I've gone tubing in the ocean twice now so I'm not much of an expert. However I did get to try Newport Harbor (launched at Harbor Patrol Beach) and had a great time catching sand and bay bass along with a small halibut (18"). I was on the water for about 4 hours, 2 hours on each side of a low tide. In Newport Harbor this worked out great. The outgoing tide moved me towards the ocaen and the incoming tide moved me back to the starting point. This way I avoided a long kick back to my launch point against tide and winds. If you go to Newport, pay attention to the tides and try to bracket either a low tide or a high tide so you avoid working against the tidal current. I was surprised at how strong that tidal current could be.

My second trip was to Cabrillo Beach down in San Pedro about two weeks ago. This beach is protected by a rock seawall/breakwater and the water was extremely calm - dare I say flat. I fished it very early in the morning, starting at 6AM and was done about 11 AM. The wind can come at Cabrillo and you might have to kick back to the launch point against that wind. Some folks have tired out and had to be rescued by lifeguards. I had no problem with either wind nor tide at Cabrillo Beach. I got into a real nice white seabass bite. I was tossing 3 inch big hammers on 3/8 oz darter jigs with a 6 lb test light spinning rig. I caught 6 WSB up to 20 inches and they put up an awesome fight. None where of legal (28") size but I doubt if I could have landed a legal WSB bruiser on my light rod/reel combo. I also had 6 or 7 cut/break me off. The bite was definately on. I just wish I had put on some sort of bite/shock leader so I didn't lose so many of the hookups.

There is a group of tubers that met every Saturday morning at Cabrillo for a friendly little tournament. They welcome beginners and you don't have to join the tourney to fish with them. It would be a great spot to try/learn. The fellows I fished with were very free with information and tips. I had a great time and I will definately be back soon to try it again. Lots of legal halibut are caught at Cabrillo. The only drawback at Cabrillo is a $6.50 parking charge.