Dana Point harbor pier

TheFrood

Well-Known Member
#1
Drove here after Redondo Beach pier. Kind of wish I'd gone north instead of south. The drive here down Palos Verdes Dr. was interesting, although the road-sign proclaiming "Use Extreme Caution. Ground constantly moving" was a bit unnerving.

Fished the last hour of the incoming tide and a couple hours of the outgoing. Didn't get a nibble, and nobody else on the pier got a nibble. Tried a sabiki while soaking a dropper loop with a fresh smelt (Caught at Redondo) on it. Not even crabs nibbling on the bait for the entire time I fished. Smelt was as pristine as when it first went in with the exception of where I had hooked it. Finally left for home around 8:30 pm or so.
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#2
Thanks for the pier reports.

Some time, drive from Newport Beach to Dana Point via PCH. If not done already you will like the scenery.

When in Laguna Beach, try a Turkish restaurant called G.G's. A bit pricy than a coffee shop, but not too high.
 

TheFrood

Well-Known Member
#3
Thanks for the pier reports.

Some time, drive from Newport Beach to Dana Point via PCH. If not done already you will like the scenery.

When in Laguna Beach, try a Turkish restaurant called G.G's. A bit pricy than a coffee shop, but not too high.
Will have to do it next time I'm there. Haven't had Turkish coffee in years... last time I had it I think I was in Montreal, Canada.

I have taken that drive on multiple occasions and have to say that I enjoy it less and less every time I take it. I absolutely
loved that section of coast between Newport and Dana Point back in the mid 1990's... but every time I go through there
now it seems like there is less coastline and more resorts.

Now to decide where to fish this weekend. Ocean Beach pier and ocean beach? Or go north up to Santa Monica/Malibu?
Anyone have any suggestions? Will anyone be out fishing anywhere?
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#4
If you are looking for a new spot, try Paradise Cove pier. Pamala Anderson used to live there.

Call the restaurant first to see the parking fee if you eat or do not eat there. Last I heard, it was $40.00 flat rate. Not sure how much if you eat at the restaurant. You can also park on PCH, and pay much less to visit the pier.

You may have the pier to yourself. Ask to see if it is open.

Take heavy rod and gear. Fishing license is required, since it is a private pier. More then two rod could be in the water.

Stop by WYLIE’S BAIT & TACKLE - 18757 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA (310) 456-2321 for bait.

Please tell Jennie, Hashem from PFIC sent you and gives his regard. She knows the Skipper and yours truly.
 

TheFrood

Well-Known Member
#5
If you are looking for a new spot, try Paradise Cove pier. Pamala Anderson used to live there.

Call the restaurant first to see the parking fee if you eat or do not eat there. Last I heard, it was $40.00 flat rate. Not sure how much if you eat at the restaurant. You can also park on PCH, and pay much less to visit the pier.

You may have the pier to yourself. Ask to see if it is open.

Take heavy rod and gear. Fishing license is required, since it is a private pier. More then two rod could be in the water.

Stop by WYLIE’S BAIT & TACKLE - 18757 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA (310) 456-2321 for bait.

Please tell Jennie, Hashem from PFIC sent you and gives his regard. She knows the Skipper and yours truly.
Looks nice but way to rich for my blood...
https://www.paradisecovemalibu.com/parking-info/
Yeoch! :) Will have to find a less pricy option. $65 or $45 for 4 hours (so
less time than that since you have to get food... $15 + $30). Can only go
on a weekend so get the more expensive rates as well...
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#6
The public is welcome (free of charge) to walk from PCH to the Pier and use the area of the beach below the mean high tide line (under California Constitution the public has the right to use all lands seaward of the ambulatory mean high tide line) for the entire shoreline length of Paradise Cove property. Paradise Cove also includes private facilities such as the restrooms, Beach Cafe restaurant, and tables which are the exclusive use of paying guests. Please enjoy your stay and thank you for visiting Paradise Cove.

Does this mean you can park at PCH and fish the pier for free? I have to look into it.

Maybe free surf fishing , but not pier fishing.
 

TheFrood

Well-Known Member
#7
It's a long, steep walk to get from PCH to the beach... Walking down wouldn't be bad but carrying all your gear back up...
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#8
Roger that.

That is why we use pier cart.

Long ago, I bought a yearly parking pass, so I could hoop for lobster there. Thus, I had to park at the foot of the pier.
Once I even went to dive there, but had my mask fall from the car roof and break. No spare either.

Had several visits by the warden as well.