Never fished Santa Cruz area, Advice needed

I've got tomorrow off,and it looks like it may be a bit windy to the north where I usually go, but looks like Santa Cruz is gonna be beautiful.

I've never been on the water there, will probably launch from the harbor.

I'm more interested in catching something, than spending the day drifting for halibut,

So advice would be appreciated on where to look for some rockfish, or even little fish like mackrel or jack smelt.

Thanks,

dale

Head toward the lighthouse and try the kelp beds there and off West Cliff. Don't get too close to Steamers Lane, or you might get swamped by a wave.