California Pier Report
February 2025 Fishing Report, Southern California (#299)
Southern California Lobster — • Lobster season is now open! The season ends on 11:59:59 p.m. on the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. This year that would be March 19.· Recreational Bag and Possession Limit: Seven lobsters per person. · Minimum Size Limit: 3 and ¼ inches carapace length, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell. · License Requirements: CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card and California sport fishing license, available at CDFW's Online License Sales and Service. An Ocean Enhancement Validation is also required if fishing in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County), unless fishing under the authority of a one- or two-day California sport fishing license.• Pier Fishing Gear Restrictions: You may use up to 2 hoop nets while fishing from a public pier.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – No report, need a reporter. A report from Ghost on 1/25 said, “Yesterday went to the pier looking to catch something, bait was scarce as the wind was low until it went 22mph so I called it a day... Slow fishing, some smelt on Sabiki, water was clear nice color. A 7 gill was caught by Danny on 1/13/2025; not sure if anyone follows local fb groups but there are fish reports there too so thought I would share it here. Some perch are showing up but still smaller side, no sardines found around only smelt 4-5 inch sizes and micro size. 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 bad news is that the pier is closed. The good news is that the pier, one almost annually damaged by winter storms during the past few years, is hopefully to be replaced by a brand new pier. What surprised many in 2024 was that the city decided not to make the normal yearly repairs seen most years following winter storms (including the winter storms of 2023-2024). The city’s thinking was that we can fix it but it will simply show new damage when the winter storms and king tides arrive. Many if not most anglers disagreed with that decision but the city proved to be correct when large tides on Christmas Eve 2024 resulted in additional pilings being lost. There the pier sits during the planning stage for a new pier and the expected glacial approval process of the many city/state agencies. Jumping through hoops is simply the regular modus operandi in modern day California — but the process is underway and a new pier, as large but with many new features, one expected to last 75 years, should emerge within a few years. 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 – The pier also saw damage during the winter months of ‘23-’24. Unlike most years when damage has been non-existent or light, the year’s damage required more extensive repair. No problem. Initial reports said repairs were to be completed before the summer tourist season arrived, maybe even by late spring. Then the reports changed. Contracts had not been given or were late. Repairs were scheduled and then not scheduled. The final result was that the pier remained closed throughout the year meaning that San Diego pier anglers had only one oceanfront pier (Imperial Beach) open instead of the normal three. Piers in the bay were more crowded than normal and many anglers simply gave up on their normal pier fishing. The good news is that January 2025 is finally seeing the (hoped for) final repairs. 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. We need a reporter! Traditionally some kelp bass on the bottom should be available. 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. 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. We need a reporter. Expect some bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures). 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 the pier should continue to kick out sharays (mainly round stingrays or bat rays) and an occasional bass (kelp, sand and spotted) or halibut. 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 — No report, need a reporter. 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 Litchfield at the Oceanside Pier says the fishing was great over the holiday season on good-sized croaker but it has slowed off a little. Anglers are still getting good numbers of perch, barred and walleye, inshore along with quite a few croaker but most of the croaker now are the smaller yellowfin not the larger spotfin. Lugworms are the bait that’s catching the croaker. The pier’s bait shop doesn’t carry the lugworms but the locals simply go up a few blocks to Pappy’s Liquor of N Cleveland Ave for the worms. Bill did say sardines and herring (queenfish) are still available for the Sabiki fishermen along with some smelt (mostly the smaller smelt used for bait). Shark fishermen are using the sardines for shark bait but the results are slow. One halibut was reported but it wasn’t legal. One sheephead was also reported. He said some people are out at night lobstering but he hasn’t had any reports. On a side note the outer end section of the pier that had the fire last April is still closed but under a 17.5 million dollar reconstruction. No estimate when the work will be finished but the rest of the pier continues to be open for angling. How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Bill Litchfield said fishing was surprisingly good for a period with regular afternoon croaker action but again it has slowed a little. He also said a few rockfish had been taken in the bay, probably kelp rockfish. 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 —Martin at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), said it’s the typical wintertime catch, mainly surfperch (barred and walleye) along with a few croaker (yellowfin and spotfin). Action on sharks and rays is slow although a few leopard sharks have been taken. As for action on top, pretty much nothing, no mackerel and no bonito. 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 —Martin at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy., said a few barred surfperch are showing up along with some croaker but not much else (although one halibut was reported). It’s wintertime. I would think though that some bass should also be available since the pier is usually reliable for spotties and calico (a kelp bass). 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 that the fishing has been slow, mainly a few surfperch falling to those anglers using the proper bait, i.e., fresh mussels. And, she said a friend lost about a 4-pound corbina due to not having his net with him. Been there! The good news was that the day before I called saw her visit the pier on her normal Thursday visit. She said she saw tons of bait all around the pier, a mixture of sardines and smelt. The fishing was still slow (which she attributed to fish that were already stuffed with all that bait) but it’s a good sign and she’s hoping the fishing will pick up. As for the weather, she said it’s been really nice. 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 (which is very expensive).
Newport Pier — No report; need a reporter although action typically is about the same as at Balboa. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and precede west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place. Metered parking is available but all the lots fill early and are full much of the day. Basically you almost have to wait until someone else leaves and there’s an empty spot.
Huntington Beach Pier — No report; need a reporter. Given other reports from similar piers I would expect surfperch and croakers to still be in fair to good numbers. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Chris, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said it’s been very windy and the fishing has been slow. About the only thing he’s getting reports on are good catches of jacksmelt, some good-sized. It’s slow on perch and croakers and no top fish other than the smelt. 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 Veterans Memorial Pier — No report, need a reporter. 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 (Long Beach) — The normal fish should be available—white croaker casting out from the pier and some sargo and perch when fishing the inshore waters. Not sure if anyone is trying for lobster. 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.
Pier J Piers (Long Beach) — The normal fish should be available—white croaker, queenfish, small perch and other rock-frequenting species. How To Get There: From I-710 follow the signs saying S. Harbor Scenic Drive. From downtown Long Beach follow Queens Way past the Catalina Landing and on to the Queens Way Bridge over the water and take the S. Harbor Scenic Drive.
Cabrillo Beach Pier (San Pedro) — With the closure of the Rusty Hook bait and tackle in San Pedro we now need a new reporter. 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) – Expect the normal species—kelp bass, rock wrasse, senorita, opaleye, halfmoon, and sheephead. 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, Newport Beach (near the Balboa Pier) and Dana Harbor. 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) — Expect the normal species—kelp bass, rock wrasse, senorita, opaleye, halfmoon, sheephead, and ocean whitefish. Some bonito and barracuda may also show up.
A report from Fish-ninja on 1/25 said, “First visit to the mole in 2025. Last minute decision to jump on a ferry last Friday. Small tide. Nice mostly sunny day. SW wind which makes fishing pleasant but slower pushing baits away. I arrived at the mole 7am by the first ferry. To my surprise there was only one other local angler. For most of the day it was just two of us. We both were casting for pelagics. We caught a bunch of mostly nice size chub mackerels and occasional Spanish mackerels. I landed only bonito, smallish 17 in her, that was seen that day. I wanted to see if whitefish are back in their honeyholes. I used a cut squid with a single hook stopper with size 8 bait holder. I found them where they usually are. Some kelp basses came up on both metal jig and the cut squid bait. On metal jig, a half moon was foul-hooked. The boat came in late at 8:30pm so I tried some night fishing. Calico and this nice garibaldi hit cut shrimps with hi-lo.
1 Pacific bonito, 8 Pacific chub mackerel,1 Spanish mackerel, 5 kelp bass,10 whitefish,1 halfmoon, and1 garibaldi. It was pretty entertaining day.”
A report from evanluck on 1/14 reported, “Starting a new business in the investment/finance space and took my new business partner on a fishing retreat to discuss business details. Split the day with 90% working high-lo rigs looking for bottom fish and 10% throwing a metal jig looking for bonito. Arrived just after 7AM and fished until about 7PM with me taking an hour break to clean fish. Mole was peppered with other anglers but there was plenty of space and the fishing was in my experience above average. Fished mostly with cut market shrimp, working in some squid and cooked frozen mussels for change things up. 90% of the fish were caught on shrimp. I hooked the mackerel on a metal jig. The bigger bass were caught after sun down on cut shrimp and were easily the most exciting catches of the day. It is just so satisfying after a day of trying to hook nibbling fish to feel a bigger bass just grab the bait and run! Between the two of us we caught: 9 Sheephead (1 Keeper 14"), 8 Ocean Whitefish, 15 Calico bass (2 keeper sized 16", 15"), 6 Garibaldi, 4 Senoritas, 2 Rock Wrasse, 2 Blacksmith, 4 Blue perch, 2 Pacific Chub Mackerel, 4 Scorpionfish. Was able to give some bait to a family who was on a shore excursion from a cruise ship. They were fishing with squid and were not getting many bites. 2 minutes after they baited their hooks with some shrimp they hooked and landed a 15" sheephead! So fun to see the excitement when they hooked that fish and the son gave the rod to his elderly father to reel in. There was also another angler fishing corner throwing a mix of single metal jigs and two or three hook Sabiki flies tipped with metal jigs. On the day he landed 3 bonito and 6-8 good-sized mackerel. Also shared the pier with a professional fishing guide who was there helping a couple different families catch fish. Interested to see his techniques both for getting them on the fish and framing their experience in a positive light. They fished with cut anchovies which I think helped them avoid some of the smaller bait stealers who peck at pieces of shrimp or squid and focused their catches primarily on calico bass which tend to be easier to hook. A good strategy for working with beginners who are paying you by the hour. 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, Newport Beach (near the Balboa Pier) and Dana Harbor. 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 when you walk off the ferry onto the landing you are at the Mole.
Redondo Beach Pier — No report, need a reporter. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Torrance Blvd. west to the foot of the pier and the parking lot.
Manhattan Beach Pier — No report, need a reporter. How To Get There: From Sepulveda Boulevard, turn west on Manhattan Beach Drive and follow it to the pier.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report, need a reporter. 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. Need a reporter. How Get There: Highway 1 to Washington St., turn west and follow Washington St. to the pier.
Santa Monica Pier — No report this month. Need a reporter. 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). I hate to report this but the iconic bait shop, a local feature since 1946, burned down during the Palisades fire. Ginny lost the bait shop and her home in the Palisades. Go to our PFIC Youtube videos and you will see a video we made in November of her and the bait shop and see how you can contribute money to help her out. Obviously no report on the pier this month. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — No report this month. Need a reporter How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Paradise Cove Dr., turn west, and follow the road back into the parking lot. Parking is very expensive unless you buy an expensive meal at the restaurant and then you are allowed to fish for, I think, three hours.
Ventura & Santa Barbara County Piers
Port Hueneme Pier —Ludia at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura, said fishing is a little slow at the pier with most locals heading over to the Ventura Pier or even up to Santa Barbara. Most of the action on the pier has been for perch but most are small. However, she said there is excellent beach fishing for halibut so perhaps fishing the inshore area of the pier would yield up some of the flatties? She also mentioned some good sized, 7-8 pound lobster have also been landed from the pier. 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 — Ludia at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura, said with the recent rain not too many people are fishing. However, those who continue to lobster are picking up some really nice-sized lobsters. As for the fish themselves, most of the action has been on surfperch, both barred surfperch and walleyes although a few halibut are also being landed. Basically no action on top with the exception of jacksmelt. No reports on sharks. 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 (Santa Barbara) — Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, says crabs, crabs and more crabs. While the fishing is slow, and lobstering basically non-existent, people continue to pull up big catches of crabs. So, if you like crab meat this is the place to go. 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 —Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said the fishing has only been fair but fish are still being caught. Bass fishing (mainly kelp bass) can be good if you cast out to the pipe reef that runs parallel to the pier while some rockfish (usually brown rockfish) should also show up and maybe even a cabezon. He says there’s not a lot of baitfish so it’s pretty dead on top but the pier has seen a couple of angel sharks (33”), a few thornbacks, a leopard shark, and a few bat rays. The fair fishing partly reflects the decreased number of anglers lately. A few lobsters have been taken as well as a few crabs. 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 — Ongoing report— Government efficiency seems to be a true oxymoronic word in California. The pier, managed by the State Department of Parks (State Parks), has been closed since a winter storm in 2014 (yes, more than a decade ago). Reports over the years have given hope for repair but funding as well as division and disagreement between various groups including the State Parks and the Coastal Commission, have slowed down the needed repairs. There seems to finally be room for optimism but it’s a story we’ve heard before, we will wait and hope (with fingers crossed). How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
February 2025 Fishing Report, Southern California (#299)
Southern California Lobster — • Lobster season is now open! The season ends on 11:59:59 p.m. on the first Wednesday after the 15th of March. This year that would be March 19.· Recreational Bag and Possession Limit: Seven lobsters per person. · Minimum Size Limit: 3 and ¼ inches carapace length, measured in a straight line on the midline of the back from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the body shell. · License Requirements: CDFW Spiny Lobster Report Card and California sport fishing license, available at CDFW's Online License Sales and Service. An Ocean Enhancement Validation is also required if fishing in ocean waters south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara County), unless fishing under the authority of a one- or two-day California sport fishing license.• Pier Fishing Gear Restrictions: You may use up to 2 hoop nets while fishing from a public pier.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – No report, need a reporter. A report from Ghost on 1/25 said, “Yesterday went to the pier looking to catch something, bait was scarce as the wind was low until it went 22mph so I called it a day... Slow fishing, some smelt on Sabiki, water was clear nice color. A 7 gill was caught by Danny on 1/13/2025; not sure if anyone follows local fb groups but there are fish reports there too so thought I would share it here. Some perch are showing up but still smaller side, no sardines found around only smelt 4-5 inch sizes and micro size. 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 bad news is that the pier is closed. The good news is that the pier, one almost annually damaged by winter storms during the past few years, is hopefully to be replaced by a brand new pier. What surprised many in 2024 was that the city decided not to make the normal yearly repairs seen most years following winter storms (including the winter storms of 2023-2024). The city’s thinking was that we can fix it but it will simply show new damage when the winter storms and king tides arrive. Many if not most anglers disagreed with that decision but the city proved to be correct when large tides on Christmas Eve 2024 resulted in additional pilings being lost. There the pier sits during the planning stage for a new pier and the expected glacial approval process of the many city/state agencies. Jumping through hoops is simply the regular modus operandi in modern day California — but the process is underway and a new pier, as large but with many new features, one expected to last 75 years, should emerge within a few years. 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 – The pier also saw damage during the winter months of ‘23-’24. Unlike most years when damage has been non-existent or light, the year’s damage required more extensive repair. No problem. Initial reports said repairs were to be completed before the summer tourist season arrived, maybe even by late spring. Then the reports changed. Contracts had not been given or were late. Repairs were scheduled and then not scheduled. The final result was that the pier remained closed throughout the year meaning that San Diego pier anglers had only one oceanfront pier (Imperial Beach) open instead of the normal three. Piers in the bay were more crowded than normal and many anglers simply gave up on their normal pier fishing. The good news is that January 2025 is finally seeing the (hoped for) final repairs. 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. We need a reporter! Traditionally some kelp bass on the bottom should be available. 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. 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. We need a reporter. Expect some bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures). 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 the pier should continue to kick out sharays (mainly round stingrays or bat rays) and an occasional bass (kelp, sand and spotted) or halibut. 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 — No report, need a reporter. 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 Litchfield at the Oceanside Pier says the fishing was great over the holiday season on good-sized croaker but it has slowed off a little. Anglers are still getting good numbers of perch, barred and walleye, inshore along with quite a few croaker but most of the croaker now are the smaller yellowfin not the larger spotfin. Lugworms are the bait that’s catching the croaker. The pier’s bait shop doesn’t carry the lugworms but the locals simply go up a few blocks to Pappy’s Liquor of N Cleveland Ave for the worms. Bill did say sardines and herring (queenfish) are still available for the Sabiki fishermen along with some smelt (mostly the smaller smelt used for bait). Shark fishermen are using the sardines for shark bait but the results are slow. One halibut was reported but it wasn’t legal. One sheephead was also reported. He said some people are out at night lobstering but he hasn’t had any reports. On a side note the outer end section of the pier that had the fire last April is still closed but under a 17.5 million dollar reconstruction. No estimate when the work will be finished but the rest of the pier continues to be open for angling. How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Bill Litchfield said fishing was surprisingly good for a period with regular afternoon croaker action but again it has slowed a little. He also said a few rockfish had been taken in the bay, probably kelp rockfish. 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 —Martin at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), said it’s the typical wintertime catch, mainly surfperch (barred and walleye) along with a few croaker (yellowfin and spotfin). Action on sharks and rays is slow although a few leopard sharks have been taken. As for action on top, pretty much nothing, no mackerel and no bonito. 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 —Martin at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy., said a few barred surfperch are showing up along with some croaker but not much else (although one halibut was reported). It’s wintertime. I would think though that some bass should also be available since the pier is usually reliable for spotties and calico (a kelp bass). 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 that the fishing has been slow, mainly a few surfperch falling to those anglers using the proper bait, i.e., fresh mussels. And, she said a friend lost about a 4-pound corbina due to not having his net with him. Been there! The good news was that the day before I called saw her visit the pier on her normal Thursday visit. She said she saw tons of bait all around the pier, a mixture of sardines and smelt. The fishing was still slow (which she attributed to fish that were already stuffed with all that bait) but it’s a good sign and she’s hoping the fishing will pick up. As for the weather, she said it’s been really nice. 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 (which is very expensive).
Newport Pier — No report; need a reporter although action typically is about the same as at Balboa. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and precede west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place. Metered parking is available but all the lots fill early and are full much of the day. Basically you almost have to wait until someone else leaves and there’s an empty spot.
Huntington Beach Pier — No report; need a reporter. Given other reports from similar piers I would expect surfperch and croakers to still be in fair to good numbers. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Chris, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said it’s been very windy and the fishing has been slow. About the only thing he’s getting reports on are good catches of jacksmelt, some good-sized. It’s slow on perch and croakers and no top fish other than the smelt. 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 Veterans Memorial Pier — No report, need a reporter. 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 (Long Beach) — The normal fish should be available—white croaker casting out from the pier and some sargo and perch when fishing the inshore waters. Not sure if anyone is trying for lobster. 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.
Pier J Piers (Long Beach) — The normal fish should be available—white croaker, queenfish, small perch and other rock-frequenting species. How To Get There: From I-710 follow the signs saying S. Harbor Scenic Drive. From downtown Long Beach follow Queens Way past the Catalina Landing and on to the Queens Way Bridge over the water and take the S. Harbor Scenic Drive.
Cabrillo Beach Pier (San Pedro) — With the closure of the Rusty Hook bait and tackle in San Pedro we now need a new reporter. 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) – Expect the normal species—kelp bass, rock wrasse, senorita, opaleye, halfmoon, and sheephead. 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, Newport Beach (near the Balboa Pier) and Dana Harbor. 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) — Expect the normal species—kelp bass, rock wrasse, senorita, opaleye, halfmoon, sheephead, and ocean whitefish. Some bonito and barracuda may also show up.
A report from Fish-ninja on 1/25 said, “First visit to the mole in 2025. Last minute decision to jump on a ferry last Friday. Small tide. Nice mostly sunny day. SW wind which makes fishing pleasant but slower pushing baits away. I arrived at the mole 7am by the first ferry. To my surprise there was only one other local angler. For most of the day it was just two of us. We both were casting for pelagics. We caught a bunch of mostly nice size chub mackerels and occasional Spanish mackerels. I landed only bonito, smallish 17 in her, that was seen that day. I wanted to see if whitefish are back in their honeyholes. I used a cut squid with a single hook stopper with size 8 bait holder. I found them where they usually are. Some kelp basses came up on both metal jig and the cut squid bait. On metal jig, a half moon was foul-hooked. The boat came in late at 8:30pm so I tried some night fishing. Calico and this nice garibaldi hit cut shrimps with hi-lo.
1 Pacific bonito, 8 Pacific chub mackerel,1 Spanish mackerel, 5 kelp bass,10 whitefish,1 halfmoon, and1 garibaldi. It was pretty entertaining day.”
A report from evanluck on 1/14 reported, “Starting a new business in the investment/finance space and took my new business partner on a fishing retreat to discuss business details. Split the day with 90% working high-lo rigs looking for bottom fish and 10% throwing a metal jig looking for bonito. Arrived just after 7AM and fished until about 7PM with me taking an hour break to clean fish. Mole was peppered with other anglers but there was plenty of space and the fishing was in my experience above average. Fished mostly with cut market shrimp, working in some squid and cooked frozen mussels for change things up. 90% of the fish were caught on shrimp. I hooked the mackerel on a metal jig. The bigger bass were caught after sun down on cut shrimp and were easily the most exciting catches of the day. It is just so satisfying after a day of trying to hook nibbling fish to feel a bigger bass just grab the bait and run! Between the two of us we caught: 9 Sheephead (1 Keeper 14"), 8 Ocean Whitefish, 15 Calico bass (2 keeper sized 16", 15"), 6 Garibaldi, 4 Senoritas, 2 Rock Wrasse, 2 Blacksmith, 4 Blue perch, 2 Pacific Chub Mackerel, 4 Scorpionfish. Was able to give some bait to a family who was on a shore excursion from a cruise ship. They were fishing with squid and were not getting many bites. 2 minutes after they baited their hooks with some shrimp they hooked and landed a 15" sheephead! So fun to see the excitement when they hooked that fish and the son gave the rod to his elderly father to reel in. There was also another angler fishing corner throwing a mix of single metal jigs and two or three hook Sabiki flies tipped with metal jigs. On the day he landed 3 bonito and 6-8 good-sized mackerel. Also shared the pier with a professional fishing guide who was there helping a couple different families catch fish. Interested to see his techniques both for getting them on the fish and framing their experience in a positive light. They fished with cut anchovies which I think helped them avoid some of the smaller bait stealers who peck at pieces of shrimp or squid and focused their catches primarily on calico bass which tend to be easier to hook. A good strategy for working with beginners who are paying you by the hour. 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, Newport Beach (near the Balboa Pier) and Dana Harbor. 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 when you walk off the ferry onto the landing you are at the Mole.
Redondo Beach Pier — No report, need a reporter. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Torrance Blvd. west to the foot of the pier and the parking lot.
Manhattan Beach Pier — No report, need a reporter. How To Get There: From Sepulveda Boulevard, turn west on Manhattan Beach Drive and follow it to the pier.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report, need a reporter. 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. Need a reporter. How Get There: Highway 1 to Washington St., turn west and follow Washington St. to the pier.
Santa Monica Pier — No report this month. Need a reporter. 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). I hate to report this but the iconic bait shop, a local feature since 1946, burned down during the Palisades fire. Ginny lost the bait shop and her home in the Palisades. Go to our PFIC Youtube videos and you will see a video we made in November of her and the bait shop and see how you can contribute money to help her out. Obviously no report on the pier this month. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — No report this month. Need a reporter How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Paradise Cove Dr., turn west, and follow the road back into the parking lot. Parking is very expensive unless you buy an expensive meal at the restaurant and then you are allowed to fish for, I think, three hours.
Ventura & Santa Barbara County Piers
Port Hueneme Pier —Ludia at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura, said fishing is a little slow at the pier with most locals heading over to the Ventura Pier or even up to Santa Barbara. Most of the action on the pier has been for perch but most are small. However, she said there is excellent beach fishing for halibut so perhaps fishing the inshore area of the pier would yield up some of the flatties? She also mentioned some good sized, 7-8 pound lobster have also been landed from the pier. 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 — Ludia at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura, said with the recent rain not too many people are fishing. However, those who continue to lobster are picking up some really nice-sized lobsters. As for the fish themselves, most of the action has been on surfperch, both barred surfperch and walleyes although a few halibut are also being landed. Basically no action on top with the exception of jacksmelt. No reports on sharks. 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 (Santa Barbara) — Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, says crabs, crabs and more crabs. While the fishing is slow, and lobstering basically non-existent, people continue to pull up big catches of crabs. So, if you like crab meat this is the place to go. 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 —Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said the fishing has only been fair but fish are still being caught. Bass fishing (mainly kelp bass) can be good if you cast out to the pipe reef that runs parallel to the pier while some rockfish (usually brown rockfish) should also show up and maybe even a cabezon. He says there’s not a lot of baitfish so it’s pretty dead on top but the pier has seen a couple of angel sharks (33”), a few thornbacks, a leopard shark, and a few bat rays. The fair fishing partly reflects the decreased number of anglers lately. A few lobsters have been taken as well as a few crabs. 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 — Ongoing report— Government efficiency seems to be a true oxymoronic word in California. The pier, managed by the State Department of Parks (State Parks), has been closed since a winter storm in 2014 (yes, more than a decade ago). Reports over the years have given hope for repair but funding as well as division and disagreement between various groups including the State Parks and the Coastal Commission, have slowed down the needed repairs. There seems to finally be room for optimism but it’s a story we’ve heard before, we will wait and hope (with fingers crossed). How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
