January 2026 Fishing Report, Southern California (#306)
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 like it’s OK at the pier, at least between the storms. It’s not hot but also not dead. Some bonito on some days, some jacksmelt and mackerel on some days, some croakers on some days, some surfperch on some days—you get the drift. There’s also a mix of bottom fish including cabezon, scorpionfish (sculpin), and small rockfish. Fairly decent action on small sharks and small rays at night while a decent-sized angel shark was caught one day. As a bonus, several shortfin corvina were caught this month from the pier. Lobster are also legal and some are being taken from the pier at night. Visit and you’ll probably catch something but don’t expect a full creel. An early in the month report from ghost1234c reported, “2 short halibut on smelt, 8 white croaker. Smelt is still small to large 4-6 inches nothing else caught, I heard a few bonito were running through.” Do be aware that with all the rain and runoff, the pollution from the Tijuana River can be an even bigger problem than normal. 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 – The pier sounds a little like the Imperial Beach Pier, not great action but some fish each day. Those fishing between the storms should find a mixture of mackerel, jacksmelt, croakers, perch and the sharays. 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 — We need a reporter. Limited fishermen this month due to the weather but if you decide to give it a try expect some 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 and mackerel 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) — I imagine the angler numbers are also down here due to the rain but some fish should still 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 or 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. If you brave the rain some bass and 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 reports that the rain and wind have really kept the anglers away. He had hoped all year for bonito and they finally showed up for a few days at the start of December, and they were small ones, but they stayed only a few days and are now gone. He said the water is very dirty which doesn’t help things. Surfperch are still available inshore but the croaker action is largely gone. On top? Nothing but jacksmelt and an occasional mackerel. As for the sharays, one 8-½ foot thresher shark was taken but just that one lone shark and excepting some small thornbacks and small bat rays most of the sharay action is dead. How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Rain, rain, go away and come some other day. The water in the harbor is very dirty, fishing 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 — Unable to contact Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), the message said they are closed until January 14 for inventory. I don’t imagine too many are fishing the pier but in between the storm there should still be some surfperch inshore along with a few croaker (on the bottom), and some jacksmelt from mid-pie to the end (on the top). There may even be a few sharks and rays (although this is not the best time for them). However, watch the weather and stay safe. 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 — Unable to contact Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), the message said they are closed until January 14 for inventory. As at other local piers I don’t imagine too many are fishing due to the weather. However, if you fish between the storm there should still be a few fish—kelp, sand, and spotted bay bass, some croakers (it’s a good pier for spotfins), all on the bottom, some jacksmelt on top, and maybe a small shark or ray (although they have probably moved outside the harbor). 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 — Got a report from our reporter Snookie that said, “Went to the pier today and there wasn't anything cooperating. We just had lizardfish and no strikes. Sure had lots of people from everywhere including Germany. They are all here for the parade and the ball game. It was supposed to be a nice day today with no rain. The weatherman doesn't look outside. Yes, we had lots of sprinkles and a beautiful dark cloudy sky. However, it was 72 degrees and you could see all the way to San Clemente Island. I wish I could say something good about the fishing, but at least there are some jacksmelt and a few mackerel around and also some big Spanish mackerel. It was like lakeside today as it has been lately as well. Have seen one whale so far.” 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. I expect the rain has driven most anglers away but those who brave the elements should 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 the rain has meant less anglers and the pier was closed for a few days. When open, a few 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 mid-month report from Fishman Fishman showed the catch of a 42-inch angel shark that he photographed and released. 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 that the weather has hampered fishing—and the number of fishermen. Between the rains action is about 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) — Those who brave the storms should see most of 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. Do expect a LOT of debris in the water, outflow from the river. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine all the different things that come floating down in the water (and not exactly an appealing scene). 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) — Ditto what I said about the Shoreline Aquatic Piers including the debris in the water. However, if you brave the elements 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. Brave the wind and rain and 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 most years were 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) — No reports this month but expect the usual—halfmoon, sheephead, kelp bass, garibaldi, blacksmith, and rock wrasse. Mackerel and jack mackerel (Spanish mackerel) can move in and out anytime while a few bonito MIGHT be available at dawn and sundown. 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 — I am very pleased to announce that Raul Sarmiento will be the newest PFIC reporter giving us a monthly report on the Redondo Beach Pier. He fishes the pier every week and seems to be one of the most knowledgeable anglers at the pier. His first report: “Catching mackerel usually before sunrise to 8am, fishing slows after 8:30am. Also catching some squid when birds are around the buoy plus catching squid egg sacs, caught a lot more in November for calamari. You have to cast far to catch most of the mackerel otherwise you'll get skunked like I did on some days. Most mackerel caught on 7-hook Sabiki in chartreuse colors. Some are catching 1-3 bonito after sunrise but it's been sporadic. Early in December the mackerel were larger but in recent weeks we’re catching smaller fish with the occasional large mackerel. Most fish are caught south of the sails but at times the whole pier is catching fish using Sabiki rigs Some larger smelt have also been caught. The pier is most busy on Saturdays and less busy when it rains. Early December was cold, foggy, and windy, making fishing difficult. Past two weekends fog has lifted and light wind.” 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 — 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 no one is fishing due to the rain and wind and as a result she didn’t have any report. I imagine if you brave the weather there may still be a few surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional sharay (shark or ray). 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— same report as Port Hueneme. Ludia said no one is fishing due to the rain and wind and as a result she didn’t have any report. I imagine if you brave the weather there may still be a few surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional sharay (shark or ray). 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) — Unable to contact Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, Closed for holidays? I imagine his report would be much the same as that at Ventura, lots of rain but few anglers. If recent action was an indicator anglers braving the weather will find tons of crabs under the pier (red, rock, and spider crabs). Fishing on the other hand can be hit or miss although this is usually the time of the year for surfperch and jacksmelt. 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 — Unable to contact Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Closed for holidays? I imagine his report would be much the same as that at Ventura, lots of rain but few anglers. If recent action was an indicator, anglers braving the weather may still find bass and small rockfish casting out to the pipe reef, find some surfperch inshore, and possibly find some sharays out at the end. Given the time of the year some may be trying for lobster but results will probably be only fair. 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 like it’s OK at the pier, at least between the storms. It’s not hot but also not dead. Some bonito on some days, some jacksmelt and mackerel on some days, some croakers on some days, some surfperch on some days—you get the drift. There’s also a mix of bottom fish including cabezon, scorpionfish (sculpin), and small rockfish. Fairly decent action on small sharks and small rays at night while a decent-sized angel shark was caught one day. As a bonus, several shortfin corvina were caught this month from the pier. Lobster are also legal and some are being taken from the pier at night. Visit and you’ll probably catch something but don’t expect a full creel. An early in the month report from ghost1234c reported, “2 short halibut on smelt, 8 white croaker. Smelt is still small to large 4-6 inches nothing else caught, I heard a few bonito were running through.” Do be aware that with all the rain and runoff, the pollution from the Tijuana River can be an even bigger problem than normal. 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 – The pier sounds a little like the Imperial Beach Pier, not great action but some fish each day. Those fishing between the storms should find a mixture of mackerel, jacksmelt, croakers, perch and the sharays. 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 — We need a reporter. Limited fishermen this month due to the weather but if you decide to give it a try expect some 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 and mackerel 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) — I imagine the angler numbers are also down here due to the rain but some fish should still 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 or 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. If you brave the rain some bass and 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 reports that the rain and wind have really kept the anglers away. He had hoped all year for bonito and they finally showed up for a few days at the start of December, and they were small ones, but they stayed only a few days and are now gone. He said the water is very dirty which doesn’t help things. Surfperch are still available inshore but the croaker action is largely gone. On top? Nothing but jacksmelt and an occasional mackerel. As for the sharays, one 8-½ foot thresher shark was taken but just that one lone shark and excepting some small thornbacks and small bat rays most of the sharay action is dead. How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — Rain, rain, go away and come some other day. The water in the harbor is very dirty, fishing 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 — Unable to contact Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), the message said they are closed until January 14 for inventory. I don’t imagine too many are fishing the pier but in between the storm there should still be some surfperch inshore along with a few croaker (on the bottom), and some jacksmelt from mid-pie to the end (on the top). There may even be a few sharks and rays (although this is not the best time for them). However, watch the weather and stay safe. 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 — Unable to contact Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy.), the message said they are closed until January 14 for inventory. As at other local piers I don’t imagine too many are fishing due to the weather. However, if you fish between the storm there should still be a few fish—kelp, sand, and spotted bay bass, some croakers (it’s a good pier for spotfins), all on the bottom, some jacksmelt on top, and maybe a small shark or ray (although they have probably moved outside the harbor). 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 — Got a report from our reporter Snookie that said, “Went to the pier today and there wasn't anything cooperating. We just had lizardfish and no strikes. Sure had lots of people from everywhere including Germany. They are all here for the parade and the ball game. It was supposed to be a nice day today with no rain. The weatherman doesn't look outside. Yes, we had lots of sprinkles and a beautiful dark cloudy sky. However, it was 72 degrees and you could see all the way to San Clemente Island. I wish I could say something good about the fishing, but at least there are some jacksmelt and a few mackerel around and also some big Spanish mackerel. It was like lakeside today as it has been lately as well. Have seen one whale so far.” 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. I expect the rain has driven most anglers away but those who brave the elements should 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 the rain has meant less anglers and the pier was closed for a few days. When open, a few 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 mid-month report from Fishman Fishman showed the catch of a 42-inch angel shark that he photographed and released. 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 that the weather has hampered fishing—and the number of fishermen. Between the rains action is about 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) — Those who brave the storms should see most of 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. Do expect a LOT of debris in the water, outflow from the river. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine all the different things that come floating down in the water (and not exactly an appealing scene). 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) — Ditto what I said about the Shoreline Aquatic Piers including the debris in the water. However, if you brave the elements 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. Brave the wind and rain and 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 most years were 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) — No reports this month but expect the usual—halfmoon, sheephead, kelp bass, garibaldi, blacksmith, and rock wrasse. Mackerel and jack mackerel (Spanish mackerel) can move in and out anytime while a few bonito MIGHT be available at dawn and sundown. 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 — I am very pleased to announce that Raul Sarmiento will be the newest PFIC reporter giving us a monthly report on the Redondo Beach Pier. He fishes the pier every week and seems to be one of the most knowledgeable anglers at the pier. His first report: “Catching mackerel usually before sunrise to 8am, fishing slows after 8:30am. Also catching some squid when birds are around the buoy plus catching squid egg sacs, caught a lot more in November for calamari. You have to cast far to catch most of the mackerel otherwise you'll get skunked like I did on some days. Most mackerel caught on 7-hook Sabiki in chartreuse colors. Some are catching 1-3 bonito after sunrise but it's been sporadic. Early in December the mackerel were larger but in recent weeks we’re catching smaller fish with the occasional large mackerel. Most fish are caught south of the sails but at times the whole pier is catching fish using Sabiki rigs Some larger smelt have also been caught. The pier is most busy on Saturdays and less busy when it rains. Early December was cold, foggy, and windy, making fishing difficult. Past two weekends fog has lifted and light wind.” 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 — 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 no one is fishing due to the rain and wind and as a result she didn’t have any report. I imagine if you brave the weather there may still be a few surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional sharay (shark or ray). 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— same report as Port Hueneme. Ludia said no one is fishing due to the rain and wind and as a result she didn’t have any report. I imagine if you brave the weather there may still be a few surfperch, jacksmelt and an occasional sharay (shark or ray). 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) — Unable to contact Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, Closed for holidays? I imagine his report would be much the same as that at Ventura, lots of rain but few anglers. If recent action was an indicator anglers braving the weather will find tons of crabs under the pier (red, rock, and spider crabs). Fishing on the other hand can be hit or miss although this is usually the time of the year for surfperch and jacksmelt. 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 — Unable to contact Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara. Closed for holidays? I imagine his report would be much the same as that at Ventura, lots of rain but few anglers. If recent action was an indicator, anglers braving the weather may still find bass and small rockfish casting out to the pipe reef, find some surfperch inshore, and possibly find some sharays out at the end. Given the time of the year some may be trying for lobster but results will probably be only fair. 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.