Still trying to make contact with a few people — but it's a start.
April 2019 Fishing Report, SoCal (#246)
Lobster season closed on March 20! Remember that any lobster caught on hook and line must be returned to the water.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – No report this month. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Palm Ave. (Hwy. 75) exit and follow it to where Palm Ave. and Hwy. 75 divide. Follow Palm Ave. to Seacoast Dr., turn left and it will take you right to the pier.
Ocean Beach Pier —The pier closed mid-January due to storm damage and it is hoped it will reopen by Memorial Day. How To Get There: From the north, take I-5 to the Sea World Dr. exit and follow it until it turns off to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. From the south, take I- 5 to the Nimitz Blvd. exit, then follow that road to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Follow Sunset Cliffs Blvd. to Newport Ave., turn right and follow the road to the pier parking lot.
Crystal Pier – Pam at the Crystal Pier Bay & Tackle said it’s been dead, dead, dead as in nobody getting anything. At least the weather has improved. How To get There: Take I-5 to Garnet Ave. then take Garnet west to the foot of the pier.
Pepper Park Pier — No report although there should be a few mackerel and bass. We need a reporter! How To Get There: From I-5 take the 24th Street off-ramp west to Tidelands Avenue and go left (south) on Tidelands to the end.
Bayside Park Pier — No report although some croaker and sharays should be available. We need a reporter. How To Get There: From I-5 take the J Street off ramp and go west. Take J Street to Tidelands Ave., turn right. Take Tidelands to Sandpiper Way, turn right. Take Sandpiper to Bayside Parkway, turn left and follow the road to the park.
Embarcadero Marina Pier — No report although some mackerel and bass (kelp, sand and spotted) should be hitting along with some sharays. We still need a reporter! How To Get There: From the I-5 south, take the Front Street exit south to Market (just stay on Front Street, it runs into Market), take Market west to Harbor Dr. Turn left on Harbor Dr. and take it to 8th Ave., turn right onto Convention Way (formerly Harbor St.). Follow it a short block to 5th Ave. and the pier. It seems that with the new Convention Center the city is constantly working on these streets near the pier and renaming them; if you get confused remember that the park and pier are immediately to the southwest of the Convention Center. From I-5 North, approaching from the south, take the J Street exit, then go straight, three blocks up to Market, turn left and take it from there.
Ferry Landing Pier (Coronado) — Need a reporter although bass (a variety) always seem to be around as well as a mix of sharays (mostly round stingrays and bat rays). How To Get There: From San Diego, take the Coronado Bay Bridge (Highway 75) to Coronado. Once over the bridge you are on Third Street. Simply follow it to B Avenue, turn right, and follow it to the front of The Old Ferry Landing — the intersection of First Street and B Avenue. The pier sits behind the shops in the complex.
Shelter Island Pier — Michael, at Angler’s Choice, 1910 Rosecrans St, reports the weather has improved and anglers are getting a lot of mackerel at the pier along with an occasional bass (all three varieties). He said there’s also been a lot of bait in the water so anglers are getting live bait for halibut but the halibut action remains only so so. No recent reports on the big sharks (7-gill and soupfin) that were being caught at night at the pier. How To Get There: Take I-5 or I-8 to Rosecrans (Hwy. 209) and go west, turn left at Shelter Island Dr. and follow the road until you see the pier and the entrance to the parking lot.
Oceanside Pier — Bill at the Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle shop on the pier, said the action has been slow. No mackerel, the mainstay of many local anglers, and few surfperch and croakers. It seems to be a few of this and a few of that. A few small bass, a few opaleye, a few leopard sharks, and a few rays. The halibut regulars have caught a couple of legal-size halibut and a number of shorts (using live sardines that they have bought down at the bait receiver in Oceanside Harbor) but the numbers are still few. Bill said the water temperature remains low at 58 degrees and everyone is just hoping that as the water temp heads up so will the fishing (and it should). He also mentioned the hooking and release of another small (5-6 foot) white shark and the capture of several octopi. He said the pier was crowded on the 30th-31st reflecting the improved weather so maybe things will indeed pick up. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Harbor Dr. exit off the freeway, follow it and it will wind down to the harbor; where the road splits stay to the right on North Harbor Dr., and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Bill at the Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle shop on the large pier, said the action in the harbor appears slow, mainly a few croakers and bass. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Harbor Dr. exit off the freeway, follow it and it will wind down to the harbor; where the road splits stay to the right on North Harbor Dr., and follow it to the pier.
Orange County Piers
San Clemente Pier — Skyler at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) said there have been a lot of surfperch showing up in the shallows along with small leopard sharks (usual for this time of the year). He said some mackerel are showing mid-pier to the end but the numbers are still smaller than normal. He mentioned that some schools of sardines have also been making an appearance. A few of the larger sharks and rays continue to show out at the end of the pier. How to Get There: From I-5 take any of several exit streets west to El Camino Real, follow it to the center of town, and from there take Del Mar down to the pier.
Dana Harbor Pier — Skyler at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) says some small halibut are showing up along with good number of spotted bay bass. He said most of the bass are hitting 2-3-inch natural colored lures using drop shot rigging. How To Get There: The pier is located in the Dana Cove Park area of Dana Point Harbor. From the Pacific Coast Highway take Green Lantern Road south to the harbor, turn left on Cove Road, and follow it to the pier.
Balboa Pier — Our reporter Snookie said: “I thought I would have a better report this month. Guess not. There is still a lots of bait, which is good. Now if there were some fish. I did get a 21-inch halibut last week, but it is the only one. Have seen a few very small halibut caught on live bait around us. There were some small shovelnose guitarfish and some thornbacks. I did have a great strike yesterday on a big smelt, but the fish didn't want to take it and run. There were some jacksmelt in the midsection of the pier at midday. The mackerel have been here off and on. The whales have slowed down, and I don't think this year was as good as other years. There were a few false killer whales that came through a few weeks ago. We just lost one of our good fishermen, Randy Jennings. He was a diabetic. He was one of my buddies for over fifty years. We will hope the fishing improves soon.” How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take Newport Blvd. which will turn into Balboa Blvd., follow it west to Palm Street. Turn right and follow it to the pier and the adjacent parking lot.
Newport Pier — Generally the action mirrors, for the most part, that seen at Balboa. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turnoff and proceed west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place.
Huntington Beach Pier — Michael at “Let’s Go Fishing” on the pier said action has really heated up. The biggest news has been good numbers of both spotfin and yellowfin croaker in the surf area. Most of the croakers have been caught on bloodworms (available at the pier) and the largest was a huge 8 ½-9 pound spotfin. Top action sees both mackerel and sardines while some good-sized leopard sharks and BIG spider crabs have been making a showing on the bottom. Regulars using live sardines are catching a few halibut. Most are smaller halibut but a nice 39-inch halibut was also recorded. This sounds like the best pier to hit in this area at this time. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.
Seal Beach Pier — Jimmy at “Big Fish Bait and Tackle” said good numbers of mackerel and sardines are being taken on the top while quite a few shovelnose sharks and rays have been taken on the bottom. Throw in some surfperch and corbina inshore and a few halibut mid-pier and that’s about it. Not great action but not bad action, just so so. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway simply take Main St. west and follow it to the pier.
Los Angeles County Piers
Belmont Pier — No report this month. How To Get There: From the north take I-405 to the Lakewood Boulevard turnoff, and then go south to 7th Street, turn west (right) until you come to Ximeno Ave. and then turn left. Follow it to Livingston Dr. and go west. You will see signs by Ocean Ave. and Termino Ave. indicating the pier. From the south take the Pacific Coast Highway to 2nd. Street (Westminister becomes 2nd. Street when it crosses PCH), go west, follow to Livingston Dr. Follow it to signs by Ocean Ave. and Termino Ave. indicating the pier and parking lot.
Shoreline Aquatic Park Piers — No report this month but expect some perch, sargo and croaker while fishing the inshore shallower waters while smaller white croaker, sharks and rays should be available with a cast out from the pier. Mackerel will come and go. How to Get There: From downtown Long Beach, take Pine Avenue south to Shoreline Drive. For the northernmost pier #1 follow Shoreline Avenue west and follow it around the lagoon to where the street ends. For the southernmost piers #2-#5 follow Shoreline Drive east to the markings for Shoreline Village, continue past the shopping complex, and follow the road out to near the end of the peninsula. You will see the piers.
Cabrillo Pier (San Pedro) — Alex at the Rusty Hook (245 N Gaffey St., San Pedro) said most of the regulars are seeking out halibut and the flatties are starting to show even though most are still “shorts” at this time. Most are hitting lures with “Jerk Shads” in pearl white colors on a drop shot rig seeming to get most of the fish. He said “sand worms” are also pulling in a few surfperch when fished at the inshore part of the pier. How To Get There: Take the Harbor Freeway (I-110) south; it will turn into Gaffey St. Follow it to 22nd Street and turn left. Follow 22nd St. to Pacific Ave. and turn right. Follow Pacific Ave. to 36th Street and the entrance to Cabrillo Park.
Green Pleasure Pier (Avalon, Catalina Island) – Slower than normal action but It’s the normal mix of fish — rock wrasse, senorita, opaleye, sheephead, jacksmelt, and kelp bass. Use sea-worms, frozen peas, mussels, and market shrimp. How To Get There: The trick here is to get to Catalina. Ships and helicopters make the journey several times a day from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Newport Beach. Information is available on all of these by calling the Avalon Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier (213) 510-1520 or the Visitor's Information & Service Center (213) 510-2500. Once in Avalon there should be no problem in finding the pier, which is located at the foot of Catalina Avenue.
Cabrillo Mole (Avalon, Catalina Island) — Slower than normal acion but the resident population of fish are still present—kelp bass, opaleye, sheephead, halfmoon, blacksmith, kelpfish, and scorpionfish (sculpin). How To Get There: The trick is to get to Catalina. Ships and helicopters make the journey several times a day from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Newport Beach. Information is available on all of these by calling the Avalon Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier (213) 510-1520 or the Visitor's Information & Service Center (213) 510-2500. Once in Avalon there should be no problem in finding the mole that sits right where most boats disembark.
Redondo Beach Pier — Melody at Redondo Pier Tackle (on the pier) said it’s been fairly slow with most of the action being on mackerel and jackmelt. Nothing has been showing on the bottom. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Torrance Blvd. west to the foot of the pier and the parking lot.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report this month although a few mackerel should be around as well as some croakers inshore and flatfish mid-pier. How To Get There: Take the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) to Pier Avenue and follow Pier Avenue west to the pier.
Venice Pier — No report this month although a few mackerel should be found at the end and an increasing number of surfperch. How To Get There: Highway 1 to Washington St., turn west and follow Washington St. to the pier.
Santa Monica Pier — Waiting for a new report from Yosh. How to Get There: From I-405 take Santa Monica Blvd. west to Ocean Ave. Turn left, go to Colorado Ave., and turn right onto the pier.
Malibu Pier — Ginny at Wylie’s Bait & Tackle (18757 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu) said anglers are getting some mackerel and a surprisingly high number of bass. A few short halibut have shown and there have been good numbers of small leopard sharks and shovelnose sharks (guitarfish). She said the Topanga Canyon Boulevard was inexplicably closed for a few days, a fact that really vexed the anglers trying to reach Malibu from the valley. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — Ginny at Wylie’s Bait & Tackle (18757 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu) said she hasn’t gotten too many reports but the regulars tell her that some big bat rays continue to be caught (and she says the pier’s always been noted for the big bat rays). A few mackerel and a few bass but not much else. Note — this is a private pier so a license is required. The pier is open sunup to sundown but a steep $25 parking fee greets the visitor (which can be offset if you spend $20 at the restaurant; then the fee drops to $3). It is possible to park for free out on PCH, and walk down the mile-long access driveway, but you will stay pay a walk-in fee ($5 per person last time we checked). There are restrooms in the restaurant and near the beach but basically no facilities on the pier itself. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Paradise Cove Dr., turn west, and follow the road back into the parking lot.
Ventura & Santa Barbara County Piers
Port Hueneme Pier — No report this month although there should be a few jacksmelt along with increasing numbers of barred surfperch (when the weather cooperates). How To Get There: From Highway 1 take Hueneme Rd. west until it turns into Port. At Ventura Rd turn left and follow it to Surfside Dr. Turn left again and follow it to the park.
Ventura Pier — Waiting for the report. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Seaward Drive exit west to Harbor Drive, turn right and follow it to the pier.
Stearns Wharf — Bretzel, at the Bait Shop on the pier said action really improved stating last week. Quite a few halibut have been taken, including some legal-size fish, while schools of mackerel come and go. Steady has been the word on good-sized spider crabs and rock crabs along with some whelks (sea snails). Throw in some jacksmelt and small croakers and it sounds like summertime action may be on its way. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take Castillo St. or State St. west to the beach and follow signs to the pier.
Goleta Pier — Waiting for the report. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Hwy. 217/Airport exit. Follow it to Sandspit Rd. and the Goleta Beach Park turnoff. Follow this to the park and the pier.
Gaviota Pier — The pier continues to be closed while the state moves with its typical glacial speed and bureaucratic response in efforts to actually get it open. Talks with rangers suggest it may be two more years before it’s repaired. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
April 2019 Fishing Report, SoCal (#246)
Lobster season closed on March 20! Remember that any lobster caught on hook and line must be returned to the water.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – No report this month. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Palm Ave. (Hwy. 75) exit and follow it to where Palm Ave. and Hwy. 75 divide. Follow Palm Ave. to Seacoast Dr., turn left and it will take you right to the pier.
Ocean Beach Pier —The pier closed mid-January due to storm damage and it is hoped it will reopen by Memorial Day. How To Get There: From the north, take I-5 to the Sea World Dr. exit and follow it until it turns off to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. From the south, take I- 5 to the Nimitz Blvd. exit, then follow that road to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Follow Sunset Cliffs Blvd. to Newport Ave., turn right and follow the road to the pier parking lot.
Crystal Pier – Pam at the Crystal Pier Bay & Tackle said it’s been dead, dead, dead as in nobody getting anything. At least the weather has improved. How To get There: Take I-5 to Garnet Ave. then take Garnet west to the foot of the pier.
Pepper Park Pier — No report although there should be a few mackerel and bass. We need a reporter! How To Get There: From I-5 take the 24th Street off-ramp west to Tidelands Avenue and go left (south) on Tidelands to the end.
Bayside Park Pier — No report although some croaker and sharays should be available. We need a reporter. How To Get There: From I-5 take the J Street off ramp and go west. Take J Street to Tidelands Ave., turn right. Take Tidelands to Sandpiper Way, turn right. Take Sandpiper to Bayside Parkway, turn left and follow the road to the park.
Embarcadero Marina Pier — No report although some mackerel and bass (kelp, sand and spotted) should be hitting along with some sharays. We still need a reporter! How To Get There: From the I-5 south, take the Front Street exit south to Market (just stay on Front Street, it runs into Market), take Market west to Harbor Dr. Turn left on Harbor Dr. and take it to 8th Ave., turn right onto Convention Way (formerly Harbor St.). Follow it a short block to 5th Ave. and the pier. It seems that with the new Convention Center the city is constantly working on these streets near the pier and renaming them; if you get confused remember that the park and pier are immediately to the southwest of the Convention Center. From I-5 North, approaching from the south, take the J Street exit, then go straight, three blocks up to Market, turn left and take it from there.
Ferry Landing Pier (Coronado) — Need a reporter although bass (a variety) always seem to be around as well as a mix of sharays (mostly round stingrays and bat rays). How To Get There: From San Diego, take the Coronado Bay Bridge (Highway 75) to Coronado. Once over the bridge you are on Third Street. Simply follow it to B Avenue, turn right, and follow it to the front of The Old Ferry Landing — the intersection of First Street and B Avenue. The pier sits behind the shops in the complex.
Shelter Island Pier — Michael, at Angler’s Choice, 1910 Rosecrans St, reports the weather has improved and anglers are getting a lot of mackerel at the pier along with an occasional bass (all three varieties). He said there’s also been a lot of bait in the water so anglers are getting live bait for halibut but the halibut action remains only so so. No recent reports on the big sharks (7-gill and soupfin) that were being caught at night at the pier. How To Get There: Take I-5 or I-8 to Rosecrans (Hwy. 209) and go west, turn left at Shelter Island Dr. and follow the road until you see the pier and the entrance to the parking lot.
Oceanside Pier — Bill at the Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle shop on the pier, said the action has been slow. No mackerel, the mainstay of many local anglers, and few surfperch and croakers. It seems to be a few of this and a few of that. A few small bass, a few opaleye, a few leopard sharks, and a few rays. The halibut regulars have caught a couple of legal-size halibut and a number of shorts (using live sardines that they have bought down at the bait receiver in Oceanside Harbor) but the numbers are still few. Bill said the water temperature remains low at 58 degrees and everyone is just hoping that as the water temp heads up so will the fishing (and it should). He also mentioned the hooking and release of another small (5-6 foot) white shark and the capture of several octopi. He said the pier was crowded on the 30th-31st reflecting the improved weather so maybe things will indeed pick up. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Harbor Dr. exit off the freeway, follow it and it will wind down to the harbor; where the road splits stay to the right on North Harbor Dr., and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Bill at the Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle shop on the large pier, said the action in the harbor appears slow, mainly a few croakers and bass. How To Get There: From I-5 take the Harbor Dr. exit off the freeway, follow it and it will wind down to the harbor; where the road splits stay to the right on North Harbor Dr., and follow it to the pier.
Orange County Piers
San Clemente Pier — Skyler at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) said there have been a lot of surfperch showing up in the shallows along with small leopard sharks (usual for this time of the year). He said some mackerel are showing mid-pier to the end but the numbers are still smaller than normal. He mentioned that some schools of sardines have also been making an appearance. A few of the larger sharks and rays continue to show out at the end of the pier. How to Get There: From I-5 take any of several exit streets west to El Camino Real, follow it to the center of town, and from there take Del Mar down to the pier.
Dana Harbor Pier — Skyler at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) says some small halibut are showing up along with good number of spotted bay bass. He said most of the bass are hitting 2-3-inch natural colored lures using drop shot rigging. How To Get There: The pier is located in the Dana Cove Park area of Dana Point Harbor. From the Pacific Coast Highway take Green Lantern Road south to the harbor, turn left on Cove Road, and follow it to the pier.
Balboa Pier — Our reporter Snookie said: “I thought I would have a better report this month. Guess not. There is still a lots of bait, which is good. Now if there were some fish. I did get a 21-inch halibut last week, but it is the only one. Have seen a few very small halibut caught on live bait around us. There were some small shovelnose guitarfish and some thornbacks. I did have a great strike yesterday on a big smelt, but the fish didn't want to take it and run. There were some jacksmelt in the midsection of the pier at midday. The mackerel have been here off and on. The whales have slowed down, and I don't think this year was as good as other years. There were a few false killer whales that came through a few weeks ago. We just lost one of our good fishermen, Randy Jennings. He was a diabetic. He was one of my buddies for over fifty years. We will hope the fishing improves soon.” How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take Newport Blvd. which will turn into Balboa Blvd., follow it west to Palm Street. Turn right and follow it to the pier and the adjacent parking lot.
Newport Pier — Generally the action mirrors, for the most part, that seen at Balboa. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turnoff and proceed west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place.
Huntington Beach Pier — Michael at “Let’s Go Fishing” on the pier said action has really heated up. The biggest news has been good numbers of both spotfin and yellowfin croaker in the surf area. Most of the croakers have been caught on bloodworms (available at the pier) and the largest was a huge 8 ½-9 pound spotfin. Top action sees both mackerel and sardines while some good-sized leopard sharks and BIG spider crabs have been making a showing on the bottom. Regulars using live sardines are catching a few halibut. Most are smaller halibut but a nice 39-inch halibut was also recorded. This sounds like the best pier to hit in this area at this time. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.
Seal Beach Pier — Jimmy at “Big Fish Bait and Tackle” said good numbers of mackerel and sardines are being taken on the top while quite a few shovelnose sharks and rays have been taken on the bottom. Throw in some surfperch and corbina inshore and a few halibut mid-pier and that’s about it. Not great action but not bad action, just so so. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway simply take Main St. west and follow it to the pier.
Los Angeles County Piers
Belmont Pier — No report this month. How To Get There: From the north take I-405 to the Lakewood Boulevard turnoff, and then go south to 7th Street, turn west (right) until you come to Ximeno Ave. and then turn left. Follow it to Livingston Dr. and go west. You will see signs by Ocean Ave. and Termino Ave. indicating the pier. From the south take the Pacific Coast Highway to 2nd. Street (Westminister becomes 2nd. Street when it crosses PCH), go west, follow to Livingston Dr. Follow it to signs by Ocean Ave. and Termino Ave. indicating the pier and parking lot.
Shoreline Aquatic Park Piers — No report this month but expect some perch, sargo and croaker while fishing the inshore shallower waters while smaller white croaker, sharks and rays should be available with a cast out from the pier. Mackerel will come and go. How to Get There: From downtown Long Beach, take Pine Avenue south to Shoreline Drive. For the northernmost pier #1 follow Shoreline Avenue west and follow it around the lagoon to where the street ends. For the southernmost piers #2-#5 follow Shoreline Drive east to the markings for Shoreline Village, continue past the shopping complex, and follow the road out to near the end of the peninsula. You will see the piers.
Cabrillo Pier (San Pedro) — Alex at the Rusty Hook (245 N Gaffey St., San Pedro) said most of the regulars are seeking out halibut and the flatties are starting to show even though most are still “shorts” at this time. Most are hitting lures with “Jerk Shads” in pearl white colors on a drop shot rig seeming to get most of the fish. He said “sand worms” are also pulling in a few surfperch when fished at the inshore part of the pier. How To Get There: Take the Harbor Freeway (I-110) south; it will turn into Gaffey St. Follow it to 22nd Street and turn left. Follow 22nd St. to Pacific Ave. and turn right. Follow Pacific Ave. to 36th Street and the entrance to Cabrillo Park.
Green Pleasure Pier (Avalon, Catalina Island) – Slower than normal action but It’s the normal mix of fish — rock wrasse, senorita, opaleye, sheephead, jacksmelt, and kelp bass. Use sea-worms, frozen peas, mussels, and market shrimp. How To Get There: The trick here is to get to Catalina. Ships and helicopters make the journey several times a day from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Newport Beach. Information is available on all of these by calling the Avalon Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier (213) 510-1520 or the Visitor's Information & Service Center (213) 510-2500. Once in Avalon there should be no problem in finding the pier, which is located at the foot of Catalina Avenue.
Cabrillo Mole (Avalon, Catalina Island) — Slower than normal acion but the resident population of fish are still present—kelp bass, opaleye, sheephead, halfmoon, blacksmith, kelpfish, and scorpionfish (sculpin). How To Get There: The trick is to get to Catalina. Ships and helicopters make the journey several times a day from the Port of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Newport Beach. Information is available on all of these by calling the Avalon Chamber of Commerce on the Pleasure Pier (213) 510-1520 or the Visitor's Information & Service Center (213) 510-2500. Once in Avalon there should be no problem in finding the mole that sits right where most boats disembark.
Redondo Beach Pier — Melody at Redondo Pier Tackle (on the pier) said it’s been fairly slow with most of the action being on mackerel and jackmelt. Nothing has been showing on the bottom. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Torrance Blvd. west to the foot of the pier and the parking lot.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report this month although a few mackerel should be around as well as some croakers inshore and flatfish mid-pier. How To Get There: Take the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) to Pier Avenue and follow Pier Avenue west to the pier.
Venice Pier — No report this month although a few mackerel should be found at the end and an increasing number of surfperch. How To Get There: Highway 1 to Washington St., turn west and follow Washington St. to the pier.
Santa Monica Pier — Waiting for a new report from Yosh. How to Get There: From I-405 take Santa Monica Blvd. west to Ocean Ave. Turn left, go to Colorado Ave., and turn right onto the pier.
Malibu Pier — Ginny at Wylie’s Bait & Tackle (18757 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu) said anglers are getting some mackerel and a surprisingly high number of bass. A few short halibut have shown and there have been good numbers of small leopard sharks and shovelnose sharks (guitarfish). She said the Topanga Canyon Boulevard was inexplicably closed for a few days, a fact that really vexed the anglers trying to reach Malibu from the valley. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — Ginny at Wylie’s Bait & Tackle (18757 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu) said she hasn’t gotten too many reports but the regulars tell her that some big bat rays continue to be caught (and she says the pier’s always been noted for the big bat rays). A few mackerel and a few bass but not much else. Note — this is a private pier so a license is required. The pier is open sunup to sundown but a steep $25 parking fee greets the visitor (which can be offset if you spend $20 at the restaurant; then the fee drops to $3). It is possible to park for free out on PCH, and walk down the mile-long access driveway, but you will stay pay a walk-in fee ($5 per person last time we checked). There are restrooms in the restaurant and near the beach but basically no facilities on the pier itself. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Paradise Cove Dr., turn west, and follow the road back into the parking lot.
Ventura & Santa Barbara County Piers
Port Hueneme Pier — No report this month although there should be a few jacksmelt along with increasing numbers of barred surfperch (when the weather cooperates). How To Get There: From Highway 1 take Hueneme Rd. west until it turns into Port. At Ventura Rd turn left and follow it to Surfside Dr. Turn left again and follow it to the park.
Ventura Pier — Waiting for the report. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Seaward Drive exit west to Harbor Drive, turn right and follow it to the pier.
Stearns Wharf — Bretzel, at the Bait Shop on the pier said action really improved stating last week. Quite a few halibut have been taken, including some legal-size fish, while schools of mackerel come and go. Steady has been the word on good-sized spider crabs and rock crabs along with some whelks (sea snails). Throw in some jacksmelt and small croakers and it sounds like summertime action may be on its way. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take Castillo St. or State St. west to the beach and follow signs to the pier.
Goleta Pier — Waiting for the report. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Hwy. 217/Airport exit. Follow it to Sandspit Rd. and the Goleta Beach Park turnoff. Follow this to the park and the pier.
Gaviota Pier — The pier continues to be closed while the state moves with its typical glacial speed and bureaucratic response in efforts to actually get it open. Talks with rangers suggest it may be two more years before it’s repaired. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.