I think I've convinced my wife that we need to take the drive over to Santa Barbara (coming from Bakersfield) for a session on the beach this Sunday (June 2nd). I'm still pretty new to this surf fishing stuff and I see that there will be a low tide ( 0.3 ft) at 10:41AM in Santa Barbara. My $64,0000 question is, do we wake up before the crack of dawn and drive in to fish the early morning outgoing tide or do we sleep in and time our arrival to fish the late morning/early afternoon incoming tide? I know what my wife will vote for;-)

Richard,

There are probably as many opinions on this as there are Corbina along our coastline so here is mine. :) I've been surf fishing for 42 years and still get surprised once in a while when dealing with tides. However, it has been my overall experience to note that an incoming tide by far is the best time to fish.

The basic reason is because this is the time when the fish are feeding. The waves sweep up the beach exposing sand crabs and other tasty morsals. You may have to put up with a little more "salad" than at low tide but you will be rewarded for your efforts better.

Good Luck!

Aztecwin

Thanks for sharing some of your 42 years worth of surf fishing experience with me. I've got a total of about 4 hours of surf fishing experience which I hope to at least double this Sunday.

I'll give it a try starting around noon which will make it much easier from Bakersfield since I won't be rousing the family for a pre-dawn departure.

Because you are new at surf fishing you may have better luck fishing for perch or even halibut than for the wiley corvina. Corvina fishing is best done using a technique that is different from general surf fishing techniques.

Harbor Bait and Tackle can set you up and tell you the current hotspots (if any)for all surf species. Leave a little earlier to give yourself time to set-up and informed there. Others at this site, such as Aztectwin, are also very well-informed and generous with information.

Good luck.

Sorry, I meant "Aztecwin".

Salmonoid,

Your too kind!

I just fish and pass on info to other anglers but by no means am I any authority an surf fishing! Yes, I have been in the surf since 1960 but I always find myself learning from others. I always like to share info and always like to read and grow from what others post!

Can't wait for the sunrise Manana!!

Tight Lines!!

Aztecwin