Santa Cruz fishing spots

Hey guys,
I'm still a complete noob, I have an opportunity to fish a Saturday afternoon coming  up in the middle of October.  I was going to launch out of the SC harbor... But not really sure what direction would be best to try once I get out on the open water.  Anybody have any helpful tips on fishing out of Santa Cruz? Usually I'm fishing HMB, so any and all info would be awesome and greatly appreciated!
Jim

West towards the mile buoy then north. It also depends on the wind, swells, target species, etc

I like the lighthouse point area, which is to the west of the harbor. Around the mile buoy is good too.

Thanks for those pointers, but from what I've been reading, would I be better off trying capitola or Moss landing?

West towards the mile buoy then north. It also depends on the wind, swells, target species, etc

Actually the mile buoy is directly to the south of the harbor entrance.  The standard recommendation is fish to the east of the line from the harbor to the mile buoy, or go west to the lighthouse.  These areas have patch reefs that hold rockfish and lings, with halibut at the edges and in the areas between the reefs.  This year, and especially this time of year, you'll want to be fishing 50+ feet of water.  The area between line and the lighthouse areas this is mostly sand bottom, that you're more likely to find kingfish on.  Good luck!

-Allen

West towards the mile buoy then north. It also depends on the wind, swells, target species, etc

Actually the mile buoy is directly to the south of the harbor entrance.  The standard recommendation is fish to the east of the line from the harbor to the mile buoy, or go west to the lighthouse.  These areas have patch reefs that hold rockfish and lings, with halibut at the edges and in the areas between the reefs.  This year, and especially this time of year, you'll want to be fishing 50+ feet of water.  The area between line and the lighthouse areas this is mostly sand bottom, that you're more likely to find kingfish on.  Good luck!

-Allen

Doh.  Your right.  Forgot my heading to the buoy.

SC is dead isn't it? I saw a post someone need a partner at HMB. go there where you normally fish. If I can get my schedule switch around I will be in HMB on Saturday and Sunday down at MBK area.

We're gonna be in the SC area that weekend in October. Just thought while I was there I'd try my luck in some different waters. Thanks for the detailed info, sounds like I'll  probably give it a go on the line you recommended. Meantime, I'll keep learning HMB's spots.  Thanks again everyone!