A very limited report. It seems many of the bait and tackle shops are closed due to the weather. I will try to update this as conditions improve.
Remember — Lobster season is now open. Follow all regulations and make sure you have a lobster card in possession.
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 is currently closed due to storm damage to the pier and there is no estimate as to when it will reopen. 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 – No answer the day I called which may reflect the fact that the pier has been closed a few times due to the rough weather and large waves. When open it is still producing some mackerel, perch, jacksmelt and an occasional croaker. 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 croakers 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 been iffy but he’s still getting reports of fish at the pier. Most interesting is the number of 7-gill and soupfin sharks being taken at the pier — from both corners. A long cast into the deepest water with fresh dead mackerel or bonito, or a live mackerel or jacksmelt, seems to be the best baits. The sharks are not huge, mostly 4-5 feet in length, but they still provide some nice fights. As for the normal varieties, the mackerel are in and out and people continue to hoop for lobsters (with limited success). Not reported but probable are some sculpin (scorpionfish) at night and some opaleye if fishing down around the pilings. 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 shop was closed the day I called; too much rain and too few anglers. However, the “regulars” who continued to fish during the wet weather continued to catch some fish. Ghost shrimp and blood worms have been producing opaleye and sargo down by the pilings mid-pier, while those bringing in some live anchovies from the bait barge in the harbor have been able to pick up some halibut including legal-size fish. On the top, the mackerel seem to come and go while there are usually some big jacksmelt to be had. Lastly, some anglers got in trouble when they hooked and kept a great white shark. They claimed ignorance but that will not be able to keep them from getting a big fine. 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 — Forrest, at Angler’s Tackle, 1413 North Coast Hwy., said the weather has impacted the number of anglers and he’s not getting any reports from the pier. 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 — Mitch at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) reports that the weather been rough and theer’s been quite a swell at the pier which has put a damper on the inshore perch and croiaker fishing. Mid-pier some people are still trying for halibut but again the conditions (mainly wind) have made for hard fishing. A large leopard shark was reported from the end of the pier along with some smaller bat rays but overall everyone is looking for the weather to improve for better fishing. 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 — Mitch at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) reports that some spotted bay bass continue to hit swim baits at the pier. In addition, a few spotfin croakers have been taken but not much else. 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: “Well, this month hasn't been the best for catching, but the bait situation has been great. We have had lots of sardines. Evidently the fish have eaten well as they are not taking our bait. Had some strikes and some small halibut, but no big ones have been caught. There are still some jacksmelt being caught and some mackerel on the end. One butterfly ray was caught by my friend. It was at least 40 inches in diameter. At least they are fun. We are now entertained but he gray whales. Usually have about 3 a day come by. Some are going down to Mexico, and some are already coming back. Have had a few mothers and babies. Those make it into shore so we get to see them quite well. Our main concern is the fact that the Newport Legacy and the rib boats are not abiding by the law. Tuesday they got within 20 feet of the mother and calf. That is not right! Will keep an eye on this. Not going fishing today as it is definitely going to rain plus the wind is already at 13 knots, and that is not comfortable.” 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 about the same report as at the Balboa Pier. 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 — There was no answer the day I called and the pier was possibly closed due to the high waves. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.
Seal Beach Pier — No report this month. 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 the usual white croakers should be available with a cast out from the pier. Expect a few bass and perch/sargo/croaker along the inshore area. 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) — No report this month. 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) – 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) — 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 — No answer at the Redondo Coffee Shop and Bait Shop on the pier the day I called. 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 — Yosh at the piers bait and tackle shop, said things are still very slow. The weather has been iffy at times and the number of fish and fisherman is down. 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 it was raining hard the day I called and she hadn’t had any customers. In addition, they’ve had the highway closed off and on (mostly farther north/west down the road). However, she has had some recent reports from the pier and it sounds like the normal mix. Mackerel are in and out, there in numbers one day and absent the next. Jacksmelt are available most days as well as some small kelp bass and perch being found down around the pilings. Not much else. 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’s surprisingly being getting some reports from the pier. Some large bat rays have been taken as well as some fairly large sharks (it’s always been a good shark pier). Most of the other action has been on mackerel (in and out) and on kelp bass. 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 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 — I fished the pier on 1/25 with limited success. The inshore has been battered by winter storms and most of the sand on the beach has been replaced by cobblestones. Not surprisingly, fishing in the inshore section for barred surfperch was dead. Mid-pier saw much the same with fellow anglers (and there were few anglers) reporting limited success. I did have some success at the end while fishing the cut out section. Three hours fishing produced a mix of mostly small fish while using bloodworms for bait—7 queenfish, 5 walleye surfperch and a 14” spotfin croaker. 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 — I fished the pier on the 25th and was skunked. However, Mike at the bait shop and SC McCarty on PFIC reported that mackerel and jacksmelt have been showing at times. Anglers are also pulling in fair numbers of crabs (rock crabs and spider crabs) along with some whelks in their nets. 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 — I fished the pier for a couple of hours on the 26th and the fishing was slow. I tried my usual methods by the pilings mid-pier for perch (or whatever) but didn’t have a single bite. However, I did manage three fish in two hours while fishing the pipe-reef, two sheephead and one brown rockfish, so that might be the best spot to try. All of the fish were caught on mussels. I also hooked up with a new reporter for the pier, Eddie Garcia, who also reported slow fishing. He said “no mackerel or sardines but some perch, calicos, bat rays and leopard sharks (at the end). BullBat reported on PFIC that he had seen anglers catching calicos and ronkies (white croaker). Things should improve if the weather settles down. 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 at the end of the month suggested 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.
Remember — Lobster season is now open. Follow all regulations and make sure you have a lobster card in possession.
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 is currently closed due to storm damage to the pier and there is no estimate as to when it will reopen. 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 – No answer the day I called which may reflect the fact that the pier has been closed a few times due to the rough weather and large waves. When open it is still producing some mackerel, perch, jacksmelt and an occasional croaker. 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 croakers 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 been iffy but he’s still getting reports of fish at the pier. Most interesting is the number of 7-gill and soupfin sharks being taken at the pier — from both corners. A long cast into the deepest water with fresh dead mackerel or bonito, or a live mackerel or jacksmelt, seems to be the best baits. The sharks are not huge, mostly 4-5 feet in length, but they still provide some nice fights. As for the normal varieties, the mackerel are in and out and people continue to hoop for lobsters (with limited success). Not reported but probable are some sculpin (scorpionfish) at night and some opaleye if fishing down around the pilings. 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 shop was closed the day I called; too much rain and too few anglers. However, the “regulars” who continued to fish during the wet weather continued to catch some fish. Ghost shrimp and blood worms have been producing opaleye and sargo down by the pilings mid-pier, while those bringing in some live anchovies from the bait barge in the harbor have been able to pick up some halibut including legal-size fish. On the top, the mackerel seem to come and go while there are usually some big jacksmelt to be had. Lastly, some anglers got in trouble when they hooked and kept a great white shark. They claimed ignorance but that will not be able to keep them from getting a big fine. 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 — Forrest, at Angler’s Tackle, 1413 North Coast Hwy., said the weather has impacted the number of anglers and he’s not getting any reports from the pier. 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 — Mitch at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) reports that the weather been rough and theer’s been quite a swell at the pier which has put a damper on the inshore perch and croiaker fishing. Mid-pier some people are still trying for halibut but again the conditions (mainly wind) have made for hard fishing. A large leopard shark was reported from the end of the pier along with some smaller bat rays but overall everyone is looking for the weather to improve for better fishing. 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 — Mitch at Hogan's Bait And Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point) reports that some spotted bay bass continue to hit swim baits at the pier. In addition, a few spotfin croakers have been taken but not much else. 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: “Well, this month hasn't been the best for catching, but the bait situation has been great. We have had lots of sardines. Evidently the fish have eaten well as they are not taking our bait. Had some strikes and some small halibut, but no big ones have been caught. There are still some jacksmelt being caught and some mackerel on the end. One butterfly ray was caught by my friend. It was at least 40 inches in diameter. At least they are fun. We are now entertained but he gray whales. Usually have about 3 a day come by. Some are going down to Mexico, and some are already coming back. Have had a few mothers and babies. Those make it into shore so we get to see them quite well. Our main concern is the fact that the Newport Legacy and the rib boats are not abiding by the law. Tuesday they got within 20 feet of the mother and calf. That is not right! Will keep an eye on this. Not going fishing today as it is definitely going to rain plus the wind is already at 13 knots, and that is not comfortable.” 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 about the same report as at the Balboa Pier. 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 — There was no answer the day I called and the pier was possibly closed due to the high waves. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.
Seal Beach Pier — No report this month. 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 the usual white croakers should be available with a cast out from the pier. Expect a few bass and perch/sargo/croaker along the inshore area. 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) — No report this month. 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) – 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) — 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 — No answer at the Redondo Coffee Shop and Bait Shop on the pier the day I called. 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 — Yosh at the piers bait and tackle shop, said things are still very slow. The weather has been iffy at times and the number of fish and fisherman is down. 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 it was raining hard the day I called and she hadn’t had any customers. In addition, they’ve had the highway closed off and on (mostly farther north/west down the road). However, she has had some recent reports from the pier and it sounds like the normal mix. Mackerel are in and out, there in numbers one day and absent the next. Jacksmelt are available most days as well as some small kelp bass and perch being found down around the pilings. Not much else. 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’s surprisingly being getting some reports from the pier. Some large bat rays have been taken as well as some fairly large sharks (it’s always been a good shark pier). Most of the other action has been on mackerel (in and out) and on kelp bass. 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 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 — I fished the pier on 1/25 with limited success. The inshore has been battered by winter storms and most of the sand on the beach has been replaced by cobblestones. Not surprisingly, fishing in the inshore section for barred surfperch was dead. Mid-pier saw much the same with fellow anglers (and there were few anglers) reporting limited success. I did have some success at the end while fishing the cut out section. Three hours fishing produced a mix of mostly small fish while using bloodworms for bait—7 queenfish, 5 walleye surfperch and a 14” spotfin croaker. 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 — I fished the pier on the 25th and was skunked. However, Mike at the bait shop and SC McCarty on PFIC reported that mackerel and jacksmelt have been showing at times. Anglers are also pulling in fair numbers of crabs (rock crabs and spider crabs) along with some whelks in their nets. 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 — I fished the pier for a couple of hours on the 26th and the fishing was slow. I tried my usual methods by the pilings mid-pier for perch (or whatever) but didn’t have a single bite. However, I did manage three fish in two hours while fishing the pipe-reef, two sheephead and one brown rockfish, so that might be the best spot to try. All of the fish were caught on mussels. I also hooked up with a new reporter for the pier, Eddie Garcia, who also reported slow fishing. He said “no mackerel or sardines but some perch, calicos, bat rays and leopard sharks (at the end). BullBat reported on PFIC that he had seen anglers catching calicos and ronkies (white croaker). Things should improve if the weather settles down. 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 at the end of the month suggested 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.