California Pier Report
November 2023 Fishing Report, Southern California (#289)
Lobster season is now open: “The 2023-2024 recreational season started at 6:00 p.m. on Sept. 29, 2023 and will run through Wednesday, March 20, 2024.” — California Department of Fish and Wildlife
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – Got a report from Ray619 on 11/1 that said, "Tried for 2 hours for nothing. Just brought one outfit rigged for Bonita. It was Bonita or Bust. Saw a few croakers caught along with smelt. No sardines or chovies. Talked to a few regulars and most mentioned Mackerel bite and queenfish. Noticed they place rod holders along the pier." 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 — Unable to make contact. The pier may still be closed from recent high waves. 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 – No report from the new tackle shop; never seems to answer her phone. Will call again. 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. I thought I had a new reporter but he hasn’t answered my calls. I’ll keep trying. 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 bass (kelp, sand and spotted) generally seem to be around as well as a mix of sharays (mostly round stingrays and bat rays). 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 — Got a report from Ray619 on 10/19 that said “Nice weather past few days. Fished for a few hours around noon. Caught some Mackerel for some future lobster trips. Saw a few jacksmelt caught by other anglers using Sabikis. Not much else biting. During the day they have a deli serving Hotdogs, burgers, sandwiches. They also have a nice lineup of beer on tap. I tried the Baja Hotdog. It's a bacon wrapped hot dog with relish, onions, salsa. Really good hotdog.” 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 says anglers are getting some spotfin and yellowfin croaker inshore on mussels along with some sargo. He said a couple of corbina also showed up. Some halibut are being caught but most are shorts. Same with the lobsters, a lot are available but most are shorts (and the 10 p.m. closing makes it hard for the lobster). Out at the end anglers are getting a mix of walleye surfperch, some herring (queenfish), some salema, and some lizardfish. How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — No report this month. 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 — Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy. says there’s been a decent take on lobsters by those using hoop nets while anglers fishing inshore and using natural baits (lug worms, mussels) are taking a nice mix of surfperch and croakers (yellowfin and spotfin). 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 — Stephanie at Hogan's Bait and Tackle (34320 Pacific Coast Hwy. said she getting reports of pretty consistent action on croakers which at this pier usually means spotfins. Also a few bass continue to show—spotted bay bass, sand bass and kelp bass. She says the weather is beautiful. 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 says, “Still not much to report about fishing on the pier. We have had a bait problem. Sometimes there are just lizardfish and other time there are smelt and some sardines. Yesterday my friend Tommy caught a 23-1/2 inch halibut on a small smelt. It was his first this year, and needless to say he was very excited. All of my halibut were small and I only have one keeper this year after 10 keepers last year. Yesterday we had a 4-foot turtle visit us. First one this year. Have seen a few mackerel caught and the jacksmelt are just beginning to show. We are hoping it continues to pick up.” How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take Newport Blvd. which will turn into Balboa Blvd., follow it west to Palm Street. Turn right and follow it to the pier and the adjacent parking lot.
Newport Pier — No report this month but the action is usually similar to Balboa. 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 — The bait shop is closed and we need a reporter. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Rada, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy, says people are getting a mix of lobster (hoop nets) and fish with lots of croaker, some mackerel and even a few halibut. He did say though that it’s been very windy which interferes with the fishing. Got a report from Fishman Fishman on October 10 who said, “Steady bite of Thornback rays all morning. Ended up catching and releasing 11 Thornbacks. Fish tally on this beautiful morning was:1 Bullhead Sculpin, 1 Pacific Mackerel, 1 Queenfish, 1 Yellowfin Croaker, 1 Topsmelt, and 1 Lizardfish. A report dated October 5 from Fishman Fishman said, “Great weather, couldn't pass up another opportunity to fish. Steady morning bite of Lizardfish, Jacksmelt and Topsmelt. A few Yellowfin Croaker in the mix. Used Sabiki tipped with shrimp, squid, and anchovy. Finished my morning trip with catches of: Jacksmelt. Topsmelt. Lizardfish. 3 Yellowfin Croaker.1 Bullhead Sculpin.1 Round stingray. 2 Thornbacks. Fisherman next to me focused on Queenfish and caught a bucketful using cut smelt as bait. Another regular fisherman fishing the surf caught a large Corbina with fresh mussel using a Carolina rig.” Another report from Fishman Fishman dated October 2 said, “Beautiful sunny day on the pier. Not many fisherman. Fish bite was slow. But the great weather kept me on the pier. Caught some Spanish Mackerel, Pacific Chub Mackerel, Jacksmelt, Topsmelt, a short Halibut and the always present Thornbacks. Caught most fish on a hi/lo rig using a variety of baits - anchovy, shrimp, squid or mackerel. Surprise catch was the halibut caught on a smelt fillet. A lot of smelt in the water. Jacksmelt and Topsmelt dominated the bite today. 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 — Rada, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. says people are getting a few lobsters along with a mix of croaker, mackerel and halibut. 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) — No reports. 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. 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 he’s not getting many reports but apparently there are still some halibut around even though almost all of them are undersized. No mackerel! He is frustrated with all the poaching going on for short halibut, short bass, and lobsters (wrong equipment, too many, and shorts). The wardens just don’t visit the pier. He tried to alert the Department of Fish and Wildlife via CalTip but hasn’t even been able to get through to the number (phone line or Internet). He finally in frustration sent a note to the Director but hasn’t heard back anything (we’ll keep you posted). Got a report from Fishman Fishman on October 17 who said, “Last trip to this pier was in July. Thought I would try again. Overcast morning. Fished a high tide. Caught and released one Black perch, five Lizardfish and about a dozen Shiner perch. Used a few Lizardfish and Shiner perch for live bait without success. The Black perch was caught on the jetty side of the pier with shrimp, on a hi/lo rig. The Shiner perch and Lizardfish caught on a Sabiki rig tipped with shrimp and anchovy. Very few fishermen on the pier. Did not see anyone catch anything. Packed things up by 11:00 a.m. One interesting note. The live bait barge has moved locations within the harbor. It's now closer to the end of the pier. Not within casting range. Perhaps the live bait will attract more fish near 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 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. 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 at the Redondo Beach Tackle on the pier says people are catching mackerel but not much else. 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 things have slowed down but anglers are still getting fish. Most of the catch is perch along with sargo and yellowfin croaker but a few halibut have also been reported. Plus a few really big bat rays have also been caught. Not too many lobsters on the pier but apparently the lobster poachers are hitting all the beaches and rocky areas and taking a lot of lobsters. She refuses to sell them the big treble hooks used for poaching when they come into her store. She said she hasn’t seen a warden in ages even though she used to have a good relationship with the Department. 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) says she hasn’t had many reports but some big bat rays are still showing up. 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 the fishing has been good. The usual species are showing up along with some more unusual varieties (people fishing the beach are showing up with some striped bass). She said those who know what they are doing are also catching some nice opaleye at the pier. Her nephew filled up a bucket with opaleye using fresh mussels and lugworms. How To Get There: From Highway 1 take Hueneme Rd. west until it turns into Port. At Ventura Rd turn left and follow it to Surfside Dr. Turn left again and follow it to the park.
Ventura Pier — Ludia at Hyun's Tackle, 3695 E Harbor Blvd., Ventura said the pier is still closed due to damage from last winter’s storms. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take the Seaward Drive exit west to Harbor Drive, turn right and follow it to the pier.
Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara) — Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said the pier has seen a lot of lobsters but unfortunately almost all of them are shorts. At least there’s some action and the crabs are still abundant! As for the fish there was a good run on thresher sharks but it seems to have ended a little over a week ago. Nothing much on top although the mackerel are in and out, they’re just not consistent; same with the sardines. Expect an occasional bass on the bottom. How To Get There: From Highway 101 take Castillo St. or State St. west to the beach and follow signs to the pier.
Goleta Pier — Ben at Hook Line & Sinker, 4010-5 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, said action has been fairly good on kelp bass and though most are in the 10-13-inch range and thus illegal, anglers are also getting quite a few 14-16-inch legal fish. Most are being caught casting out by the pipe reef on bait although some are reported on swim baits. He said there was also a very good run of sheephead at the pipe reef but it too seems to have stopped. But, there is a good run of thresher sharks taking place now and the shark fishermen figured it out moving to Goleta from Stearns Wharf (where they were). As for the mackerel they are in and out; good action when they are there but no action when they are absent. A few halibut have also been caught but not many. 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. There are all kind of reports on the Internet 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.
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