Howdy,
Truth be told you can eat pretty much any fish you catch.
Most everyone throws back the surf perch. They get mushy pretty fast.
Now that the waters are getting pretty warm, the spot fin croaker I'm sure are around, catch them using a Carolina rig with either sand crabs or bean clams if you can find them.
Make sure you know the size limits of the fish,
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/...g-Map/Southern
Bass have a minimum size limit of 14".
If you want to bait and wait, use some pyramid weights, at least 3 ounces with some 20 pound line and a 2/0 hook.
Use fresh dead squid or anchovy or mackerel, toss out as far as you can and let it sit.
Keep an eye on your line because depending of the strength of swell it will move.
Also make sure your line is pretty tight.
As far as fishing spots, here is a map of areas you cannot fish,
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/MPAs
Make sure you know where you can't fish.
Hope this helps a little and I'm sure others will chime in when the 4th weekend is over.......most are probably out fishing
Good Luck,
Robert
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