Looking for tips on catching lobster off pier or kayak! LA/OC Area

[hiimmeecho]

I got my gear a few months ago in preparation for lobster season. Since then I caught a bunch of spider crabs off Huntington Pier and was wondering if anyone has any tips for catching lobsters off the pier. I've done some research and i'm thinking about hitting up Redondo or Santa Monica Pier at night for starters.

 

[Makairaa]

San clemente pier is the only oc pier I know of that consistenly produces lobsters. If you are willing to kayak for them just about any harbor breakwall will produce some.

 

[hiimmeecho]

San clemente pier is the only oc pier I know of that consistenly produces lobsters. If you are willing to kayak for them just about any harbor breakwall will produce some.

Thanks Makairaa I'll definitely try San Clemente! I went out to Redondo today and it was pretty packed. Out all the people on the pier only like 1 or 2 people caught a lobster so it didn't seem like there's a lot around the pier.

 

[Makairaa]

Thanks Makairaa I'll definitely try San Clemente! I went out to Redondo today and it was pretty packed. Out all the people on the pier only like 1 or 2 people caught a lobster so it didn't seem like there's a lot around the pier.

Each season varies. Some years they move in early, some years late. And some years it seems not at all. Lobsters move around a lot more than most people realize. Time of night can also make a difference. I usually do best from just as the sun sets till about 10 pm. But it varies with each night when the lobsters decide to crawl. Sometimes late at night like 2 am is best. Just a matter of patience.

 

[fysherman]

Like Makairaa said, every trip is different. Something that worked two days ago, might not work today.

I'm no expert but I do noticed that when we get a storm rolling in or after a storm, usually gets the bugs to come out and look for food. Love those pictures of the spider crabs you got. Most don't like to keep them due to the amount of work to get the meat.

Be safe out there if you head out on the yak for hopnetting.