February 2026 Fishing Report, Southern California (#307)
Southern California Lobster — The 2025-2026 spiny lobster season in southern California is now open. The 2025-2026 season opened at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26 and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 18 off the California coast.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – The fishing sounds fairly good at the pier with a variety of fish being taken, everything from perch to croakers, a small barracuda, and a small cabezon. Sharays included an angel shark, thresher sharks, a blue shark, spiny dogfish(?), thornbacks, and bat rays. Included in the mix are a few lobsters. 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, will eventually be replaced with a new improved pier, one better able to withstand the winter storms (and hopefully last for 75 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 – We need a reporter. It sounds like most of the action is on surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional croaker. Not great action but some fish each day. 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 and spotted bay bass are available on the bottom. 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. Anglers should expect a few bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as possibly a halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures) although this IS NOT the typical time for halibut (May-October). In addition you might find jacksmelt visiting the pier. At night you might luck into a shortfin corvina if using live bait or 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) —Some fish should be available—bass (all three varieties) and a variety of sharays—shovelnose guitarfish, round stingrays, bat rays and smoothhounds. At night add in the possibility of some shortfin corvina and possibly a small barracuda. 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 — Need a reporter. An assortment of bottom fish should be available including (perhaps) some good-sized sharays. On top expect some jacksmelt and possibly some mackerel. 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 said that two minutes before I called a buddy called from the pier where he had caught a 23-inch halibut. They’re getting a few halibut but only a few. Bill said there was a good run of mackerel followed by a run of REALLY BIG jacksmelt followed by hot action on REALLY BIG sardines. The sardines are still there and he said a few mackerel are mixed in but the mackerel are smaller than the sardines. Still slow on croakers and sharays but they should start picking up. Interesting news was the capture mid-month of a gafftopsail pompano, a fish typically found far to the south in Baja. The angler posted the picture on this site and many initially wondered if it was a creation of AI but it was real. Bill also mentioned that the local “Perch Derby” starts tomorrow. Catch ‘em on the beach or pier and you can win some nice prizes. Sign up at Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle (2110 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside). How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Fishing sounds like it is slow, and not too many people are fishing the small pier. Those that do show up should expect an occasional croaker, sargo, bass, or perch on the bottom and an occasional jacksmelt on top. 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 — Jimmy at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), said they haven’t gotten very many reports lately although there did appear to be some good numbers of spotfin croaker showing up at the pier. There should also be some surfperch and perhaps a few bass mid-pier. He says he hasn’t had any reports of top action—mackerel or bonito. Ditto on the sharays (sharks and rays, no reports). However, we got several reports on this site from Tammy DeSilva that showed a mix of fish—mackerel, jacksmelt, and a variety of sharays including a bat ray, thornbacks, leopard sharks, a horn shark, a bat ray and a stingray. So, fish are there. 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 — Jimmy at Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), says the action in the harbor remains about the same±—mainly a few bass along with some perch and croakers. 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 she finally got a halibut on the 29th. She caught a 19-inch halibut and two smaller ones. She also lost one on a Scampi. She said she was finally able to get some smelt for bait early in the day after several weeks of none. “The jacksmelt and the mackerel are biting early to midday. The weather has been very nice and so has the water. I don't like clear water, but Thursday it began to cloud up. There are some corbina around as well. Those are easy to see. Seen s nice-sized guitarfish and some barred perch roaming around. It looks like it is beginning to pick up. 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. Expect some surfperch and croakers to still be available inshore, while top action (primarily on jacksmelt and an occasional mackerel) probably remains hit and miss. 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 — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said perch and croakers continue to be caught inshore and an occasional jacksmelt or mackerel out at the end. As always, a few sharays (sharks and rays) are available especially thornback rays. A report from FishmanFishman on the 22nd said, “Wednesday morning at SB pier was a typical slow and steady winter session. Thornbacks and Jacksmelt were present. Anchovies and Lizardfish moved into the pier and were hitting Sabiki's. Small anchovies around three to four inches. I used both live baits on Carolina rigs and caught some large Lizardfish, a Jacksmelt, a Barracuda (short) and Thornbacks. No Halibut or Bass! It was a fun opportunity to catch the anchovies and use them to land larger fish. Fished a rising tide. Good luck everyone!” 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 — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said he hasn’t had many reports from the pier. Expect the usual— a few croakers inshore to mid-pier, an occasional visit by mackerel, and the usual small sharks and rays. 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) — Expect the normal fish — white croaker (casting out from the piers) and some sargo and perch (when fishing the inshore waters). Jacksmelt should be showing up along with mackerel that seem to come and go. There’s also always a chance on a small shark or ray. 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) —Most of the normal fish should be available—white croaker, queenfish, small perch, and a variety of small rock-frequenting species. Top action may see some jacksmelt and mackerel. 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) — No report — need a reporter. However, a picture of a bat ray was posted on 1/31 so some fish are there. You might see a few croakers, sand bass, or perch. The bottom action may also yield up some sharays including thornbacks, shovelnose and bat rays. Fishing on top may produce jacksmelt while if you are lucky you might see mackerel visit 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) – Expect the usual: senorita, garibaldi, sheephead, and rock wrasse while some days will also produce ocean whitefish, mackerel, jack mackerel (Spanish mackerel) and perhaps even opaleye (which some years are very common). 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) — One report on the 31st this month from our Redondo Beach reporter Raul Sarmiento. He went with a group of Redondo regulars and reported good fishing for bonito and said large mackerel showed up in the afternoon. I don’t know if they tried fishing the bottom but if they did I imagine they got the regular species—halfmoon, sheephead, kelp bass, garibaldi, blacksmith, and rock wrasse. Raul said the trip was epic! 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 — Our reporter Raul Sarmiento reported: “The start of January saw good mackerel runs in the morning including squid getting caught before and after sunrise. Mackerel started biting as early as 5am or right before sunrise. The run would last 60-minutes then sporadic after 8am, around 9:30am they would begin to bite again.
Most squid were caught in the pre-dawn hours, often large amounts caught on the north side of the sails with either squid jigs or Sabiki rigs, casting as far as possible. The latter half of the month had less mackerel getting caught with shorter run times. Of course there were the exceptions when the Mac attack came quick and ended as quick. Reports from other fishermen of mackerel runs from 10am-noon and ending by 2pm. No bonito were reported to be caught, but we did catch sardines one weekend. No news or crabs or lobsters getting caught on traps. All my fishing happened Friday-Sunday 4am-10am, every weekend, and some Monday morning trips. Note: On the 24th, Redondo Beach police were issuing tickets to those fishing in the prohibited areas of the pier.” 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. However we did get one report that showed a sand bass being caught. 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. The pier was scheduled to be closed January 27-19 but hopefully it is now open again. 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 — With the loss of long time reporter Ginny Wylie due to the Palisades fire (which burned down Wylies Bait and Tackle), we are now looking for a new reporter. Any reports from the area would be appreciated. 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 perch are available and that some mackerel are showing on top. She said a few fishermen are even fishing for squid—and getting some. Early in the morning I imagine. A few small sharks have also ben taken. 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 some fish are being caught but it’s still a little slow. Expect some small perch and croakers inshore and even, if you’re lucky a possible halibut. But all the halibut have been small. She said a few lobster have also been taken and the thresher shark fisherman are starting to show up so some threshers must be out there. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said it’s been a little slow. One 31-inch halibut was reported but he’s only heard of one. Smelt have been biting pretty good but the mackerel hadve largely disappeared. LOTS of crabs as usual and one poor angler pulled in a lobster but he caught it on his fishing line (so couldn’t keep it) and he didn’t have a lobster card (so couldn’t keep). At least he got to see it. The good news is that the water remains 60-61 degrees which portends possibl ewarm water this year. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said some fish are to be had but overall it’s fairly slow fishing. Surfperch are showing up inshore while a couple of kelp (calico) bass were taken (at the pipe reef?). He said the mackerel were in for a while but the action has slowed. Sharay action has produced quite a few thornbacks and one angler pulled in a good-sized leopard shark. 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 — Same report as the last few YEARS—Still counting the days— 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. Maybe some day. We can only pray. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
Southern California Lobster — The 2025-2026 spiny lobster season in southern California is now open. The 2025-2026 season opened at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26 and closes at midnight on Wednesday, March 18 off the California coast.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – The fishing sounds fairly good at the pier with a variety of fish being taken, everything from perch to croakers, a small barracuda, and a small cabezon. Sharays included an angel shark, thresher sharks, a blue shark, spiny dogfish(?), thornbacks, and bat rays. Included in the mix are a few lobsters. 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, will eventually be replaced with a new improved pier, one better able to withstand the winter storms (and hopefully last for 75 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 – We need a reporter. It sounds like most of the action is on surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional croaker. Not great action but some fish each day. 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 and spotted bay bass are available on the bottom. 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. Anglers should expect a few bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as possibly a halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures) although this IS NOT the typical time for halibut (May-October). In addition you might find jacksmelt visiting the pier. At night you might luck into a shortfin corvina if using live bait or 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) —Some fish should be available—bass (all three varieties) and a variety of sharays—shovelnose guitarfish, round stingrays, bat rays and smoothhounds. At night add in the possibility of some shortfin corvina and possibly a small barracuda. 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 — Need a reporter. An assortment of bottom fish should be available including (perhaps) some good-sized sharays. On top expect some jacksmelt and possibly some mackerel. 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 said that two minutes before I called a buddy called from the pier where he had caught a 23-inch halibut. They’re getting a few halibut but only a few. Bill said there was a good run of mackerel followed by a run of REALLY BIG jacksmelt followed by hot action on REALLY BIG sardines. The sardines are still there and he said a few mackerel are mixed in but the mackerel are smaller than the sardines. Still slow on croakers and sharays but they should start picking up. Interesting news was the capture mid-month of a gafftopsail pompano, a fish typically found far to the south in Baja. The angler posted the picture on this site and many initially wondered if it was a creation of AI but it was real. Bill also mentioned that the local “Perch Derby” starts tomorrow. Catch ‘em on the beach or pier and you can win some nice prizes. Sign up at Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle (2110 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside). How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Fishing sounds like it is slow, and not too many people are fishing the small pier. Those that do show up should expect an occasional croaker, sargo, bass, or perch on the bottom and an occasional jacksmelt on top. 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 — Jimmy at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), said they haven’t gotten very many reports lately although there did appear to be some good numbers of spotfin croaker showing up at the pier. There should also be some surfperch and perhaps a few bass mid-pier. He says he hasn’t had any reports of top action—mackerel or bonito. Ditto on the sharays (sharks and rays, no reports). However, we got several reports on this site from Tammy DeSilva that showed a mix of fish—mackerel, jacksmelt, and a variety of sharays including a bat ray, thornbacks, leopard sharks, a horn shark, a bat ray and a stingray. So, fish are there. 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 — Jimmy at Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), says the action in the harbor remains about the same±—mainly a few bass along with some perch and croakers. 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 she finally got a halibut on the 29th. She caught a 19-inch halibut and two smaller ones. She also lost one on a Scampi. She said she was finally able to get some smelt for bait early in the day after several weeks of none. “The jacksmelt and the mackerel are biting early to midday. The weather has been very nice and so has the water. I don't like clear water, but Thursday it began to cloud up. There are some corbina around as well. Those are easy to see. Seen s nice-sized guitarfish and some barred perch roaming around. It looks like it is beginning to pick up. 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. Expect some surfperch and croakers to still be available inshore, while top action (primarily on jacksmelt and an occasional mackerel) probably remains hit and miss. 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 — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said perch and croakers continue to be caught inshore and an occasional jacksmelt or mackerel out at the end. As always, a few sharays (sharks and rays) are available especially thornback rays. A report from FishmanFishman on the 22nd said, “Wednesday morning at SB pier was a typical slow and steady winter session. Thornbacks and Jacksmelt were present. Anchovies and Lizardfish moved into the pier and were hitting Sabiki's. Small anchovies around three to four inches. I used both live baits on Carolina rigs and caught some large Lizardfish, a Jacksmelt, a Barracuda (short) and Thornbacks. No Halibut or Bass! It was a fun opportunity to catch the anchovies and use them to land larger fish. Fished a rising tide. Good luck everyone!” 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 — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said he hasn’t had many reports from the pier. Expect the usual— a few croakers inshore to mid-pier, an occasional visit by mackerel, and the usual small sharks and rays. 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) — Expect the normal fish — white croaker (casting out from the piers) and some sargo and perch (when fishing the inshore waters). Jacksmelt should be showing up along with mackerel that seem to come and go. There’s also always a chance on a small shark or ray. 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) —Most of the normal fish should be available—white croaker, queenfish, small perch, and a variety of small rock-frequenting species. Top action may see some jacksmelt and mackerel. 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) — No report — need a reporter. However, a picture of a bat ray was posted on 1/31 so some fish are there. You might see a few croakers, sand bass, or perch. The bottom action may also yield up some sharays including thornbacks, shovelnose and bat rays. Fishing on top may produce jacksmelt while if you are lucky you might see mackerel visit 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) – Expect the usual: senorita, garibaldi, sheephead, and rock wrasse while some days will also produce ocean whitefish, mackerel, jack mackerel (Spanish mackerel) and perhaps even opaleye (which some years are very common). 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) — One report on the 31st this month from our Redondo Beach reporter Raul Sarmiento. He went with a group of Redondo regulars and reported good fishing for bonito and said large mackerel showed up in the afternoon. I don’t know if they tried fishing the bottom but if they did I imagine they got the regular species—halfmoon, sheephead, kelp bass, garibaldi, blacksmith, and rock wrasse. Raul said the trip was epic! 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 — Our reporter Raul Sarmiento reported: “The start of January saw good mackerel runs in the morning including squid getting caught before and after sunrise. Mackerel started biting as early as 5am or right before sunrise. The run would last 60-minutes then sporadic after 8am, around 9:30am they would begin to bite again.
Most squid were caught in the pre-dawn hours, often large amounts caught on the north side of the sails with either squid jigs or Sabiki rigs, casting as far as possible. The latter half of the month had less mackerel getting caught with shorter run times. Of course there were the exceptions when the Mac attack came quick and ended as quick. Reports from other fishermen of mackerel runs from 10am-noon and ending by 2pm. No bonito were reported to be caught, but we did catch sardines one weekend. No news or crabs or lobsters getting caught on traps. All my fishing happened Friday-Sunday 4am-10am, every weekend, and some Monday morning trips. Note: On the 24th, Redondo Beach police were issuing tickets to those fishing in the prohibited areas of the pier.” 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. However we did get one report that showed a sand bass being caught. 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. The pier was scheduled to be closed January 27-19 but hopefully it is now open again. 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 — With the loss of long time reporter Ginny Wylie due to the Palisades fire (which burned down Wylies Bait and Tackle), we are now looking for a new reporter. Any reports from the area would be appreciated. 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 perch are available and that some mackerel are showing on top. She said a few fishermen are even fishing for squid—and getting some. Early in the morning I imagine. A few small sharks have also ben taken. 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 some fish are being caught but it’s still a little slow. Expect some small perch and croakers inshore and even, if you’re lucky a possible halibut. But all the halibut have been small. She said a few lobster have also been taken and the thresher shark fisherman are starting to show up so some threshers must be out there. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said it’s been a little slow. One 31-inch halibut was reported but he’s only heard of one. Smelt have been biting pretty good but the mackerel hadve largely disappeared. LOTS of crabs as usual and one poor angler pulled in a lobster but he caught it on his fishing line (so couldn’t keep it) and he didn’t have a lobster card (so couldn’t keep). At least he got to see it. The good news is that the water remains 60-61 degrees which portends possibl ewarm water this year. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said some fish are to be had but overall it’s fairly slow fishing. Surfperch are showing up inshore while a couple of kelp (calico) bass were taken (at the pipe reef?). He said the mackerel were in for a while but the action has slowed. Sharay action has produced quite a few thornbacks and one angler pulled in a good-sized leopard shark. 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 — Same report as the last few YEARS—Still counting the days— 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. Maybe some day. We can only pray. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.