California Pier Report
May 2024 Fishing Report, Southern California (#294)
Lobster season is now closed!
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – No report, need a reporter. We did get reports from ghost1234 on April 19-20-21 that said: “Hi all local pier rats down in IB, I fish a lot but recently have been working and traveling so will be missing in action until October. Fish report is wide open mackerel on 4/19. On 4/20 a slow start but steady pickings. Overall a decent day but slower than yesterday One angler caught a four foot leopard shark that was released. On 4/21, they’re biting again. Caught a shovelnose guitarfish, the biggest one I’ve ever seen. 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 pier is closed and will remain closed until at least the end of spring and possibly later. 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 is closed and though some repairs were made to winter storm damage a second contractor is scheduled to do additional work, he hasn’t started, and they have no idea when he will be done, perhaps not until the fall. 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! 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. 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 continues to kick out a lot of sharays (mainly round stingrays or bat rays) and an occasional halibut. Bass fishing (kelp, sand and spotted) should start picking up. 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 — I got a report from Bill Litchfield who said a friend had visited the pier and reported good action on mackerel. Apparently he also caught a good-sized leopard shark but was unable to land it due to light line and no net. 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 gave me the latest news. The pier had a fire in the restaurant at the end on April 25, which damaged the end but luckily did not damage the pilings. But while the rest of the pier inshore from the end section appears undamaged the city has shut down the entire pier and is hoping for a Memorial Day opening. The high fence that was on the south side of the pier for nearly a year, and prevented fishing on that side, was evidently constructed while they worked on water and electrical lines out to the end. The fence was removed just this past month and apparently the two water hydrants that were installed (by the fish cleaning station) did work and were used to fight the fire. Nevertheless the fire smoldered for three days. Hoping it’s open by Memorial Day. I did visit the pier on April 5 before the fire. My report: “8:15-10 a.m. Upon arrival I found that it was low tide (with amazingly little sand left on the beach from the winter storms) and that I was one of only four anglers on the very long pier (at 1,942 feet long it is the second longest wooden pier on the West Coast). I headed out to the end. Unfortunately the rain (sometimes heavy) and wind (sometimes very strong) would arrive and found me huddled next to the snack shop at the end trying to stay somewhat dry and warm (sometime it worked, sometime it didn’t). Unfortunately, the fishing was again slow; all that I managed to catch was three walleye surfperch and one black croaker. None of my various baits—lugworms, mussels, shrimp, or anchovies worked. The most interesting sight of the visit was seeing about 25 life guards in training jumping off the end of the pier before climbing back up onto the pier using the ladder (which has been used several times by anglers releasing giant (black) sea bass and great white sharks). Finally, during a lull in the rain, I decided to head in. By this time there were about a dozen anglers on the pier but I only saw two other fish, two spotfin croakers taken by the inshore croaker fishermen using fresh mussels. After entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are now 8.00 fish per hour and 13.7 points per hour.” 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 he’s heard of a few fish being caught at the pier including a good-sized halibut caught on a Lucky Craft lure. I visited the pier on April 5 with limited success: “11 a.m.-Noon. The pier only had two other anglers and I quickly learned why—the fishing was again very slow. All I caught was one kelp bass and no one else had anything. Later, after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are now 3.97 fish per hour and 6.69 points per hour.” 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 — Brett at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy. said he’s getting some reports of good croaker action, both on spotfin and yellowfin with most falling to natural baits, i.e., mussels, worms, etc. He’s also heard of some halibut caught including some legal-size fish, most primarily caught on plastics. Surface action (mackerel) is apparently dead. It’s also slow on the sharays with only a few sharks and rays showing up although it seems to be improving. 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 — Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy. Brett said he’s getting reports of croaker, spotfin and yellowfin, just like at San Clemente. He’s also heard reports of halibut at the pier most falling to Lucky Craft lures or plastics. I visited the pier on April 4 with little success. My report: “2:50-3:50 p.m. This pier generally provides a few fish of mixed variety but not so this day, the fishing was very slow. All I caught were 4 shinerperch, fish fine for bait but not something I wanted. I didn’t see any other fish caught by anglers. Later, after entering the catch into my record book the new stats for me at the pier are 3.69 fish per hour and 5.93 points per hour (an adjusted number that takes into account the quality of fish).” 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: “The catching is not what we expected, but at least we are getting great bait. Maybe the fish are full of it. Yesterday we got a small halibut and a nice shovelnose guitarfish. No other strikes. This past week we have gotten some great strikes which weren't halibut, just big fish. The Spanish mackerel were here yesterday, but were too big for bait. The vellella vellella were here en masse this week and were washed upon the beach as far as you could see up and down the shore line. We had eight pelicans the past few days on the pier. Most were babies. Not sure about the health of them. Some seemed to have been diseased. We'll see. Animal Control came and is looking into it as the place that takes the injured or sick ones has quite a few lately. I got a 13 1/2 inch barred surfperch last week on a live smelt. He was delicious. Hope things pick up soon.” 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.
Newport Pier — No report this month but the action is usually similar to Balboa but it’s generally far more crowded. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and proceed west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place.
Huntington Beach Pier — We need a reporter. On April 20 we had a report from Ladygoose that said: “Fished Huntington pier with my fellow angler and buddy. He’s been after a leopard since I got one a few weeks back. He had hooked and lost one two weeks ago but this time was successful. We fished mid pier. From around 5pm till 1030pm. A small spotted sand bass was caught at 5:21pm on a dropper loop and some squid. Next a small shiner perch on a Carolina rig and squid was taken at 6:14pm. From 6:30 to 7:30pm we caught a mixture of sardines, Pacific mackerel, a jack mackerel and a jacksmelt. All caught on Sabikis, unbaited size 3 for sardines and squid baited bigger Sabiki for the Macks. This was the first time of the year I’ve seen the mackerel back like normal. Some mackerel were kept for chunk bait for the shark fishing. My friend hooked up at 9:20pm on a fish finder rig with a chunk of mackerel and we landed and then safely released a 36” leopard shark. One thornback was also caught before calling it a night. All and all a successful night on the pier.” I visited the pier on April 8 with (once again) limited success. The report: 8-9:45. The weather was nice but not the fishing. I only caught 3 walleye surfperch, 1 large queenfish, and 1 topsmelt. I did not see another fish on the entire pier. Unfortunately I noticed the parking rates had gone up to $3 an hour. Later, after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are now 7.45 fish per hour and 12.6 points per hour.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Liz, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy., says she’s not really getting many reports. Most of the action she has heard about involves inshore action on corbina and croakers, both yellowfin and spotfin. We got a report from Fishman Fishman on April 30 that said: “Fished a falling high tide this morning. Overcast and windy. Had the regular early morning Thornback Ray bite. In addition, there was a steady Jacksmelt run. My surprise catch was a short Barracuda on a Sabiki rig. Jacksmelt caught on anchovy and shrimp. Salema and Round Stingray nabbed with anchovy. I used high/low rig for all the fish except the Barracuda. Thornbacks caught on mackerel, white croaker, squid, and anchovy, with a fish finder rig. Only one fisherman sharing the end of the pier with me. He left with a bucket of Jacksmelt caught with shrimp. My final tally was pretty good considering the weather conditions. All fish were released: 15 to 20 Jacksmelt, 10 Thornback Rays, 1 Round Stingray, 1 Barracuda and1 Salema. We had another report from Fishman Fishman on April 11 that said: “Foggy and overcast morning on the pier. But, fish bite was on. Active Jacksmelt all morning with a sprinkling of Queenfish and White Croaker. Fishermen targeting these fish were getting a steady bite. Baitfish in the water. Not sure what they were. My tally for the session was:11 Thornback Rays, 2 Jacksmelt, 2 Pacific Chub Mackerel, 1 Queenfish,1 White Croaker,1 Sand Bass (short), and 1 Spider crab. The Mackerel were the first catch of the season for me at this pier. Maybe they are moving in.” I visited the pier on April 8 with dismal results. My report, “10:45-1:00. I had high hopes given the reports from Fishman Fishman but the action was dead. The pier was crowded with people using the pier to view the eclipse but only a few [people were fishing. All I caught was 1 mid-sized corbina and 2 large jacksmelt. Only other fish I saw were some jacksmelt caught by one angler and 2 thornback rays caught by another angler. Once again I was struck about how poorly the pier had been renovated a few years back. Not enough benches (not even one at the huge ending at the end), no bait cutting board, only one (I think) fish cleaning station on the entire pier. It almost seems more like a viewing pier than a fishing pier. The result is blood smudges throughout the pier where people had had to cut bait and fish on the surface of the pier. Truly stupid job by the city! Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 7.09 fish per hour and 11.6 points per hour.” 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 — Liz, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy., says she’s not getting any reports from the pier but that there are usually sand sharks (shovelnose guitarfish?) and other rays as well as croakers inshore. I visited the pier on April 9 with the following report: “3:15-5:45. Given it was still early in the day I decided to head over to one more pier, the Belmont Pier. Most of my time was spent out at the end trying to lure a fish. Different baits (blood worms, ghost shrimp, anchovies, market shrimp, mussels, and squid), different sections, and different methods didn’t yield any fish excepting one jacksmelt. I finally decided to try the inshore section hoping a ghost shrimp might yield up a croaker or a corbina. Instead I found one family pulling in the sardines. I decided to join them so rigged up a Sabiki and started casting with somewhat limited success. Finally I asked the more successful angler what size hooks he was using on his Sabiki and they were the same small hooks. But he said what color are you using and I said white feathers. He walked over, said try this, and handed me a bait rig he had made with green buttons by the gold hooks with no feathers. I started to catch more fish. His name was Fernando and he said he had learned some Sabikis don’t work as well as others and developed his own bait rigs. We had a nice conversation and when it was time for me to leave I handed him a $20 bill which at first he refused but I said take your grandson (who was putting fish into a pail) out for a hamburger. He gave me one more rig and I felt I had made a new friend at the pier. The total fish were 28 sardines, 1 jacksmelt and 1 shinerperch and I felt Fernando’s generosity had made the visit a success. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 4.20 fish per hour and 6.23 points per hour.” A report from Fishman Fishman on April 8 said: “Beautiful morning at pier. Sunny, warm, no wind, clear water, high tide and bait fish in the water. Excellent fishing conditions. But, a slow fish bite. At least for me. Managed to catch three White Croakers, one Jacksmelt and one short Halibut (16 1/2 inches). All caught on high/low rig baited with cut anchovy. Quite a few fishermen for a Monday. I didn't see anyone catching fish. Maybe the solar eclipse had something to do with the slow fish bite? 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, sargo and perch when fishing the inshore waters. I visited the pier on April 8 with the following report: “3:10-5:10 — I thought about stopping at Belmont Pier but hadn't eaten so decided on a late lunch and headed to the Shoreline restaurants. Had a pound of crawdads (a crawdad boil) at Louisiana Charlie’s. Since the Shoreline piers are just a few minutes away I headed there next. The two hours fishing did produce a few fish, 7 white croaker, but it still was slow. I did have a great time meeting and fishing with two anglers (Sal Mercado and Blake Mitchell) that were familiar with PFIC including the YouTube videos. I asked if they had ever visited PFIC and Sal says “sure, wow you're Ken Jones.” Turned out both had watched many of the YouTube videos and they said they had learned a lot from the site. Both were good anglers, really seemed to know the local piers, and we may have found a reporter for those piers. Interesting was the bait Sal was using, pieces of shrimp soaked in secret ingredients that produced green pieces of very effective bait. He caught a lot of white croaker and an interesting fantail sole. It is always great meeting new anglers, especially those familiar with PFIC. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 2.38 fish per hour and 4.71 points per hour.” 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, perch and perhaps some mackerel. I visited the pier on April 9 with limited success (once again). My report: “11:55-2:10. I had high hopes for the pier given previous visits but I found the tiny pier somewhat crowded with people. It was sunny and hot and the water was very dirty with debris from the recent storms. Once again the fishing was slow. I wondered if all the freshwater entering the system had forced some fish into deeper water? I only managed one lone white croaker casting out from the end while fishing down by the rocks produced 2 rockpool blenny, an interesting little fish. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 3.67 fish per hour and 7.00 points per hour.” 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) — Alex at the Rusty Hook, 245 N Gaffey St., San Pedro said nothing much has changed from last month. Some halibut are being taken but almost all by the regulars who know how to fish for them (most using lures). Other than that, maybe an occasional sand bass or small croaker. We got a report from Fishman Fishman on April 23 that said: “Overcast and very windy. Managed to catch a short Halibut, on a frozen anchovy, and two Turban snails! Fished a high tide. One other fisherman braving the wind. He caught a small Blackperch on shrimp. Wind conditions had me leaving after a short stay.” I visited the pier on April 9 with another bad visit. The report: “7:35-10:05. A beautiful, warm and almost too sunny morning that found me sharing the pier with only one other angler. I started mid-pier where there is shade but after casting out from the pier, fishing the pilings, and fishing by the jetty side of the pier, all with nary a nibble (even though trying several baits), I headed out to the end. It didn’t help; the fish just weren’t biting. Crazed by the eclipse of the sun? Turned off by the recent drop in temperature and rain? Who knows but they weren’t biting. I only managed 1 sand bass. Later, when leaving the pier, I noticed no one had a fish. Two things were interesting. One was a whale that was hanging out from the pier for over an hour. The second was meeting Kevin Fimple, an interesting young angler, who had many stories of local fishing (and fishing back in his home state of Texas). We may have a new reporter? Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 4.43 fish per hour and 8.47 points per hour. 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. The biggest question is on the future of the Mole for fishing; investigating. 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 — Hond (or maybe Han) at Redondo Beach Tackle near the end of the pier (by the restaurant) said about all he’s been seeing are mackerel. I visited the pier on April 10. My report: “7:15-9:45. You never know what to expect at the pier but it’s long earned its reputation as the mackerel pier and I found a good mackerel bite. It wasn’t a “mac attack” with a fish every cast but cast after cast would yield some fish and I eventually filled my bait cooler with bait to take home. The visit produced 33 Pacific mackerel, 5 Pacific sardine and 4 jack mackerel and made a nice ending for what had been a very slow fishing trip. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 6.46 fish per hour and 10.5 points per hour. 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 this month. 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 this month. 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) says she’s been getting reports of a lot of small perch (probably walleyes) as well as some decent-sized sargo. She’s also getting reports of halibut, mostly small but also some bigger fish. They’re getting them on anchovies and even on squid. No report on thresher sharks. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — Ginny at Wylie’s Bait & Tackle (18757 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu). Very similar to what’s happening at Malibu. 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 —Austin at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura, said the fishing is pretty decent. Anglers inshore are getting some perch and croaker while the end sees some mackerel action but it sounds sporadic. Anglers are also getting a few sharks and rays. 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 — Austin at Hyun's Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura said the pier is still closed due to winter storms. No reopening date. 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) — Kai at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said there’s a lot of action but it’s almost all top water action (mackerel and sardines) or crabs (both rock crabs and spider crabs). Apparently a lot of those species. 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 — Kai at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said it’s somewhat similar to Stearns Wharf with a lot of mackerel, sardines and some crabs. Add in some bass, cabezon, and rockfish from the pipe reef and it sounds like at least decent action. No word of sharks and rays. 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—The pier has now been closed for somewhere around eight years and the rumors of repair and reopening continue. Don’t know if there is any additional damage from the recent high tides. There are all kind of reports on the Internet regarding projected work but don’t hold your breath. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
May 2024 Fishing Report, Southern California (#294)
Lobster season is now closed!
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – No report, need a reporter. We did get reports from ghost1234 on April 19-20-21 that said: “Hi all local pier rats down in IB, I fish a lot but recently have been working and traveling so will be missing in action until October. Fish report is wide open mackerel on 4/19. On 4/20 a slow start but steady pickings. Overall a decent day but slower than yesterday One angler caught a four foot leopard shark that was released. On 4/21, they’re biting again. Caught a shovelnose guitarfish, the biggest one I’ve ever seen. 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 pier is closed and will remain closed until at least the end of spring and possibly later. 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 is closed and though some repairs were made to winter storm damage a second contractor is scheduled to do additional work, he hasn’t started, and they have no idea when he will be done, perhaps not until the fall. 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! 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. 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 continues to kick out a lot of sharays (mainly round stingrays or bat rays) and an occasional halibut. Bass fishing (kelp, sand and spotted) should start picking up. 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 — I got a report from Bill Litchfield who said a friend had visited the pier and reported good action on mackerel. Apparently he also caught a good-sized leopard shark but was unable to land it due to light line and no net. 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 gave me the latest news. The pier had a fire in the restaurant at the end on April 25, which damaged the end but luckily did not damage the pilings. But while the rest of the pier inshore from the end section appears undamaged the city has shut down the entire pier and is hoping for a Memorial Day opening. The high fence that was on the south side of the pier for nearly a year, and prevented fishing on that side, was evidently constructed while they worked on water and electrical lines out to the end. The fence was removed just this past month and apparently the two water hydrants that were installed (by the fish cleaning station) did work and were used to fight the fire. Nevertheless the fire smoldered for three days. Hoping it’s open by Memorial Day. I did visit the pier on April 5 before the fire. My report: “8:15-10 a.m. Upon arrival I found that it was low tide (with amazingly little sand left on the beach from the winter storms) and that I was one of only four anglers on the very long pier (at 1,942 feet long it is the second longest wooden pier on the West Coast). I headed out to the end. Unfortunately the rain (sometimes heavy) and wind (sometimes very strong) would arrive and found me huddled next to the snack shop at the end trying to stay somewhat dry and warm (sometime it worked, sometime it didn’t). Unfortunately, the fishing was again slow; all that I managed to catch was three walleye surfperch and one black croaker. None of my various baits—lugworms, mussels, shrimp, or anchovies worked. The most interesting sight of the visit was seeing about 25 life guards in training jumping off the end of the pier before climbing back up onto the pier using the ladder (which has been used several times by anglers releasing giant (black) sea bass and great white sharks). Finally, during a lull in the rain, I decided to head in. By this time there were about a dozen anglers on the pier but I only saw two other fish, two spotfin croakers taken by the inshore croaker fishermen using fresh mussels. After entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are now 8.00 fish per hour and 13.7 points per hour.” 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 he’s heard of a few fish being caught at the pier including a good-sized halibut caught on a Lucky Craft lure. I visited the pier on April 5 with limited success: “11 a.m.-Noon. The pier only had two other anglers and I quickly learned why—the fishing was again very slow. All I caught was one kelp bass and no one else had anything. Later, after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are now 3.97 fish per hour and 6.69 points per hour.” 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 — Brett at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy. said he’s getting some reports of good croaker action, both on spotfin and yellowfin with most falling to natural baits, i.e., mussels, worms, etc. He’s also heard of some halibut caught including some legal-size fish, most primarily caught on plastics. Surface action (mackerel) is apparently dead. It’s also slow on the sharays with only a few sharks and rays showing up although it seems to be improving. 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 — Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy. Brett said he’s getting reports of croaker, spotfin and yellowfin, just like at San Clemente. He’s also heard reports of halibut at the pier most falling to Lucky Craft lures or plastics. I visited the pier on April 4 with little success. My report: “2:50-3:50 p.m. This pier generally provides a few fish of mixed variety but not so this day, the fishing was very slow. All I caught were 4 shinerperch, fish fine for bait but not something I wanted. I didn’t see any other fish caught by anglers. Later, after entering the catch into my record book the new stats for me at the pier are 3.69 fish per hour and 5.93 points per hour (an adjusted number that takes into account the quality of fish).” 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: “The catching is not what we expected, but at least we are getting great bait. Maybe the fish are full of it. Yesterday we got a small halibut and a nice shovelnose guitarfish. No other strikes. This past week we have gotten some great strikes which weren't halibut, just big fish. The Spanish mackerel were here yesterday, but were too big for bait. The vellella vellella were here en masse this week and were washed upon the beach as far as you could see up and down the shore line. We had eight pelicans the past few days on the pier. Most were babies. Not sure about the health of them. Some seemed to have been diseased. We'll see. Animal Control came and is looking into it as the place that takes the injured or sick ones has quite a few lately. I got a 13 1/2 inch barred surfperch last week on a live smelt. He was delicious. Hope things pick up soon.” 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.
Newport Pier — No report this month but the action is usually similar to Balboa but it’s generally far more crowded. How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and proceed west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place.
Huntington Beach Pier — We need a reporter. On April 20 we had a report from Ladygoose that said: “Fished Huntington pier with my fellow angler and buddy. He’s been after a leopard since I got one a few weeks back. He had hooked and lost one two weeks ago but this time was successful. We fished mid pier. From around 5pm till 1030pm. A small spotted sand bass was caught at 5:21pm on a dropper loop and some squid. Next a small shiner perch on a Carolina rig and squid was taken at 6:14pm. From 6:30 to 7:30pm we caught a mixture of sardines, Pacific mackerel, a jack mackerel and a jacksmelt. All caught on Sabikis, unbaited size 3 for sardines and squid baited bigger Sabiki for the Macks. This was the first time of the year I’ve seen the mackerel back like normal. Some mackerel were kept for chunk bait for the shark fishing. My friend hooked up at 9:20pm on a fish finder rig with a chunk of mackerel and we landed and then safely released a 36” leopard shark. One thornback was also caught before calling it a night. All and all a successful night on the pier.” I visited the pier on April 8 with (once again) limited success. The report: 8-9:45. The weather was nice but not the fishing. I only caught 3 walleye surfperch, 1 large queenfish, and 1 topsmelt. I did not see another fish on the entire pier. Unfortunately I noticed the parking rates had gone up to $3 an hour. Later, after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are now 7.45 fish per hour and 12.6 points per hour.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Liz, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy., says she’s not really getting many reports. Most of the action she has heard about involves inshore action on corbina and croakers, both yellowfin and spotfin. We got a report from Fishman Fishman on April 30 that said: “Fished a falling high tide this morning. Overcast and windy. Had the regular early morning Thornback Ray bite. In addition, there was a steady Jacksmelt run. My surprise catch was a short Barracuda on a Sabiki rig. Jacksmelt caught on anchovy and shrimp. Salema and Round Stingray nabbed with anchovy. I used high/low rig for all the fish except the Barracuda. Thornbacks caught on mackerel, white croaker, squid, and anchovy, with a fish finder rig. Only one fisherman sharing the end of the pier with me. He left with a bucket of Jacksmelt caught with shrimp. My final tally was pretty good considering the weather conditions. All fish were released: 15 to 20 Jacksmelt, 10 Thornback Rays, 1 Round Stingray, 1 Barracuda and1 Salema. We had another report from Fishman Fishman on April 11 that said: “Foggy and overcast morning on the pier. But, fish bite was on. Active Jacksmelt all morning with a sprinkling of Queenfish and White Croaker. Fishermen targeting these fish were getting a steady bite. Baitfish in the water. Not sure what they were. My tally for the session was:11 Thornback Rays, 2 Jacksmelt, 2 Pacific Chub Mackerel, 1 Queenfish,1 White Croaker,1 Sand Bass (short), and 1 Spider crab. The Mackerel were the first catch of the season for me at this pier. Maybe they are moving in.” I visited the pier on April 8 with dismal results. My report, “10:45-1:00. I had high hopes given the reports from Fishman Fishman but the action was dead. The pier was crowded with people using the pier to view the eclipse but only a few [people were fishing. All I caught was 1 mid-sized corbina and 2 large jacksmelt. Only other fish I saw were some jacksmelt caught by one angler and 2 thornback rays caught by another angler. Once again I was struck about how poorly the pier had been renovated a few years back. Not enough benches (not even one at the huge ending at the end), no bait cutting board, only one (I think) fish cleaning station on the entire pier. It almost seems more like a viewing pier than a fishing pier. The result is blood smudges throughout the pier where people had had to cut bait and fish on the surface of the pier. Truly stupid job by the city! Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 7.09 fish per hour and 11.6 points per hour.” 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 — Liz, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy., says she’s not getting any reports from the pier but that there are usually sand sharks (shovelnose guitarfish?) and other rays as well as croakers inshore. I visited the pier on April 9 with the following report: “3:15-5:45. Given it was still early in the day I decided to head over to one more pier, the Belmont Pier. Most of my time was spent out at the end trying to lure a fish. Different baits (blood worms, ghost shrimp, anchovies, market shrimp, mussels, and squid), different sections, and different methods didn’t yield any fish excepting one jacksmelt. I finally decided to try the inshore section hoping a ghost shrimp might yield up a croaker or a corbina. Instead I found one family pulling in the sardines. I decided to join them so rigged up a Sabiki and started casting with somewhat limited success. Finally I asked the more successful angler what size hooks he was using on his Sabiki and they were the same small hooks. But he said what color are you using and I said white feathers. He walked over, said try this, and handed me a bait rig he had made with green buttons by the gold hooks with no feathers. I started to catch more fish. His name was Fernando and he said he had learned some Sabikis don’t work as well as others and developed his own bait rigs. We had a nice conversation and when it was time for me to leave I handed him a $20 bill which at first he refused but I said take your grandson (who was putting fish into a pail) out for a hamburger. He gave me one more rig and I felt I had made a new friend at the pier. The total fish were 28 sardines, 1 jacksmelt and 1 shinerperch and I felt Fernando’s generosity had made the visit a success. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 4.20 fish per hour and 6.23 points per hour.” A report from Fishman Fishman on April 8 said: “Beautiful morning at pier. Sunny, warm, no wind, clear water, high tide and bait fish in the water. Excellent fishing conditions. But, a slow fish bite. At least for me. Managed to catch three White Croakers, one Jacksmelt and one short Halibut (16 1/2 inches). All caught on high/low rig baited with cut anchovy. Quite a few fishermen for a Monday. I didn't see anyone catching fish. Maybe the solar eclipse had something to do with the slow fish bite? 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, sargo and perch when fishing the inshore waters. I visited the pier on April 8 with the following report: “3:10-5:10 — I thought about stopping at Belmont Pier but hadn't eaten so decided on a late lunch and headed to the Shoreline restaurants. Had a pound of crawdads (a crawdad boil) at Louisiana Charlie’s. Since the Shoreline piers are just a few minutes away I headed there next. The two hours fishing did produce a few fish, 7 white croaker, but it still was slow. I did have a great time meeting and fishing with two anglers (Sal Mercado and Blake Mitchell) that were familiar with PFIC including the YouTube videos. I asked if they had ever visited PFIC and Sal says “sure, wow you're Ken Jones.” Turned out both had watched many of the YouTube videos and they said they had learned a lot from the site. Both were good anglers, really seemed to know the local piers, and we may have found a reporter for those piers. Interesting was the bait Sal was using, pieces of shrimp soaked in secret ingredients that produced green pieces of very effective bait. He caught a lot of white croaker and an interesting fantail sole. It is always great meeting new anglers, especially those familiar with PFIC. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 2.38 fish per hour and 4.71 points per hour.” 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, perch and perhaps some mackerel. I visited the pier on April 9 with limited success (once again). My report: “11:55-2:10. I had high hopes for the pier given previous visits but I found the tiny pier somewhat crowded with people. It was sunny and hot and the water was very dirty with debris from the recent storms. Once again the fishing was slow. I wondered if all the freshwater entering the system had forced some fish into deeper water? I only managed one lone white croaker casting out from the end while fishing down by the rocks produced 2 rockpool blenny, an interesting little fish. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 3.67 fish per hour and 7.00 points per hour.” 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) — Alex at the Rusty Hook, 245 N Gaffey St., San Pedro said nothing much has changed from last month. Some halibut are being taken but almost all by the regulars who know how to fish for them (most using lures). Other than that, maybe an occasional sand bass or small croaker. We got a report from Fishman Fishman on April 23 that said: “Overcast and very windy. Managed to catch a short Halibut, on a frozen anchovy, and two Turban snails! Fished a high tide. One other fisherman braving the wind. He caught a small Blackperch on shrimp. Wind conditions had me leaving after a short stay.” I visited the pier on April 9 with another bad visit. The report: “7:35-10:05. A beautiful, warm and almost too sunny morning that found me sharing the pier with only one other angler. I started mid-pier where there is shade but after casting out from the pier, fishing the pilings, and fishing by the jetty side of the pier, all with nary a nibble (even though trying several baits), I headed out to the end. It didn’t help; the fish just weren’t biting. Crazed by the eclipse of the sun? Turned off by the recent drop in temperature and rain? Who knows but they weren’t biting. I only managed 1 sand bass. Later, when leaving the pier, I noticed no one had a fish. Two things were interesting. One was a whale that was hanging out from the pier for over an hour. The second was meeting Kevin Fimple, an interesting young angler, who had many stories of local fishing (and fishing back in his home state of Texas). We may have a new reporter? Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 4.43 fish per hour and 8.47 points per hour. 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. The biggest question is on the future of the Mole for fishing; investigating. 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 — Hond (or maybe Han) at Redondo Beach Tackle near the end of the pier (by the restaurant) said about all he’s been seeing are mackerel. I visited the pier on April 10. My report: “7:15-9:45. You never know what to expect at the pier but it’s long earned its reputation as the mackerel pier and I found a good mackerel bite. It wasn’t a “mac attack” with a fish every cast but cast after cast would yield some fish and I eventually filled my bait cooler with bait to take home. The visit produced 33 Pacific mackerel, 5 Pacific sardine and 4 jack mackerel and made a nice ending for what had been a very slow fishing trip. Later after entering the day’s catch into my record book the updated stats for the pier are 6.46 fish per hour and 10.5 points per hour. 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 this month. 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 this month. 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) says she’s been getting reports of a lot of small perch (probably walleyes) as well as some decent-sized sargo. She’s also getting reports of halibut, mostly small but also some bigger fish. They’re getting them on anchovies and even on squid. No report on thresher sharks. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — Ginny at Wylie’s Bait & Tackle (18757 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu). Very similar to what’s happening at Malibu. 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 —Austin at Hyun’s Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura, said the fishing is pretty decent. Anglers inshore are getting some perch and croaker while the end sees some mackerel action but it sounds sporadic. Anglers are also getting a few sharks and rays. 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 — Austin at Hyun's Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura said the pier is still closed due to winter storms. No reopening date. 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) — Kai at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said there’s a lot of action but it’s almost all top water action (mackerel and sardines) or crabs (both rock crabs and spider crabs). Apparently a lot of those species. 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 — Kai at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said it’s somewhat similar to Stearns Wharf with a lot of mackerel, sardines and some crabs. Add in some bass, cabezon, and rockfish from the pipe reef and it sounds like at least decent action. No word of sharks and rays. 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—The pier has now been closed for somewhere around eight years and the rumors of repair and reopening continue. Don’t know if there is any additional damage from the recent high tides. There are all kind of reports on the Internet regarding projected work but don’t hold your breath. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
