When the family and friends get together for Thanksgiving weekend, recreational plans are sorely needed. Some folks will want to go holiday shopping, while others want to get out and do something. This is especially true with your kids, nieces, nephews and grandkids.
An increasingly popular activity is fishing. There are a number of good local options, ranging from a quick outing to an all-day or overnight adventure. Whether you head to the coast or up to the lake, kids will find adventure and adults will enjoy some nature.
“Kids have fun fishing and learning about fish and this year more than I can ever remember, kids are flocking to the sport,” said Capt. Tiffany Vague, store manager at Hook, Line & Sinker fishing center, 4010 Calle Real, Santa Barbara.
“It can be as easy as picking up an inexpensive rod/reel combo, a few hooks and weights, some bait, and you are ready to go without a major investment,” she said. “When the kids want to do it again and again, then you can get them some nicer gear.”
One quick and popular fishing spot is Goleta Pier. When the mackerel or jacksmelt are in, fishing can be fast-paced. There is a rock-and-kelp-covered pipeline that holds a lot of fish, and there are perch and halibut to be caught where the waves break below the pier.
One nice thing about fishing the pier is that when you have questions, there are usually experienced fisherfolk around who are happy to help you learn.
Stearns Wharf near the Santa Barbara Harbor is another good spot for fishing and watching boats come and go from the harbor. The wharf has shops (the candy shop and ice cream shop are my favorites) where part of the group can shop while others fish. Ty Warner Sea Center is a great spot to stop and explore the wonders of the sea.
Another fantastic option is to make the quick drive up San Marcos Pass (Hwy. 154) to Cachuma Lake. It is a picturesque place where the soul can soak up nature views. It can be a good fishing lake for a variety of fish including trout, bass, catfish, redear perch, crappie and bluegill.
The productive lake recently received two separate stockings of trout, totaling 8,000 pounds, so it is primed and ready for holiday weekend family fishing fun.
You can also look into party boat fishing on the Stardust or Coral Sea. The harbor has private charter boats. If you want to stay ashore, you can just go fish the beach or breakwater and possibly catch some nice perch.
Whatever fishing option you choose, the family will enjoy an adventure in nature. You may also be lucky enough to enjoy a yummy fresh fish dinner.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
