Ruben, I haven't float tubed Goleta beach since I moved up to SF a few years ago. But when I lived down there, I would always fish for halibut on the OTHER side, the UCSB side, of the beach. Mr. Swimbait and I went a few times, and we would launch from the UCSB end of the parking lot, and cruise all the way up to about the steps, and a little bit past the steps. I seemed to get the most action (not including a topless UCSB chick I saw once) near the steps, about 30-50 yards out.

Other people I've talked to have gotten several legals on that side of the beach. Best of luck, and post your results :-)