew for extra help, and tip them well.
Kids always love the full-service galleys aboard these boats. Boat burgers are the best thing ever. In Santa Barbara we have the Stardust and the Coral Sea out of Santa Barbara Landing.
A private-charter experience is the ultimate option because the boat and seasoned skipper are totally dedicated to helping people learn to fish and interpret the surrounding conditions and sealife.
Private charters are the simplest option in terms of planning and preparation, since you can use the rods/reels, tackle and bait available aboard the charterboat.
Another option is a drive up to Cachuma Lake. The water is high this year; the lake is well-stocked with trout; and there are plenty of other fish in there, too, like catfish, bass, crappie and carp.
The lake is a gorgeous place to be, and the fishing is fun. While there, stop by the Neal Taylor Nature Center for some real nature education.
With summer vacation beginning, and the weather warming nicely, now is the time to put a plan together that will result in something positive for the kid to include in that first important school essay assignment: “What I Did on My Summer Vacation…”
You may even get honorable mention in that essay.
