Your gear sounds right with the exception of the lobster floats on the end of the float line. That would be great for yellowtail under kelp paddies or out in open water, but you will never be able to go under kelp and come up on the other side and have them follow you. They are too buoyant. Even if you wanted to just swim through the kelp on the surface, they would be constantly tangled and drive you nuts. The alternative that most guys use is just some sort of small egg float on the end of the line. Of course it is not buoyant enough to fight a fish, but just serves as a hand stop, something to grab when all the line has been pulled through your hand. I've attached some example photos.
If you could use a float big enough to fight the fish, then your line would only have to be as long as your deepest dive. But since this small float can't fight the fish, I would recommend a line at least 100 feet long. The fish will go under kelp and then run laterally, and you will be pulled straight down while the fish runs across the bottom. A friend of mine shot a 60 pounder in just 25 feet of water and almost had to give up and turn loose because he was being repeatedly pulled under, but the boat arrived just in time for him to grab the swimstep.
Other little tips for white sea bass that come to mind:
Spit out or flood the snorkle as you dive so that it won't trail bubbles. Make a quiet dive without splashing the fins on the surface, and descend smoothly and relatively slowly. Ascend slowly too so that you are not scaring fish just out of sight. Be sure to look for fish over you on the ascent. Don't overlook the possibility that you will see fish from the surface and can take a shot without even diving. Your kayak fishing buddies said they saw some from the surface, and you can too.
BTW, I'm no expert at this, but just happen to have been doing it for a while so I can't help having acquired some knowledge. I'm just saying what works for me, but of course there are a lot of guys out there who are more talented and who may have different ideas. I just want to provide all the help I can since there don't seem to be many others answering white sea bass questions on this board.
If you would like to chat or arrange a show and tell bull session comparing guns, gear, etc., my number is 949-498-1174.
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