For plastics I've tried all kinds of retrieves and when the white's are there and hitting they all seem to work. I'll usually cast and reel, then I'll try casting and letting it sink for a second then reel, then again but let it sink two seconds, repeat this adding a second each time, when it gets to be enough seconds that I hit bottom I'll repeat the straight in retrieve once more, then on the next cast I'll try bouncing the bottom. This is a pretty typical method in all types of fishing when one is trying to find out what depth the fish are holding at.

Like I said when they're on they're on and it seems anything will work but when they're not in the mood - forget it - almost nothing will work. You just have to put in your time and hope you hit them when they're turned on.

Fishing from shore around the harbor and wharf area has been pretty productive for me but for halibut not seabass. I find it kind of tough to work a lure correctly at all depths when you're reeling up the slope of the bottom. Also, if you hook a nice seabass from shore you can't chase it, hopefully preventing it from wrapping you around something or preventing a sea lion from snatching it off your line. I use moderately light tackle (8-12 lb. test) so being able to chase the fish is kind of important.

You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.