
YOUR JOURNEY BACK TO THE WILD STARTS HERE
Catch N Cook California is a premier outdoor education experience rooted in the ancient art of foraging - defined holistically as the practice of harvesting wild ingredients rather than cultivating them, and the foundation of all human subsistence for tens of thousands of years.
Led by California native and PhD archeologist Kevin Smith, our classes are more than adventures - they are immersive journeys into foraging autonomy, outdoor proficiency, and sustainable living. With a lifetime of foraging experience and deep research in the lifeways of California’s Indigenous hunter-gatherers, Kevin brings rare cultural insight to every tidepool, forest, and shoreline. Whether you’re learning to identify edible mushrooms, fish the rugged coast, freedive for sea urchin, or gather wild plants, each hands-on experience is designed to reconnect you to the land and sea. You'll gain practical skills in harvesting, processing, and in many cases, preparing your catch - always with respect for seasonality, safety, and ecological stewardship.
We offer group workshops, private bookings, and seasonal courses from Southern to Northern California, always in small group settings to ensure personalized instruction and minimal environmental impact. All experiences follow Leave No Trace ethics and sustainable harvesting practices.
Keep the Old Ways Alive - one wild meal at a time.
BUILD YOUR OUTDOOR SKILLSET
Take one of our classes with our outdoor expert, Kevin, as seen on Catch N Cook California from Youtube.
READ THE LATEST NEWS
Read up on the latest posts covering sustainable foraging practices, tips and tricks, recent adventures, and more!
MAKE CONNECTIONS
Join our community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and post your own catch and cook adventures!
INTERESTED IN JOINING A FORAY?
CHECK OUT OUR OPEN CLASSES BELOW!



Beginner-Intermediate Freedive-Spearfishing, MontereyWed, May 06Monterey
Introductory Freedive-Spearfishing MontereyThu, May 07Monterey
Introductory Freedive-Spearfishing MontereyThu, May 07Monterey




Ultra-Shallow Intro Freedive-Spearfishing, SLO CoastSun, May 10Morro Bay
Coastal Foraging (Fish, Mussels...), SLO CoastSat, May 16Morro Bay
Shore Fishing: (Perch and Rockfish), San Mateo CoastSat, May 16San Simeon
Coastal Foraging (Fish, Mussels...), SLO CoastSun, May 17Morro Bay
KING TIDE: Coastal Foraging SLO CoastMon, May 18Morro Bay
Coastal Foraging (Eels, rock crab...), Half Moon Bay/PacificaTue, May 19Half Moon Bay
Coastal Foraging (Eels, rock crab...), Half Moon Bay/PacificaWed, May 20Half Moon Bay
Coastal Foraging (Low Tide Rocky Intertidal), Marin CoastThu, May 21Stinson Beach
Beginner-Intermediate Fishing: Marin CoastFri, May 22Tomales


Private Intro Freedive-Spearfishing MontereySat, Jul 25Monterey
Private Intro Freedive-Spearfishing MontereySat, Aug 22Monterey




