Agua Hediondas - worth $50 to fish there?

[sbsyncro]

Hey all, I finally found the "perfect" (easy) place to park, put in, and paddle, within 15 minutes' striking distance of my client's office (where I visit every week Tue-Fri). The problem appears to be that the City of Carlsbad believes that their lagoon is so precious that they should charge $50 for an "extranjero" like me to float a kayak on it (or $12 a day). Well I guess that explains why there was so little boat traffic on it today while I snuck out there for a "test paddle". I guess the homeowners along the lagoon have a pretty sweet deal worked out with the City to reduce boating traffic on "their" lake, eh...?

The strong tidal flows look enticing, and there were a lot of bait fish jumping in the shallows. I even saw a couple of 12-14" fish jump clear out of the water after bait. Those were encouraging signs, but I'd love to know if the fishing there is worth me plunking down $50 for a stupid city permit (and going through the permit application process) for a few months' worth of fishing...

I know - a lot of you will say "Are you stupid, man? - why pay when you can fish the kelp for free!!?"

Well the problem is that I can't find a good beach launch with ample parking, easy access, and reliably small surf that is within a short distance of the Palomar Airport-area office. When I dash off at 5:30 or 6, I want max time on the water, and with a rental car and minimal gear, dealing with long carries, sand all over everything, etc. can be a real hassle. Worth $50 for a decent fishing spot, in other words...

Of course, I'm totally open to other suggestions.... :-)

Thanks!

Thanks,

Brent