u/AdmirableFloppa

Are there any spots I could fish from (jetties without license), that aren't overly rocky? like I went to Dana point's left jetty (longest) to try and fish, but unfortunately since it's my first time, + the safe distance to stand/sit at and throw cast into the ocean was unfortunately a bit far from my position, and today I learned this expensive lesson by loosing about $15 in lures nonsensically getting stuck in the rocks.

i had to cut the line multiple times, (i have braided one), one of the rods line also got Tangled (mono line), so while trying to untangle it, I cut it accidentally from the middle (which means my line is disconnected and I will have to open the spool to tie a knot). ..

If i were to get a decent position at this jetty, I'd have to descend into these slippery rocks over which crabs were crawling, and I wasn't trying to take those risks really

so are there any good (no license) spots to fish from that aren't overly rocky or the safe standing distance isn't too far from the ocean (ideally much less than my casting rod which is 9'6' in length)?

after a lot of researching, I went into Walmart to buy a budget rod (under $65) and while Okuma Celilo was on my preference list, I grabbed the last one there was on the shelf, and it is 9'6', which is pretty long. The power it's rated for is Medium Light, with lure capacity of only about 1/2 oz (about 14 grams).

Now I've been rethinking my decision for this specific rod, perhaps it is too light for my purposes (sea and fresh water fishing in socal, fishing for big fish like halibuts and similar sized fish that may require bigger lures than 14 grams).

Do you guys have any recommendations for rods between $50-70, that are 6'6, stronger, have a higher lure rating, and also not too insensitive? I looked at Ugly Stick GX2 but it seems that it is too insensitive while being durable.

i guess I will be heading out to Walmart and see if i can find something else, but appreciate any recs you guys might have

Newport Beach free fishing spots/jetties that aren't overly rocky?

Mild buyers remorse