California has ALOT of MPA's (no-take zones). I'm a central Florida spearo and have dove California a bunch. It is VERY different from our Florida diving. The best way to learn the tips and tricks is to dive with ALOT of other spearos in California all at once. To do that a liveaboard charter is the most productive way. I've done the Peace charter out of Ventura and it is excellent. I've done the Truth Charters too but unsure of their current status. Peace only books thru shops but it is very easy to search and find a trip that suits you. You'll be right next to other spearo's for a couple of days sharing stories and they will go out of there way to help you be better and where to look. You may know how to pull a trigger, but if you don't know where to look you're gonna waste that 2 tank day charter. A liveaboard is the fastest way to come up to speed and learn where to look and how. You'll blow alot of money doing day trips and come back zeros, but just 1 liveaboard trip and you'll know exactly what to look for. I love California diving, it's completely different from our Florida. (California rents drysuits, but not spearguns)