Dave is right on, seabass won't wreck you like a tail, if you keep 'em out off the kelp it's usually just a couple of easy circles around the boat, like a big halibut, just steady pressure works fine. We have been very fortunate to see a huge resurgence for the croaker, conservation and Hubbs hatchery have been very good- Tons of squid in the south bay points to another epic year for seabass, just make sure you know the law and quit after one fish in the spring- don't release them, just keep your one fish and call it a day. Last year guys were catching their one, handing it off to someone else, etc., that sucks. Right now the limit is three, I'm talking about the spring. Tight lines!

edit- Dave, where did you catch that calico by your name? VERY NICE!