Big Calicos can be caught up here just a few kicks from the beach. Here's proof: Bryan Davis hangs a nice one fishing from a float tube.
TACKLE
Basic hardware to face the task
....Let's talk about the tackle side of things, normally I use a lot of bigger swimbaits in the 5.5-6.5in range, but Santa Barbara is one area that the 3-5in baits really excel! Now if you find the killer bite don't be afraid to feed them the big stuff, but you will be well served to bring some of the smaller baits and fish them on 10-12lb if you find yourself blanking.
Iron: Naples Reef is one of the best spots I've ever thrown a jig at; that is if it has uphill current!
Cranks, blades, and slugs: With all that kelp around bring the hardware! Those fish never see that stuff as the locals never fish it!
Colors: Typically the fish out front and down south respond to critter colors, browns, reds, oranges and or combinations of all three. The fish up north really like the bait fish stuff this time of year, mackerel, sardine and trout patterns are among my favorites
"Like everywhere bass call home these are not absolutes, however, the key here is to mix it up!"
Other tidbits: If you choose to go north be careful for the first few miles as there are numerous buoys and other objects to hit especially off Arroyo Burro beach.
....The tar you may acquire if you head North looks worse than it is, yes it mucks up your boat but a strong mixture of Simple Green and water will take most of it off and as for the tough spots a little solvent/acetone on a rag takes it off real easy.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Getting here safely is key!
....Northbound on the 101: Exit Garden Street and turn left on Garden after coming down the off ramp. Continue to where Garden intersects with Cabrillo Blvd and turn right on Cabrillo. Continue down Cabrillo paralleling the beach past the wharf. Shortly past the wharf, the first buildings on your left hand side will be Sea Landing.
....To park you must continue past Sea Landing staying on Cabrillo until you reach Harbor Way . Turn left on Harbor Way and then immediately left again towards the parking kiosk which you will see on the left about 150 feet to the left from Harbor Way . Enter the lot there and drive straight back to Sea Landing, the launch ramp is right next to Sea Landing. Keep in mind that double length stalls are for vehicles with trailers only.
Sea Landing/Launch Ramp: Sea landing (the building in the upper right hand corner) will be hosting the weigh-in site for Rd. 5, 'The Norbuland Exposure'.
....There is three water hook ups at the ramp that take quarters. There are two decent docks that hold a fair amount of boats and the lot isn't too bad but I would get there early, otherwise depending on how many boats show, you may have to resort to the over flow at the City College parking lot.
....Well I hope that some of this helpful and that everybody has a good time up in ‘Norbuland' as it is one of my favorite places to fish and an oasis when the weather in the Santa Barbara Channel is up.See you up there! 
Captain Larry, Team CalicoHunter
