I get happy when I have an opportunity to pass on educational and adventure opportunities to connect with our ocean and make friends while doing so.

Jaime Diamond, CEO/GM at Santa Barbara Landing at the east end of the Santa Barbara Harbor, has a great one going on. Here is her description and invitation:

Santa Barbara Landing was the recipient of an R3 grant through the Fish America Foundation and American Sportfishing Association for the 2026 year. and we have partnered with the Coastal Conservation Association of California.

Our project is specifically building accessibility and community through fishing classes.

We began the summer with our intro to Surf Fishing Series, which consisted of three classroom sessions and three beach fishing sessions.

We covered things like basic knowledge, knot tying, gear selection, how to find fish, and mostly using hooks and weights, along with natural and artificial baits.

We then went onto two boat skills classes one was an in-classroom session. The other was on the water practicing various casting techniques that you would use on a boat, and getting anglers accustomed to using both conventional and spinning fishing gear.

Our final session will be intermediate surf fishing beginning Aug. 13. We will be focusing on using lures and jigs, targeting specific species of fish, like halibut, and how to determine where to fish for different species.

Our series will conclude on Sept. 13 with a private charter for all participants to attend. This event will continue building that community and help folks make a fishing friend. 

This year, due to the generous grant we received, we are only charging a one-time $20 registration fee.

We have giveaways at every class, discounts on fishing tackle, rods, reels, gear, etc., for participants, a raffle at the end for participants with a grand prize of their choice of surf fishing set up or boat set up, and an open door for questions and advice in the future.

Registration is open, even if just for the last class. Please call Santa Barbara Landing, 805-963-3564, and ask to register for the Summer Fishing Clinic Series. Or, stop by during open hours, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week.

Sponsors of events are always treasured because they make good things happen for a community. Sponsors of our program include:

Rockhopper Fishing Tackle & Whitney Uyeda, Independent Bait Co., Online Bait Express, AFTCO -American Fishing Tackle Company, and Stardust Sportfishing.