I live in Templeton (Near Paso Robles). I fish Margarita all the time from a tube, but your right, it is limited...50ft from shore line and mostly the bays around the marina and an area to the south (or east,depending on how you see it) of the lake....its been a heated topic for me, because the lake is very popular with kayakers and they have full access. If safety is the issue, then I would say that all tubes need those tall orange flags that they require on Off road cars and motorcycles at the Pismo Dunes. Or if your an adventurous type you can hike the 3 or 4 miles into the other end of the lake and fish that...Never been kicked out and I've done that a few times and done very well.