Hey, thanks for the response. Very nice to hear that there is some life in the receivers. I'm hoping to get out there next week when I'm all done with finals...and my college career for that matter. Glad to hear big fish are being landed. I've not fished Avila/Shell Beach recently but do know that it produces big ol' buts. Most of my experience has been from a float tube about 200 yards north of the Sea Cliffs Hotel and about 50-75 yards off shore. Water is about 15'. Kayaks are perfect for this situation. You may even be able to launch it from the beach just below the Sea Cliffs when the break is down. Good luck out there!