If you want to sit near the water, I suggest calling exactly 30 days prior to your date and getting reservations. I was told waterside tables are given according to the order on the list and those that called first got the tables. We were there for the first seating of the day and were in the middle of the restaurant. I called about 2 weeks in advance.
Also, I would suggest getting a reservation about an hour AFTER the BB opens. This should ensure people are finishing their meals and water tables should be vacant, and if you request a waterside table you should be able to get one after a short wait.
There was a large party sitting near us that was the second row from the water. I'm not sure if a table of 8 will fit near the water, but you can always ask when you check in.