Planned trip to Crystal Pier

I will be in the area January 12-17 and have plans to fish the pier. I have fished it and San Clemente Pier a few times but I'm from up north so I'm not that knowledgeable. Any advise on tackle, set-up, baits, etc would be appreciated.

Notable — (1) In 2013 the pier was named one of the top ten piers in the nation by Coastal Living Magazine. It commented: “Crystal Pier Hotel's slogan says it all: “Sleep over the ocean.” It is the only West Coast pier to have cabins over the ocean.(2) Although the numbers are very small, more California yellowtail are caught from this pier than any other California pier and many have been large, thirty to fifty-pound fish.


The Pier and Aquatic Environment

Crystal Pier is a fairly short pier, being only 872 feet long, but is unique given the cottages available on the pier, the only West Coast pier to offer lodging over the sea. Perhaps surprisingly to some—given its small size, the fact that it’s old fashioned and showing its age, and that it can be one of the worst piers in terms of convenience (parking), it still gets my nostalgic vote for one of my favorite piers in the state.

It is the pier where I caught my first California pier fish in 1956 and later, after leaving and then returning to San Diego, it was the pier that I most frequently visited during my high school and college years. My records show it to be my personal number one pier for California halibut, yellowfin croaker, and shovelnose guitarfish. It is my number two pier for barred surfperch and walleye surfperch. In part, those figures reflect the many trips to the pier but they also add reason for my personal affection for the pier.

Although short, the pier has three distinct areas. Inshore the pier is wide to accommodate the cabins and cars. Once past the cabins the pier narrows to only a 20-foot width before expanding again to a 100-foot width at the end. The pilings are old and heavily covered with mussels and during the summer months there can be heavy growths of kelp around the outer end of the pier.

Fishing can be excellent and given the species there’s little doubt it is a typical SoCal sandy-shore pier. It sits on the long, sandy shoreline that parallels Ocean Boulevard and stretches from Mission Beach up to the rocky Tourmaline Beach and Surfing Park. There are neither rocks nor reef to attract rocky shore species of fish but the beach itself seems one of the best to fish for the various sandy-shore species.
In addition, its proximity to the fish-rich waters of Mission Bay (just down the beach to the south) and to the La Jolla kelp beds (just up the coast) probably have some influence as to the fish that show up at the pier.
Lastly, the South La Jolla State Marine Reserve (established in 2012) starts just six blocks north of the pier at Diamond Street. It runs along the shoreline north to Palomar Avenue and extends three miles out into the Pacific. It prohibits the take of all marine species. The reserve connects, at its deep ocean end, to the South La Jolla State Marine Conservation Area, an area that permits the take of many species. Together they present a 7.51 square mile protected area that should provide increased numbers of resident fish. Since fish are rarely able to read boundary lines, there seems little doubt some of those fish wander over to Crystal Pier and help the fishing.
Though small when compared to most oceanfront piers, Crystal is, in my opinion, still one of the best piers for several species of fish including barred surfperch, walleye surfperch, yellowfin croaker, shovelnose guitarfish, and California yellowtail (especially during El Niño warm-water years).

Planning your trip to the pier (or) Proper Prior Planning Prevents Pi.. Poor Performance

Short Version: Appropriate clothing for the weather, rod/reel for each person fishing, some small size 8-4 hooks, a few Sabiki bait rigs, some small 1-2 ounce torpedo sinkers, a couple of baits (worms, mussels, shrimp or squid), pliers, a small bucket, and some inexpensive hand towels aka rags. These are the basic necessities. Although this version is short, and the next one is longer, I always suggest using the KISS approach—Keep It Short and Simple (as possible).

Long Version: Clothing: (1) Match the clothes to the time you are visiting the pier and the expected conditions (both temperatures and wind). Day is different than night and summer is different than winter. For much of the year in San Diego, daytime requires little more than shorts and a T-shirt or light shirt. But the wind can come up, the “June Gloom” of early summer can block the sun, and even rain makes an occasional appearance. I recommend layered clothing that can be adjusted to the actual conditions. (2) Wear clothing that can survive a little dirt, grime, and possibly blood stains.

Miscellaneous: (1) Sun screen, at least SPF 50 but the stronger the better. (2) A baseball cap with extension to cover the back of your neck or a sombrero-type hat; something to give your face and neck protection from the sun. (3) A crushable hat or ski cap if fishing at night. (4) Polarized sunglasses. (5) A hand warmer. Only needed during the winter or very windy conditions. (6) A camera to memorialize the large fish and big smiles.

Food and Drinks: (1) Snacks, i.e., Power Bars/Clif Bar energy snacks. (2) Bottled water or soft drinks. (3) A thermos full of hot coffee or cocoa if it’s cool.

Fishing Equipment/Rods and Reels: Have a rod and reel for each person fishing.

Terminal Tackle: (1) Have at least two sinkers for every person fishing. Use torpedo sinkers if fishing straight down around the pilings or in areas with kelp. Use pyramid sinkers if casting out in sandy areas with little kelp. (2) If using Sabiki bait rigs bring two for each person. (3) If using hooks bring at least four for every person when using a high/low rig. Bring small size 6 or 4 baitholder hooks for the perch-like species; size 4 or 2 for croaker and bass; size 2-2/0 for larger fish.

Miscellaneous Equipment: (1) A sharp bait knife to cut the bait and a sharp fillet knife if planning to fillet the fish. (2) Zip-Lock bags or baggies for fish fillets. (3) Needle-nose pliers for removing hooks and cutting line. (3) Nail clippers for trimming line. (4) Tape measure for making sure the fish is legal size. (4) Hand towels aka rags. Buy cheap ones at the Dollar Store, bring several, and throw dirty ones away at the end of each day if a little too smelly. (5) Hand cleaner or a baggie of baking soda. It can be used to wash the fish smell off of hands (to a degree). (6) Have some type of tackle box or container to hold the various tackle items. (7) Some people like to carry a small bucket with a rope to get fresh seawater to keep live baitfish in and/or to wash their hands. Empty, it can be used to carry all the miscellaneous “stuff” that will not fit in the normal “tackle” container(s).

Bait: Have (at least) a couple of types of bait and a small ice chest/bait cooler (with ice or a small ice pack) to keep bait fresh. This can also be used later to bring fish fillets home. Recommended baits: (1) Live saltwater worms (pile worms, bloodworms, lugworms), (2) Anchovies, sardines, or mackerel. Good as cut bait for several species, (3) Shrimp (pieces). See below for a more detailed explanation on which baits to use for which fish. Elastic thread can be useful if the bait is not staying on the hook

License: Only needed if fishing on a private, non-public pier and then only needed if 16 years or older. Not needed on this public pier.

$$: Have cash or credit cards for the parking fees and other costs that may arise during the day.

Expectations: I often say the key to fishing is patience and persistence. Long time successful anglers have put in the time to learn what works and what doesn’t, and those regulars (10% of the anglers) catch 90% of the fish. Nevertheless, there is always an element of luck in fishing. Sometimes the fish are there, sometimes they aren’t. If they are there the regulars should catch fish while newbies might catch fish. Studying this guide will not guarantee fish but should provide enough clues to catch some fish.

Fishing Areas: Successful pier fisherman study and know that most piers have several distinct areas: inshore, mid-pier, far end, and piling area. Each offer up somewhat different species (with some overlap) and each can call for different baits and techniques.

• Inshore, shallow water area, tideline or around the outermost cabins extending out about another 100 feet—the realm of perch and croaker.
Inshore, the quantity will sometimes be less, but you can often catch some very nice fish—corbina, spotfin croaker, yellowfin croaker, and barred surfperch. Most commonly used baits are fresh mussels, ghost shrimp, bloodworms or lugworms although sand crabs are best for two of the species.

The favorite inshore fish is probably California corbina (a croaker). Unfortunately, it sometimes seems like you’ll see 20 corbina before you’ll get one to bite. Corbina dine almost exclusively on sand crabs so that’s the best bait to use and their use will geometrically increase your chances of success. But, you’ll have to catch the crabs yourself. The good news is that they should be available at water’s edge. If the crabs are unavailable try using ghost shrimp, fresh mussels, bloodworms or lugworms. Fish the shallowest water possible and this often means you are practically right up against the fence that surrounds the cabins on the pier.
Given the waves, it’s best to use a high/low leader and size 4 or 2 hooks. Given the action of the waves in this area, one needs to be able to hold bottom and not have the line swept to the beach or into the pilings. A 2-4 ounce pyramid sinker (the best) should usually hold the line in place. Claw sinkers, dollar sinkers and bulldozer-type sinkers may also be employed but are not as good as the pyramid sinkers.
Some like to use Carolina-type rigging for corbina, and they can be used, but remember that the egg sinkers (typically used for the rigging) do not hold bottom. The Carolina-rigs are great for surf fishing, or fishing further out on the pier in water less affected by the waves, but less effective here. If you use a Carolina rigging keep your rod in your hand and make sure you always know where your bait is sitting.
A final note on corbina is that they are very wary and have excellent eyesight. Some suggest using black hooks, black swivels, and a fluorocarbon leader. May to October seems to be the best months for the corbina.

Although perhaps not quite as popular as corbina, the traditional number one fish taken in the inshore waters is barred surfperch. They are less shy than the corbina and more easily taken when present. Unfortunately, their numbers and size have seemed to see a decrease over the past decade. They too like sand crabs as bait (90% of their natural diet) but will also take ghost shrimp, worms, clams, and small mussels. Tackle is similar to that for the corbina. Unlike corbina, the barred surfperch are generally most prevalent during the winter months to early spring with some of the biggest perch showing in the early spring.

A once rare Baja species that has begun to show up at the pier is shortfin corvina (corvina not corbina, although another croaker). Perhaps reflecting their increasing numbers in San Diego Bay, shortfin first showed up at the pier when two small specimens were taken in August of ’08. Then, during the grunion runs in July of ’09, more shortfin made an appearance and most were good-sized fish. Only problem was that some mistook the fish for undersized white seabass and called the DF&G who, much to their surprise, announced after checking that they were legal shortfin corvina. More of the fish were reported in August of 2011 with about 26” being the maximum size and then the numbers exploded in 2015, a warm-water year that saw many of the fang-toothed fish (nick-named vampire corvina) caught during the summer months.

Most of the corvina are caught by regulars who know what they were doing. One of the keys is to use live bait with small live bait—smelt, small perch and queenfish all considered excellent bait. Given that live bait is being used, a Carolina rigs seem the best for the corvina with slightly larger hooks, generally size 4 to 1. But again, be carful using the rig, keep the rod in your hands at all times and keep the bait away from the pilings. Corvina are now seen every year often biting best at dusk and into the night during the summer months. [Unfortunately, only people staying in the pier’s cottages can fish the pier at night.] Be sure to have a hoop net available to bring larger fish up onto the pier. The numbers are not large but it’s always fun to fish for the exotic species, one that in this case reaches good size and is good eating.

Joining the inshore action are two more croakers, spotfin croaker and yellowfin croaker. The spotfins typically are in the shallower water but both will range from the inshore area to the mid-pier area. The big spotfins (to 6-7 pounds) like fresh mussels but will also hit on seaworms (bloodworms and lugworms) as well as ghost shrimp and sometimes pieces of market shrimp. The yellowfins are a little less finicky, they’ll take all of those baits as well as pieces of anchovy. Both species are commonly taken on high/low rigs using size 6-4 hooks.

Surprisingly quite a few (generally) smaller sharays are also taken from this area. Thornback rays (throw-‘em-backs), round stingrays, shovelnose guitarfish, gray smoothhound sharks, and leopard sharks are all very common in the inshore to mid-pier area and will hit on almost any bottom bait including sea worms, ghost shrimp, anchovies, cut mackerel and squid. Anglers seem split on Carolina rigs versus hi/lo rigs but both will work. Use baitholder hooks, size 4-2 and a sinker just heavy enough to hold bottom. Spring through fall months are the best for the sharays.

Do learn the difference between thornbacks and round stingrays and be careful handling the stingrays whose tail carries a stinger that can provide a very nasty wound. Most people turn the stingray onto its back, which keeps the stinger under the fish. They then remove the hook from the leathery mouth (without turning the stingray over). Once done, grasp the tail at its end with pliers and then toss the stingray back into the water (since they are actually pretty cool little fish). For a time the pier’s bait shop had a small wading pool filled with two baby round stingrays that had emerged from their mother after she was caught by a fisherman. They were fed small pieces of fish, grew, were favorites of pier visitors, and eventually were released safely back into the water via a net.

• Mid-pier area—midway out to where the pier widens — the realm of halibut and a variety of other species. The mid-pier sees a mix of the shallower water species and some species more common to deeper water.
Several varieties of the family Sciaenidae (croakers aka snorers) lead the hit parade here. Family members include the larger spotfin and yellowfin croakers and the smaller white croaker and queenfish. The larger spotfins and yellowfins range down to the surf area but the yellowfin are most common in this mid-pier area. The smaller croakers are also most common in this mid-pier area. They are joined by a croaker-look-a-like, sargo (which is a grunt not a croaker).

All three of the larger species (spotfins, yellowfins and sargo) will fall for ghost shrimp (primo), mussels (especially fresh mussels), bloodworms, lugworms, and pieces of market shrimp or razor clams fished on the bottom. Cast out and start a very slow retrieve back to the pier; almost all fish like bait that is moving. Repeat as necessary. The most common rigging is a high/low rigging with size 6-2 hooks.

Although the spotfin tend to be a little more singular in nature, the yellowfin are often in large schools and when you find one you will often find several more. Sargo are harder to predict. I have had days at the pier, usually mid-July to early-August when I was catching large yellowfin one after another with an occasional spotfin croaker and sargo mixed in for some variety. Tourists were oohing and aweing and had too many questions while I was just trying to fish.

The white croaker (aka tom cod) is often common in the summer months and when present are easy to catch with a cast away from the pier. Most tommies are caught on high/low rigs with size 8-6 hooks using small strips of anchovy or seaworms. Quite often they will strike as the bait is settling down following the cast and if not hooked will follow a slowly retrieved bait all the way back to the pier hitting it again as it leaves the bottom.

Queenfish (aka herring), are usually found spring to fall and typically are schooling under the pier in mid-water depths from mid-pier to about where the pier widens at the end. They can be caught on Sabiki-type bait rigs with small hooks or on high/low rigs using small hooks (size 6-8). Strips of anchovy are the best bait with strips of mackerel, seaworms or small pieces of shrimp also sometimes working. Simply drop your bait to the bottom, reel up a few turns, and stop to see if you have a bite. If no bites, reel up a few more turns. Try different depths until you find the school and then gently raise and lower your rigging until a fish hits.

Jacksmelt and topsmelt can usually be found around the pier most of the year but the larger jacksmelt are especially common during the winter months. Both species prefer the top water areas and both are most commonly caught on multi-hook Sabiki or Lucky Lura bait rigs fished near the top of the water. Many anglers fish for the larger jacksmelt with a float that keeps the bait rig in the appropriate area for the fish, just a few feet below the surface of water. Typically the jacksmelt like the hook sweetened with some bait—small pieces of anchovy, pieces of shrimp, saltwater worms, etc. Some people simply use a high/low rig with small hooks, size 8-4, but again the key is keeping the bait just a few feet under the top of the water. The topsmelt can simply be snagged with small hook bait rigs or size 10-12 unbaited hooks. The topsmelt are almost always at or near the top of the water.

Some years the sardines show up, some years they don’t. When present they may show up almost anywhere along the pier from the surf to the end of the pier. They are generally taken on Sabiki-type bait rigs with small hooks although some people simply tie on 4-6 small hooks, size 10-8 and cast them out bare. Throw out your rigging, let your line sink, and retrieve your line with a fairly fast retrieve and an occasional jerk on the rod.

A final schooling species is walleye surfperch and this is one of the best piers in the state for them. They are caught year round but are especially common in winter and early spring. For these, use a high/low or a Sabiki-type bait rig, and small hooks size 8-6 baited with small anchovy strips, sea worms, small pieces of shrimp, or small pieces of mussel. Drop to the bottom, pull up a few turns and wait for a bite. If there are no bites continue to pull up and check the water depths until you find the fish. Since they are generally in schools, if you find one walleye you will also find more.

A few bass, kelp (calico) bass, barred sand bass, and even spotted sand bass (bay bass) will also show up in the area. Most are caught on high/low rigs baited with bloodworms, lugworms, ghost shrimp or cut anchovies but they can also be caught using Carolina-rigs using size 4 hooks and various small live baits (smelt, anchovies, small queenfish) or soft plastic lures, i.e.. Big Hammers. Remember they must be 14-inches long to be legal.

White seabass (another croaker) can also be encountered at times in this area and can be caught on the same baits and lures. However, remember that these large croakers need to be 28 inches to be kept (and most are smaller, illegal fish).

The mid-pier area is halibut territory and they are perhaps, day-to-day, the most prized fish. Use a Carolina-type rigging with size 4-2 hooks, and live bait for the flatties. Net or Sabiki up some live bait—anchovies, smelt, small sardines, small queenfish (herring), white croaker (tomcod) or walleye surfperch for the halibut.
I’ve always had my best success on halibut casting out from the left/south side of the pier but both sides can produce fish. A favorite of halibut fishermen is to fish the depressions between the pilings but it’s a little harder to do here given the wide extension of the pier out past the railing. If you can’t get live bait use cut anchovies, sardines or squid with a high-low rigging.
Given the attack predator nature of halibut, remaining almost motionless on the bottom and then swiftly swimming up and grabbing any fish from behind that comes swimming along above it, it’s important that halibut bait be kept in motion. It’s also a reason why many anglers hook their halibut bait on the bottom of the fish just a short ways before the tail. Again—have a hoop net available to bring up the larger halibut. It’s more than a tad bit disappointing to hook a nice halibut, fight it, keep it away from the pilings, and then lose it as you’re trying to hand-line it up to the surface of the pier (spoken from experience). Unfortunately, although I once caught many, many legal-sized halibut from the pier, most today are under the 22-inch minimum size length. Net them and gently return them to the sea.

Sharays, generally medium-sized fish, can also be caught in this area. The most common are almost always the thornbacks but they will be joined by leopard sharks, gray smoothhound sharks, and shovelnose sharks (guitarfish). Use a medium-sized rod and reel set up with 15-pound or larger rated line and use a high/low rigging with size 2 to 2/0 hooks baited with anchovies, cut mackerel, cut squid, ghost shrimp, or bloodworms. Do be aware that larger bay rays are also caught in this area even though they are more common at the end; they can require heavier equipment.

• End area—the widest section of the pier — the realm of the pelagic species and the larger sharays—sharks and rays.
The far end of the pier, with slightly deeper water, usually yields more of the pelagic species—Pacific mackerel, jack mackerel, Pacific sardine, Pacific bonito, white seabass, Pacific barracuda, and California yellowtail. It also yields the most and largest sharay species—bat rays, shovelnose guitarfish, leopard sharks and even an occasional soupfin or 7-gill shark.

The Pacific mackerel is one of the most common pier fish in SoCal and can be found almost any time of the year. Typically the mackerel will be found mid-pier to the end but generally more will be found in the deeper water at the end. The most commonly used rigs are bait rigs, Sabiki or Lucky Lura, and Sabiki rigs with green colored feathers and size 6 to 10 (Japanese-size) hooks are the favorites for mackerel enthusiasts.
The mackerel will typically be at the top or near the top of the water and sometimes the macs are in a “mac attack” mode and will hit almost anything including bare hooks. Cast out your unbaited Sabiki rig, let it sink a few feet under the surface, and reel in the line with a medium-quick, herky-jerky motion. If no bites occur then you can add some bait to your hooks. The best bait is small strips of mackerel or squid put on each hook making sure the piece only covers the hook and that the sharp pointed end of the hook is outside the fish. Cast out and slowly reel in the line. If the macs are in the right mood, a mackerel or several mackerel may be hooked on every cast.
Personally I prefer to use a high/low rig with a couple of size 6 or 4 hooks. Too often a Sabiki comes in with 3-6 squirming and twisting mackerel in the rig and often that means a tangled mess and loss of leader. Two at a time is enough for me and I see no sense in losing bait rigs if I can avoid it, they cost too much money.
If the mackerel are in a light-biting mode, switch from the bait rig or high/low to a single American size 4 hook on your line with a split-shot or twist-on sinker a few feet up the line. This rigging is a little harder to use at Crystal than at piers whose surface is closer to the water and, in addition, the extension of the pier’s surface makes it’s a little harder here than most piers. But it can work if the wind and current aren't too strong.
One final note on mackerel: they are a noted crepuscular species meaning that they are often most active during the “twilight” periods at sunrise and sunset. I’ve always said fish 6-8 a.m. and 6-8 p.m. (depending upon sunset) are great “mackerel times.” Here, the pier hours—generally 7 a.m. to sunset can interfere with the fishing.

For the “Strike Master” fish, bonito, try a splasher rig that simulates the sound of baitfish. Basically the rig is a bonito feather trailing several feet behind a “splasher”—a bonito-ball or a cast-a-bubble. Some anglers will try a small lure instead of the bonito feather while other anglers skip the entire splasher idea altogether and just use a lure, i.e., a MegaBait, Major Craft Jigpara jig, Coltsniper jigs, a Kastmaster with a bucktail teaser, or Krocodile lures with a blue mackerel color being a favorite. Don’t be afraid to try what you in your tackle box but the bonito can be picky.

Crystal is a pier that I sometimes call the “Yellowtail Pier” given that it is undoubtedly the number one pier in the state for California yellowtail. However, yellowtail are rarely found in big numbers at the pier and you have to be very lucky to catch one (and it’s almost always the regulars that nab the big fish). Nevertheless, some generally show up every summer into the fall months (August–September), especially during warm-water years.
If interested in seeking out the large jacks, one key is to use live bait such as a Pacific mackerel or jack mackerel. The rig of choice generally is a sliding leader rig. Cast out a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom, and then slide the live bait down to the water. Use a 3-foot slider with the baitfish at one end and a snap-swivel at the other. It’s a rig I’ve used since the ‘60s and it still works. Some anglers prefer to use a Carolina-rigging with live bait.
A second key is to tire out the fish before you bring it to the pier. Yellowtail are tough and a still fresh fish will often head for the pilings and wrap your line as soon as it nears the pier; play it out and then bring it in.
The third key is to have quality tackle that is heavy enough to finish the job started by the first two steps. The final step is to have a hoop net to bring the fish up onto the pier and perhaps a friend to help with the netting.

In August 2010, a huge school of sardines moved in around the pier. In response yellowtail showed up to munch on the ‘dines. Eight yellowtail were hooked on one day but none were landed. Why? Apparently the latter two tips were not followed. James Barrick who ran the bait and tackle shop and witnessed the yellows said, “In some cases the anglers just didn’t have the right gear while one fish, a fish that would have gone 25 pounds or more, was lost to the pilings while anglers were desperately trying to net and gaff the fish.” Be sure you have the right equipment and know how to use it.

Are the yellows just small “firecracker-size” yellowtail? No! Among the good-sized fish taken at the pier: a 55-pound yellowtail by Montre Somsukcharean in September 2006, a 48.5-pound fish by Tony Troncale in August 2012, a 46-pounder by Thomas Shinsato in August 2015, a 42-pound yellow in October 2004, a 36-pounder in August 2016, a 35-pound fish in August 2012, a 34-pounder by Hallman in August 2012, and a 34-pound fish by Angel Hernandez in August 2016

Second in popularity at the end are the sharays (sharks and rays). Most can be taken on either a Carolina-rig or high/low rigging although the Carolina-rig seems today to be the most popular. If seeking out the larger sharays, including bat rays, remember that fish exceeding 50 pounds and sometimes approaching a hundred pounds in weight may be encountered. You need a strong, somewhat heavier saltwater rod and reel with 50 pound test line and hooks 2/0-4/0 in size.

Bat rays seem to prefer squid while the large leopard sharks and shovelnose sharks (guitarfish) will hit a variety of baits (with live fish seemingly the pièce de résistance). Be sure to bring a net with you, and be sure you know how to use it or have someone with you who can use it. Some truly large guitarfish, bat rays exceeding a hundred pounds, leopard sharks, and halibut have been hooked here, and it feels terrible when one is lost after a spirited fight. Several butterfly rays, rare banded guitarfish, and uncommon diamond stingrays have also been landed here (included a very large diamond stingray in September 2008).

The largest shark that I’ve seen recorded at the pier was a seven-gill that measured nearly 8 feet in length. The fish was caught in March of 2012 and estimated in weight at 150+ pounds. Not surprisingly, the shark was taken during a time when several pelagic species—mackerel, sardines and jacksmelt (also known as shark food) were making the pier their home.

Several somewhat smaller 7-gills have also been taken as well as soupfin sharks to nearly six feet in length. A gray smoothhound measuring nearly six feet in length was reported in July of 2009. That fish would have been a record-sized fish but many wonder if it too was a soupfin. Although several thresher sharks have been landed there has never been a big fishery for the longfins at the pier.

Shovelnose sharks approaching five feet in length have also been reported at the pier. I myself lost a very large shovelnose, one that I would put in the 5-foot range, during a July night in 1977. Unfortunately it was fairly late at night and I was fishing alone on the pier when I hooked the fish (I was staying in one of the pier’s cabins). The fish was hooked on the right side of the pier (where my pier gaff was), it took me around the end and to the left side of the pier, and when I finally thought I had it whipped I had to try to get back to my gaff on the opposite side of the pier. It didn’t work out as the line rubbed against a piling and I lost the fish. Memories!
Other sharks are caught occasionally—sharks such as horn sharks and swell sharks but they are always an unexpected catch. Great whites have been spotted but to date none have been reported as hooked.

• The Piling areas — The realm of perch and other rock frequenting species.
The pilings present a fourth environment to be fished. The pilings are heavily encrusted with mussels and the mussels are home to crabs, shrimp and other small creatures. Fish feed on those creatures! Most commonly seen around the pilings are a few of the larger perch—rubberlip seaperch, pileperch or white seaperch, the smaller walleye surfperch, and a few opaleye, bass and possibly sargo. High/low rigs with size 6 hooks baited with fresh mussels or seaworms—bloodworms or lugworms, are the primo baits.
However here it can be somewhat difficult fishing the piling area given all the boards that have been added under the pier. Just be sure to hold your rod all time and know where your bait is at all time. When a wave picks it up make sure you keep it away from a piling.

• Crustaceans. The pier has never been considered a great pier for crustaceans, either lobsters or crabs, although a fair number of lobsters are pulled up (illegally) on angler’s lines throughout the year. In part, that’s because of the difficulty in using a hoop net from the pier (and many have been lost). The way the pier deck extends out past the railing, and the small distance between each of the mussel-covered pilings, makes it difficult to both drop and retrieve hoop nets. Remember that if you catch a lobster on your rod and reel it must be returned to the water.

Quick Tips on Where to fish:

If a group of anglers is in one area that usually means fish are being caught in that area. Although you do not want to ever crowd into the space of an existing angler or fishing group, you can still fish close by. Most anglers respect and appreciate fellow anglers that are friendly and show some courtesy. Ask if it’s ok to fish in the area and usually most will accommodate the request. Of course if you have a family with multiple people it may be harder to do. Also, never be afraid to ask questions (but do not over do it). Many, many experienced anglers (but not all) enjoy sharing their expertise with newbies. The key to this sharing of information is how you approach the people. Don’t barge in and try to grab a spot or start casting over lines, be humble and willing to listen to advice. (2) I’ve always found fishing by a fish cleaning station to be a productive area (assuming someone is not already there). The discarded pieces of fish being dropped into the water act as a chum to attract other fish. (3) Try to stay out of the wind or at least keep it to your back. It’s a matter of both comfort and it’s difficult to cast into the wind. Unfortunately this pier offers little in the way of windbreaks. (4) Watch the direction of the currents to make sure they will not carry your line into the pilings. (5) Consider the pilings when setting up. Generally you want to be between the pilings so that when you underhand cast you do not hit or tangle up with a piling. Also look for any piping that can catch your rig during a cast. If you are going to be fishing straight down for piling fish (and not really casting) then it’s OK to set up over a piling.

Newbie Advice and the “Skunk Buster” Rig

For new anglers, and especially for young anglers, the beginning emphasis should simply be on catching a few fish. It often doesn’t matter the size or species, the desire is simply for some action and it’s amazing how exciting it can be for a person, young or old, to catch their first fish. Keep it simple!
The easiest way to insure a catch is by using one of the six-hook, Sabiki-type “bait rigs” available at virtually every tackle shop. Simply tie your line to one end of these rigs and attach a (torpedo) sinker at the other end and you’re ready to go.
At Crystal, use these rigs mid-pier to the end and you will be primarily targeting the smaller schooling species. Small to medium-size fish include Pacific mackerel, queenfish, jacksmelt, walleye surfperch and the larger sardines. Small fish include smaller versions of the above together with topsmelt and anchovies. A few other species may also decide to grab a hook, especially when using bait, but these are the main targets.
Buy several packages with different size hooks. A main concern is matching the hook size you’re using with the fish you are trying to catch since different size fish hit best on size appropriate hooks. Thus larger mackerel will best on larger hooks while small sardines may hit better on smaller hooks. For the medium-size fish a size 6 to size 8 or 10 (Sabiki/Japanese size hook) should work best. For the smaller species size 4 or 6 will work. Unfortunately there seems to be variance between manufacturers on these Japanese hook sizes and they don’t match U.S. hook sizes. It makes it a little more difficult if you’re a new angler. A bait and tackle shop can recommend the best size Sabikis while chain stores are much more iffy on advice. The key is appropriate sized smaller hooks for the smaller fish.
Secondly, buy some bait for the Sabikis even though, depending on the fish and the bite, you may find bare Sabiki hooks can sometimes work as well as baited hooks. Be flexible.
Read the techniques mentioned for Pacific mackerel, queenfish, sardines, jacksmelt, topsmelt and walleye surfperch and concentrate on those fish. Once the techniques of using a bait rig is understood, the catches should increase and other techniques can be learned.

Pier Rules

Follow all state and local laws/regulations pertaining to fishing! Important state laws include size and number limitations for fish, species that are illegal to keep, and using only two rods at a time on public piers. Greater in depth information can be found at the CA Dept. Fish and Wildlife website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Sport-Fishing. In particular, look at section 27.60 and sections 27.85-28.62. Local regulations are often posted on the piers.

Pier Etiquette

(1) Be careful not to cross other lines when casting; it’s one of the first rules learned by pier anglers. If it does happen by mistake apologize and try again. If you just can’t seem to avoid crossing lines don’t be afraid to ask for advice/help. Most (not all) anglers are willing to offer up some advice. (2) Do not touch anyone’s fish or equipment without permission. (3) Watch your language. Swearing may be part of your normal language but it can offend many, especially those with youngsters. (4) If using a radio keep the volume down and choose non-offensive songs. You may prefer rap but many of the songs contain age-inappropriate language. The goal is to be a welcomed member of the “Pier Rat” fraternity so why not do whatever you can to be a good member in their eyes? (5) Try to keep the pier environment and waters around the pier as clean as possible. Dispose of trash in trash containers, make sure there are no lines or discarded tackle on the pier, clean up bait from the surface of piers as well as the railings, and don’t throw pollutants (of any type) into the waters adjacent to the pier. Always try to leave the pier as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.

The Human Environment

The pier’s location is at the end of Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach (“PB” to locals), right where it intersects with Ocean Boulevard. The beach itself along with a multitude of restaurants and bars bring in the crowds and it is one of the busiest corners in this area of San Diego. There always seems to be a lot of people and on weekends and any summer days the term “crowd” doesn’t really give justice to the mobs of people who show up.
One result is a lack of parking. Arrive very early in the day to get free street parking or plan to spend some money in an expensive parking lot (and there are several). It is what it is.
As for the people, I sometimes wonder where they get all these young, well-tanned, attractive people. They would make the Greeks proud. Humble “pier rats,” especially ones like myself with a large pier cart and multiple rods and reels almost seem somewhat out of place.
Then again, the area is even more crowded and crazier at night. That’s when PB really becomes party central with the young, bar-hoping crowd. It can be wild, crazy and unrestrained. But it’s quieter on the pier, the gates close at 7 p.m.



Hours: Varies by season but basically from about 7 a.m. until sundown. Generally 7 (or 8) a.m. to 7 p.m. (or sunset) for visitors in the summer; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the winter. 24 hours a day for those staying in the pier motel.

Facilities: One cleaning station, a few benches, and some night lighting (for those who stay at the pier’s cabins). Metered parking is available on the side street at the foot of the pier if you can find it; adjacent streets have free parking space but they go early. This is a very popular area for beach go’ers and surfers and they just don’t seem to realize they should leave some parking spaces for the humble pier rats. Arriving at any time after the early morning hours simply means you must look around for a space. Do not park in parking lots that have posted warnings; they mean it and will not hesitate to have your car towed away. Several city and /or commercial parking lots are located within a few blocks of the pier. Kono’s, located near the entrance of the pier, serves up great breakfasts and lunches for a very reasonable price and will provide takeout if you’re on the pier.

Handicapped Facilities: None. The surface is wood planking with a railing 40 inches high.

Location: 32.79583 N. Latitude, 117.2575 W. Longitude

How To Get There: Take I-5 to Garnet Ave., then take Garnet to the foot of the pier.

Management: City of San Diego and Crystal Pier Motel.

Thank you for such a complete response. Looking forward to using this insight and improving as a pier fisherman!

Thank you for such a thorough response. I'm looking forward to using your insights and experiences to become a better pier fisherman!

Your welcome. Given that this site was intended to instruct anglers on pier fishing, I hope it helps.