DWhatley, thank you so much for the article! For anyone else looking at this thread, I couldn't figure out how to post the PDF but here are some notes I took that may be helpful for you. Note that these tips are NOT mine but come from Wood and Anderson's article. I take no claim except for any errors I made in note-taking:
Octopuses are found in most habitats.
Some species hide deep in a lair during the day, while others are diurnal, and still others are crepuscular.
In some places they can be found as easily as wading in shallow water at low tide.
Techniques:
search at night
most octopuses are nocturnal
develop search image for local species
look for color patterns, body patterns, etc.
search for your species of interest online to develop an idea of what they look like
seek out local knowledge about where to find octopuses
ask fellow divers, underwater photographers, local fishermen
search for their midden piles
look for clam, scallop, or crab shells (particularly fresh ones that do not have anything growing over them. You know they were killed recently. An octopus may be nearby)
some species have piles of coral rubble around their lairs rather than shells
look at likely lairs
octopuses will hide under rock ledges, crevices in rocks, shells, beer bottles, clay pots, etc.
good lairs can be used by multiple octopuses over the years, so if you found an octopus before, check at the same place again on your next visit.
When you find one, just stay still and watch.
Many will be scared away by direct light from a dive light.
Do not touch, grab, or physically harass!