[Mahigeer]

Here are some of the differences that I have noticed between the two piers.

If anybody would like to add more items or correction/s, I will update the list.

Santa Monica pier

Pro---
Fishermen are separated from the general public, thus the gear is somewhat safer, though one should not take any chances by leaving it unattended.
There are a lot of parking spaces at the first level, and a good size lot on the pier itself.
The distance from the railing to the water is not very much.
Police presence and constant runs by the police officers provides a sense of security.
There are bathrooms at the middle and end of the pier.
Open 24 hrs.

Con—
Too many people on the pier. Anglers must be vigilant at all times.
The fishing platforms are limited. Fishing where the public is walking could be challenging.
The parking is expensive.

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Venice pier

Pro---
The entire pier is available for fishing.
The “bumps” on the pier make it possible to stay away from the visitors. The large circle area is very big to keep the visitors away from fishermen.
Parking rates are reasonable.

Con----
Though it may not be known as internationally as the SM pier, it has its share of visitors.
The parking lot is smaller than the SM pier.
There is a looooong distance from the railing to the water.
It has cutout area for the anglers in wheelchairs.
Only bathrooms are at the foot of the pier. A long walk, unless you have a porta-privy-tent!
Closes at 11:00 PM.


The fishing should be similar at the two piers due to their proximity to each other.

Every pier has its own regulars that prefer their pier to other piers.

For more information, the Pier Fishing in California, 2nd edition, by Ken Jones is an excellent source.

[Burger]

Not a correction, but an FYI on Santa Monica Pier. There is a Request For Proposals out (it may have even bid already, I saw it at work a while back) for adding a floating platform on the left if you are facing the end of the pier. Pretty sure it is for boat traffic and no fishing will be allowed on it. Another thing to note is the last fishing platform on the left (again facing the end of the pier) will be taken away for fishing as it will become the top of a metal gangway plank going down to said platform. Sure plenty of people who have that as their favorite platform are going to be irritated.

Thanks for the info Mahi!

[Mahigeer]

Well, the world famous sign at the foot of the pier, which is in practically every movie that shows the Los Angeles, indicates Yacht Harbor and boating.


Now they can say it is accurate, since I have never notices yachts or boats being rented there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Santa_Monica_Harbor.jpg


Perhaps in the past they did, but if they do now, I must have missed it.

[gn3hzeku1]

Another proposal has been approved to take away pier level parking and build elsewhere.

[gn3hzeku1]

Big plus for Sm is how close it is to the freeway.

[Ken Jones]

I've always enjoyed fishing the Santa Monica Pier, especially the lower levels which allow you to properly fish the piling areas. Unfortunately its sheer popularity, and the resulting crowds, make it harder and harder to find parking and space on the pier.

[tackleholic]

To me, the fact that there is no amusement park on the venice pier is a pro for venice and a con for santa monica, but thats me...i hate fishing in a circus. Another pro for Venice...you can find street parking for free within a reasonable walking distance from the pier and, if the surf is ever too big or rough to fish, Marina Del Rey is a few minutes down the street and theres free or cheap parking readily available. I just hate paying like $10 or more for parking.

[ARCADIAN]

To Me Venice used to be a great fishing spot, back in the lates 60's used to go there for crab and mackeral its was fun, santa monica is good also, but the only problem you have people nosy around your bucket, but the people on santa monica dont obey the rules i saw 98% of the people throwing overhead casting, disregards for the rules.
Catching small fish and keeping undersize.
But its is a fun place to fish.

I always catch something at santa monica. also Venice doesnt have no bait shop any more or a cafeteria any longer back in the late 60's.
so bring your food when fishing venice unless you want to walk all the way down and buy them.

Ill would take venice less people means better fishing!

[gn3hzeku1]

How much is typical parkig rates at Venice ? Ivhave heard 15 to 5

[ARCADIAN]

Depends on the season you are there it changes during the summer it most expensive during the non-peak season its the cheapest its the same everywhere else, santa monica, malibu, paradise cove they all change during the time of season and crowds, the bigger the crowd the more it is, the less the crowd the cheaper the cost.

So happy hunting

I hear barracuda are in the area of the marina del rey and redondo. so be on the lookout!!

Becuase when there are barry's around bonita are not far behind as well as yelowtail.

SO FISH ON!!

[gn3hzeku1]

how much is parking right now?

[Mahigeer]

It has been a while since I have been there.

It used to be $5.00 after 5:00 PM during the week.


Don't know the new rates if they have been increased.


As a rule, cheaper after five and during the week.

[gn3hzeku1]

ahh thanks

[MisterWoodstream]

There's always street parking if you get there early during the day.