Brad,
If you are fishing a mile north or south of the harbor mouth, you might be able to make decent bait. Possibly some smelt around the harbor too, which is good halibut bait.
But, it is much easier/quicker to spend $5 at the bait receiver. You'll get a good 3 dozen sardines. Besides, our halibut fishing has been real close by, either just off Doheny Beach or along the jetty.
We'd love to join you for a La Jolla bug-a-rama, especially before this season ends. It was kinda trippy at first, being in the kayaks at night. So, if a calm night is coming and you are going, maybe we can tag along and hope for less than double limits
.