Without reveling specific spots:
What pattern are big (greater than 1.5 pounds) spotted bay bass usually in Mission or San Diego Bay? Do they hang near deep water breaks, or shallower structure such as dock pilings? Are they usually deeper or shallower than their smaller cousins? Deeper oe shallower eel grass.

THanks,

You have to read the water. I can tell larger fish are generally less agressive and lazier. Look for areas that offer abush points, structure and good tidal movement. The next approach is to try to find concentrations of bait schools on the meter. If these areas have eel crass or are suspended over any kind of structure there's a good chance that some bigger Spotties might be right under neath the bait fish.

Everything JerryG stated is true. My only input would be regarding what lure you are using. I'm no expert, but I have fished the bay (Newport mostly, Mission a couple of times) quite a bit. When I want to target big spotties. I seem to have great success with bigger spinnerbaits(1/2oz-5/8oz.) I toss them as close as I can to docks. You won't get as many hits as say a swimbait or 'chovy, but the fish that hit the spinnerbaits are usally quality fish. Another technique I like is dragging a spinnerbait along rocky bottoms. I know Newport has some rocky bottom areas (PCH) but I don't know about Mission. I know the Sea World area has some. Good Luck, Don

p.s.
As far as colors for spinnerbaits. My favorites are...wht skirt w/red curly tail grub, blk skirt w/chart. grub.