I concur with the previous suggestions about working in tight to the docks. But definitely try the open water. Most of the spotties I've had were in open water. In talking to some guys who fish there, open water will produce well. Reason being, that's were the bait is, this is probably most true for the areas with lots of water. So, work it all and have fun. The best places seem to be the Back Bay (around Newport Dunes) and just inside the entrance to the harbor. I have been fishing the channel from the pavillion to were that channel hits the entrance, on the penninsula side. I average about 4 spotties (1-2lb range) and 4 sandies (almost allways small, not just short). I know the Dunes area produces more but it costs $7 to park. If you ever want to fish midweek send me an email and we'll hook up (sorry for that one).

Kill as little as possible,
Amish Ed