Santa Barbara now has a new seagoing portal for adventure, and I couldn’t be happier about it. The right people are behind it and the future looks bright and shiny.
Jaime and her husband Capt. Jason Diamond have assumed ownership and are re-inventing Sea Landing and Stardust Sportfishing. The new entity, under their management and guidance is named Santa Barbara Landing (SBL for short).
They held a grand-opening Day at the Docks Saturday Feb. 5, where they showcased the multitude of options they have now and will add soon for adventuring on the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands.
The Diamonds assumed ownership this month and their sleeves are rolled up for the task of offering us all great adventures.
SBL is home to Stardust Sportfishing vessels Stardust and Coral Sea (both are great boats with great crews in my experience), Channel Islands Expeditions vessels Vision and Truth, and Condor Express Whale Watching, Dive Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara jetski rentals which includes kayak and SUP rentals. Plus, they have a fully stocked bait & tackle shop.
Santa Barbara Landing will go through wonderful renovations over the next two years and our adventure needs will be served even better. Among the plans are greater retail space, a coffee shop and a fishing center to host fishing seminars, SCUBA classes and more. SBL is on course to become a shining star business in our beloved harbor.
Capt. Jason Diamond is a skilled and experienced veteran of the sportfishing industry with experiences from the San Diego Long Range Fleet, all the way up north of here.
I’ve seen him find fish where no one thought there were any. And he is an old master at teaching people how to catch fish simply and effectively. He has trained his crew members exceptionally well, and anglers who listen to them and follow their advice nearly always catch more fish.
Having known and admired both of them for many years, I think Jason would introduce his wife Jaime as the brains of the organization. She is smart and disciplined, friendly and helpful, and she serves as the CEO of SBL. She is their rudder in the water and keeps them on course.
They both serve on councils and boards to help our community. This is a couple the community can get behind, knowing they have our backs, too.
— 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.