marshmonkey,
You are getting into sacalait fishing at just the right time. The spawn is about to start. While this is not the only time you can catch sacalait it is the best time to locate them and have a good time.
Go to your favorite lake or whatever and look for the following:
Trees that have fell in the water, stumps sticking out the water, if you have a fish finder look for areas that have a shallow spot right next to a drop off. The drop off does not have to be deep.
Fish the stumps the trees and the drop offs. Right now the fish will probably be stacked or bunched in what is commonly called a staging area waiting for water conditions to be just right for the spawn. How deep the staging area is will depend on your water conditions. Clear / dirty / stained and such
Get you some books or videos they really come in handy for learning tips and such.
What part of LA you from?
I can't leave now; They fixen to turn on.