Pier Etiquette For Newbies —

[Ken Jones]

I am working on some articles for NEWBIES and though I don't want to burden them with too much stuff (which I have a tendency to do) I do want them to hear the basics. Thus the following:

Pier Etiquette. (1) Follow all of the listed laws/regulations posted on the pier. (2) Be careful not to cross other lines when casting; it’s one of the first rules learned by pier anglers. If it does happen by mistake apologize and try again. If you just can’t seem to avoid crossing lines don’t be afraid to ask for advice/help. Most (not all) anglers are willing to offer up some advice. (3) Do not touch anyone’s fish or equipment without permission. (4) Watch your language. Swearing may be part of your normal language but it can offend many, especially those with youngsters. (5) If using a radio keep the volume down and choose non-offensive songs. You may prefer rap but many of the songs contain age-inappropriate language. The goal is to be a welcomed member of the “Pier Rat” fraternity so why not do whatever you can to be a good member in their eyes? (6) Try to keep the pier environment and waters around the pier as clean as possible. Dispose of trash in trash containers, make sure there are no lines or discarded tackle on the pier, clean up bait from the surface of piers as well as the railings, and don’t throw pollutants (of any type) into the waters adjacent to the pier. Always try to leave the pier as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.

 

[bassfanatick]

In my opinion one of the most important is not to have more than 2 rods per person, this is my pet peeve, and even people who fish for years, ahem shark fishermen, carry and set up too many thus crowding the pier and not let others use the space.

 

[Ken Jones]

#1 is to follow the listed laws/regulations posted on the pier. You can have more than two rods/reels with you but you can only use two at a time. If shark fishermen are using extra rods to block off a section of the pier they should be told that it's illegal and people have a right to fish in those areas.

 

[Ken Jones]

Perhaps I should change it to the following:

Pier Rules​

Follow all state and local laws/regulations pertaining to fishing! Important state laws include size and number limitations for fish, species that are illegal to keep, and using only two rods at a time on public piers. Greater in depth information can be found at the CA Dept. Fish and Wildlife website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Sport-Fishing. In particular, look at section 27.60 and sections 27.85-28.62. Local regulations are often posted on the piers.

Pier Etiquette
​

(1) Be careful not to cross other lines when casting; it’s one of the first rules learned by pier anglers. If it does happen by mistake apologize and try again. If you just can’t seem to avoid crossing lines don’t be afraid to ask for advice/help. Most (not all) anglers are willing to offer up some advice. (2) Do not touch anyone’s fish or equipment without permission. (3) Watch your language. Swearing may be part of your normal language but it can offend many, especially those with youngsters. (4) If using a radio keep the volume down and choose non-offensive songs. You may prefer rap but many of the songs contain age-inappropriate language. The goal is to be a welcomed member of the “Pier Rat” fraternity so why not do whatever you can to be a good member in their eyes? (5) Try to keep the pier environment and waters around the pier as clean as possible. Dispose of trash in trash containers, make sure there are no lines or discarded tackle on the pier, clean up bait from the surface of piers as well as the railings, and don’t throw pollutants (of any type) into the waters adjacent to the pier. Always try to leave the pier as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.