Ed, is that the key, the freshwater into the bay? I don't know about you, but I've caught way more seabass in DP then bay bass (who taught them the 28" limit, I think they bail when they hit 27 3\4!), but Newps isn't like that at all! San Diego Bay is also chock full of the spotties, but not as many seabass. Go figure. They do like the warm water, if you go to the Bay of LA or points south, or on the Pacific side way down towards Mag Bay, you can walk on the backs of the fat spotties if you need to get across the bay! I've never figured them out in Dana, but Newport is silly with them. They are one cool fish, though! Also the gold spotted bass, in the gulf, are really cool- usually deeper water then the spots, but same size range.