I've only fished them from the surf right next to Stearn's Wharf (about 100 yards on either side) and from the rocks on the western side of Goleta Beach (toward the University). But I have heard that East Beach and Leadbetter Beach are also good spots. I like areas that have little or no kelp, a nice sandy bottom, gentle slope, and small waves (the smaller the better). The tide doesn't seem to matter for the halibut like it does for the perch. I've caught them at high and low tide. Small plastics (worm king AAs and 3 inch Fish Traps) and light jig heads (3/16 to 1/4 oz.) or Krocodiles (1/4 oz.) seem to be working good. I got a nice hit while experimenting with a Rat-L-Trap two weeks ago.<P>Be sure and read Rob's page on halibut fishing with plastics on this site.<P>Please don't injure the shorts!!