January 2020 Fishing Report, Central California (254)

Ken Jones

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Central California — January 2020 Fishing Report, CenCal (#254)

San Luis Obispo County Piers

Pismo Beach Pier — Pismo Beach Pier — Surfperch (on the bottom) and jacksmelt (on the top), should be available most days. How To Get There: From the north, take Hwy. 101 to the Five Cities Dr. exit; follow Dolliver into the middle of town, then turn west on Pomeroy and follow it to the pier and parking lot. From the south, take the Pismo Beach Exit (Price St.), follow it to Pomeroy; turn west and follow it to the pier.

Avila Pier – The pier is currently closed. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to Avila Rd. and go west; turn left off of Avila Rd. on to Front St. and follow it to the pier.

San Luis (Harford) Pier — Debbie at Patriot Sportfishing (on the pier) said she’s seeing some perch action on the bottom (with bait) and jacksmelt action on the top (with Sabikis). Not much else although one angler pulled in a thornback ray. She reminds people that rockcod fishing on their boats is closed until April 1. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to the Avila Rd. turnoff and head west; follow the road to the end and the pier. How To Get There: Take Hwy. 101 to the Avila Rd. turnoff and head west; follow the road to the end and the pier.

Morro Bay T-Piers – A variety of perch and rockfish should be available—blackperch, pileperch, and striped perch along with grass, brown, copper, blue and black and yellow rockfish. How To Get There: From Highway 1 turn south onto Main Street, follow it to Morro Bay Boulevard, turn left toward the bay and follow it to Embarcadero, turn right and follow Embarcadero to the end of the public parking which adjoins the piers.

Cayucos Pier — Expect a variety of perch inshore. Top-water action sees mainly sees jacksmelt. A few sharays, sharks and rays, may be available but their numbers are down from those seen in summer. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to either Ocean Boulevard, which is the main street and will take you past the pier, or take the Cayucos Drive exit which will take you straight to the pier.

San Simeon Pier — Expect the usual, a variety of perch inshore while mid-pier to the end may see some pelagic action on top—mackerel (some days) and jacksmelt. How To Get There: Highway 1 to the entrance to the park.

Monterey-Santa Cruz-San Mateo County Piers

Monterey Coast Guard Pier — No report, but perch, rockfish, cabezon, and an occasional lingcod should still be available. How To Get There: From Hwy 1 going north: Take the Aguajito Road exit, turn left at the first traffic signal intersection, which is Aguajito Road, and continue under Highway 1 and cross Fremont Street. At the next traffic signal intersection, which is Del Monte Avenue, turn left. Continue down Del Monte Avenue and under the tunnel where the street turns into Lighthouse Avenue. Get into the right-hand lane. As the street veers to the right it turns into Foam Street. Continue on Foam Street to the first right and turn into the parking lot. From Hwy 1 going south: Take the Del Monte Avenue exit, continue down Del Monte Avenue for several blocks and go under the tunnel where the street turns into Lighthouse Avenue. Get into the right-hand lane. As the street veers to the right it turns into Foam Street. Continue on Foam Street to the first right and turn into the parking lot.

Monterey Wharf #2 — No report this month. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the central Monterey exit and follow Del Monte Avenue to Figueroa Street, turn right and follow to the wharf.

Seacliff State Beach Pier — Ed at the Capitola Boat & Bait, said he’s not getting any reports (since Capitola is closed) but assumes the regulars over there catching a few fish. I imagine since Capitola is closed a few of its regulars might also have ventured over to Seacliff. Traditionally this time of the year sees increased perch action. How To Get There: How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the State Park Drive exit; follow the road west to the park entrance.

Capitola Wharf — Ed at the Capitola Boat & Bait, on the pier, said the wharf is currently closed. Apparently two pilings snapped down by where the landing connected to the pilings and the entire pier had to be closed until those pilings are replaced. He said it will be at least mid-month before the pier is reopened (and maybe longer). He’s fixing up boats and doing a little fishing himself but no one else can get out there. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take the Bay Avenue exit west until it hits Capitola Avenue where you turn right; stay on this to Cliff Drive, turn right and park wherever you can find a spot.

Santa Cruz Wharf — Frankie, at the Santa Cruz Boat Rental (on the wharf), said almost all of the action has been on mackerel (on the top) or kingfish (on the bottom). Not much else is showing. How to Get There: Ocean Street south from Highway 1; when you get to Laurel Street turn right and follow it to Pacific Street, turn left and follow Pacific to the wharf.

Pillar Point Pier — A PFIC report fom norcalrod said the pier is currently closed and being rebuilt but if on schedule it should open soon. When/if it opens, perch and small rockfish should be available as well as a variety of crabs. How To Get There: From Highway 1 simply take the Pillar Point Harbor turnoff and follow the road down to the main parking lot. This pier is to the far right of the parking lot

Pacifica Pier — Marque at Coastside #2 Bait and Tackle, 1604 Francisco Blvd, said the pier has been closed off and on due to high surf advisories and he says the sea has been really messed up. When open, 90% of the anglers are seeking out crabs with so so success. As for fish, it’s primarily people fishing for perch in the inshore section and they are getting perch but almost all are small, under 8 inches in length. Not much else. How To Get There: Take Highway 1 to Pacifica, take the Paloma Avenue-Francisco Boulevard exit, take Paloma west to Beach Road, turn left and proceed a short way until you see markers indicating the way to Fort Point, turn left on Long Avenue and it will take you down to the pier.