“Record” California Pier Fish
Unofficial records —gathered from various reports (and some taken with a mild grain of salt). Always looking for verifible reports of big pier fish.
Giant (Black) Sea Bass — In the early years there were an amazing number of large bass caught and many pier regulars specifically targeted the giant bass with special equipment.
≈ 600 Lbs. — Manhattan Beach Pier, 1929, Source: Manhattan Beach Historical Society
≈ 500 Lbs. — Point Mugu Fish Camp Pier, Frank Kubota, June 19, 1925. Source: Oxnard Daily Courier, June 19, 1925
485 Lbs. — Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara), Joe Foxen, June 21, 1919. Source: San Francisco Chronicle, June 21, 1919
480 Lbs. — Southern Pacific Wharf (Newport Beach), J. S. Stewart, March 12, 1918. Source: Santa Ana Register, March 18, 1918
465 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf, E. H. Borhing, November 12, 1905. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 12, 1905
453 Lbs. — Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara), R. A. Hendricks, October 22, 1925. Source: Santa Barbara Daily News, October 23, 1925
452 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, Carl Sandino, May 12, 1930. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 13, 1930
435 Lbs. — Newport Pier, “New Jersey man,” 1937. Source: Personal communication, Patrick Kennedy, Baldy’s Tackle (1990)
428 Lbs. — Manhattan Beach Pier, 1923. Source: Manhattan Beach Historical Society
427 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, Texan, May 16, 1921. Source: Newspaper
415 Lbs. — Belmont Pier (Long Beach), Lester Bobb, June 14, 1929. Source: Long Beach Press-Telegram, June 15, 1929
408 Lbs. — Redondo Beach Pier, C. E. Allen, May 19, 1918. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 20, 1918
402 Lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, Jack Racke, July 3, 1923. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 4, 1923
400 Lbs. — Port Hueneme Wharf, Arthur Kovalovsky, July 1927. Source: Oxnard Daily Courier, July 25, 1927
400 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), Tommy Prizgint and Will Cody, June 1, 1909. Source: The Redondo Reflex, June 3, 1909
387 Lbs. — Newport Pier, Tex Rogers, June 7, 1921.Source: Los Angeles Times, June 8, 1921
370 Lbs. — Jones Wharf (Santa Monica), June 1, 1899, J. Dibble. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 2, 1899
≈ 370 Lbs. — Pine Avenue Pier (Long Beach), John Miller, December 29, 1910. Source: Los Angeles Herald, December 29, 1910
365 Lbs. — Pine Avenue Pier (Long Beach), John Leach, June 11, 1914. Source: Santa Ana Register, June 12, 1914
365 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), H. O. Patey, George C. Bowman & Tom Peterson. September 30, 1910. Source: The Redondo Reflex, October 6, 1910
360 Lbs. — McFadden Wharf (Newport Beach), March 26, 1896. Source: Los Angeles Times, March 26, 1896
356 Lbs. — Hotel Del Coronado Pier, April 1894. Source: New York Times, May 6, 1894
354 Lbs. — Santa Monica Municipal Pier, I. A. Taft, July 5, 1923. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 6, 1923
351 Lbs. —Manhattan Beach Pier, C. C. Campus, May 15, 1922. Source: Manhattan Beach Historical Society
350 Lbs. — Santa Monica Municipal Pier, F. M. Stites, October 27, 1915. Source: Los Angeles Times, October 27, 1915
327 Lbs. — McFadden Wharf (Newport Beach), 1886. Source: San Bernardino Daily Sun, August 3, 1916
320 Lbs. — Newport Pier, June 1902. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 5, 1902
310 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, Lew Williams, June 25, 1933. Source: Santa Ana Daily Register, July 5, 1933
304 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), William Sartor, November 16, 1916. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 16, 1916
304 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, C. S. Hemstreet, August 1908. Source: Santa Ana Register, August 3, 1908
302 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, Ed Dorsey, May 15, 1922. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 15, 1922
300 Lbs. — Port Hueneme Pier, Ramon Solis, June 10, 1934. Source: Oxnard Daily Courier, June 11, 1934
297 Lbs. — San Diego Steamer Wharf, “Two boys,” April 3, 1891. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 8, 1891
294 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, D. C. Winans, August 1908. Source: Santa Ana Register, August 3, 1908
290 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach). Source: The Redondo Reflex, October 29, 1908
288 Lbs. — McFadden Wharf (Newport Beach), August 22, 1889. Source: South Riverside Bee, August 23, 1889
286 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, 1936. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
285 Lbs. — Avalon Pleasure Pier, John Kassar, December 9, 1918. Source: Catalina Islander, December 10, 1918
285 Lbs. — Redondo Beach Pier, A. E. Putter, May 19, 1918. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 20, 1918
278 Lbs. — Redondo Beach Pier, C. E. Allen, May 19, 1918. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 20, 1918
275 Lbs. — Redondo Pier No. 3, D. S. Martin, October 1, 1920. Source: Los Angeles Times
270 Lbs. — Pine Avenue Pier (Long Beach), John Miller, December 29, 1910. Source: Los Angeles Herald, December 29, 1910
260 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, Dave Winans, June 1911. Source: Santa Ana Register, June 26, 1911
255 Lbs. — Pine Avenue Pier (Long Beach), Rochester Sandusky, December 26, 1906. Source: Los Angeles Herald, December 26, 1906
250 Lbs. — McFadden Wharf (Newport Beach), June 13, 1894. Source: Los Angeles Herald, June 14, 1894
250 Lbs. — Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara), Jo Delaney, 1886. Source: San Francisco Chronicle, April 22, 1887
240 Lbs. — Redondo Pier No. 3, W. H. Clark, September 30, 1920. Source: Los Angeles Times
228 Lbs. — Redondo Pier No. 2, Carl Ahrens & Ralph Ahrens, May 23, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 30, 1909
225 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), C. A. Ahrens, May 25, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 26, 1909
225 Lbs. — McFadden Wharf (Newport Beach), Mort Hubbard, July 10, 1889. Source: Santa Ana Weekly Blade, July 11, 1889
223 Lbs. — Redondo Beach Pier, James Helbach, May 19, 1912. Source: Oakland Tribune, May 20, 1912
221 Lbs. — Long Wharf (Santa Monica), Joseph J. Embold, August 27, 1913. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 27, 1913
216 Lbs. — Wharf No. 2 (Redondo Beach), E. H. Borhing, November 8, 1905. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 12, 1905
205 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf, Ed Borhing, November 1, 1905. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 2, 1905
202 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, Charles Martin, 1933. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 24, 1934
≈ 200+ Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, September 2015. Source: PFIC
≈ 200+ Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, August 2010. Source: PFIC
≈ 200 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, June 2009 (Released). Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
≈ 200+ Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, September 2002 (Released). Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
≈ 200+ Lbs. — Newport Wharf, Frank Duffy, November 12, 1911. Source: Santa Ana Register, November 13, 1911
200 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, L. F. Nafzgar, May 22, 1907. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 23, 1907
200 Lbs. — Newport Pier, June 1902. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 5, 1902
198 Lbs. — Hotel del Coronado Pier, John D. Spreckles and Fred Boach, October 10, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Times, October 11, 1908
195 Lbs. — Wharf No. 2 (Redondo Beach), E. H. Borhing, November 6, 1905. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 12, 1905
181 Lbs. — Ventura Pier, 2000. Source: PFIC
180 Lb. — Newport Pier, Summer 1999. Source: PFIC
177 Lbs. — Long Beach Pier, H. C. Hambien, November 13, 1906. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 13, 1906
175 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, Chas. Hall, September 1907. Source: Santa Ana Register, September 10, 1907
175 Lbs. — McFadden Wharf, Mort Hubbard, July 10, 1889. Source: Santa Ana Weekly Blade, July 11, 1889
167 Lbs. —Newport Pier, “Blackie” Haldman, October 1933. Source: Santa Ana Register, October 15, 1933
160 Lbs. — Hotel del Coronado Pier, November 10, 1898. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 11, 1898
157 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, Mr. Warner, November 2, 1906. Source: Santa Ana Register, November 3, 1906
≈ 150+ Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, May 2003 (Released). Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
≈ 150 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, April 23, 2009, (Released), Source: Billy Burns, Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop]
150 Lbs. — Hotel del Coronado Pier, Jim Middleton, November 23, 1898. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 24, 1898
Reportedly caught six giant sea bass at the pier between November 10 and November 24 weighing 70 to 160 pounds.
Halibut—These are the favorite pier fish for many anglers but most of the big fish were caught many years ago. Today few really big halibut are caught from SoCal piers although many large, but few small halibut are caught from Bay Area piers.
62 ¼ lbs. — Long Wharf (Santa Monica), August 17, 1917; Source: Port of Los Angeles, A Phenomenon of the Railroad Era, Ernest Marquez, 1975
58 Lbs. 11 Oz — Santa Monica Pier, Darrell Barry, March 10, 2001. Source: Several including Santa Monica Pier Bait Shop, PFIC and Western Outdoor News, March 23, 2001
57 Lbs. 30 oz. — Port Hueneme Pier, Joseph C, Groth, Sr., February 28, 1965. Source: Pasadena Independent, March 4, 1965
54 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, W. S. Keith & H. C. Carmichael, May 4, 1939. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 5, 1939
≈ 50 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Wharf, Unknown angler, January 4, 1940. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 5, 1940
49 ½ Lbs. — Seacliff Pier, Unknown angler, July 2, 1948. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 4, 1949
48 Lbs. — Long Wharf (Santa Monica), Charles A. Sheldrick, June 26, 1902. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 27, 1902
47 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, May 19, 1934. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 20, 1934
45 ¾ lbs. — Balboa Pier, Harry Campbell, May 20, 1927. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 21, 1927
45 ½ Lbs. — Redondo Beach Pier, Virginia Lively, June 24, 1975. Source: Long Beach Independent, July 2, 1975
45+ Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, June 28, 1930. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, June 30m 1930
45 Lbs. — Seacliff Pier (Aptos), Jack Elliott, July 1, 1946. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2, 1946
44 Lbs. — Monterey Wharf No. 2, Neil Dow, September 1, 1939. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, September 1, 1939
44 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, Seymore Wilson, June 1933. Source: Santa Ana Register, June 5, 1933
44 Lbs. — Newport Pier, R. O. Stull, July 29, 1931. Source: Santa Ana Register, July 29, 1931
43 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, Wilbur Boyea, May 14, 1934. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 16, 1934
42 Lbs. — Cayucos Pier, Ruby Clark, July 17, 1968. Source: Fresno Bee, July 18, 1968
41 lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, Hoyt Holdridge, March 1957. Source: San Bernardino County Sun, March 5, 1957
41 Lbs. — Seacliff Pier, May 17, 1953. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 20, 1953
41 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, Mike Mattos, June 1936. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 21, 1936
40+ Lbs. — San Francisco Muni Pier, Matt Shockley, August 5, 2019. Source: PFIC (48.5 inches and approx. 46 pounds)
40 Lbs. — Dana Harbor Pier, John Coll, 1999. Source: PFIC
40+ Lbs. (Two)—Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, August 1942. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 6, 1942
40 Lbs. — Redondo Sportfishing Pier, August 2010. Source: Redondo Sportfishing
40 Lbs. — Laguna Beach Pier, Barney Anthonsen, July 4, 1975. Source: Pasadena Star-News, July 16. 1975
40 Lbs. — Seacliff Pier (Aptos), August 1942. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 6, 1942
40 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Henry Kalb, July 22, 1942. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 23, 1942
40 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Leavitt McQuesten, July 20, 1942. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 22, 1942
40 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, E. J. Owens, August 5, 1932. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, August 5, 1932
40 Lbs. — Monstad Pier (Redondo Beach), Dick Weddington, May 2, 1930. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 2, 1930
40 Lbs. — Newport Pier, F. Leslie Meeker, August, 1925. Source: Santa Ana Register, August 20, 1925
≈ 40 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, Romeo, September 2004. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
Yellowtail— This is the one species that has seen most of its large fish caught in the modern era. While thousands of yellowtail were caught in the early years of the piers most were small fish under 10-12 pounds in size. The last few years has seen the records smashed and mostly at one pier—Crystal Pier in San Diego.
55 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Montre Somsukcharean, September 21, 2006. Source: Source: James Barrick, Crystal Pier Bait Shop & Peggi Straker
53.46 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Angel, August 16, 2019. Source: Pam, Crystal Pier Bait Shop
52 ½ Lbs. — Pine Ave. Pier (Long Beach), D. W. Fletcher, September 19, 1896. Source: Los Angeles Herald, September 19, 1896
50 Lbs. — Pine Ave. Pier (Long Beach), Al Decker, July 1894. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 3, 1894
≈ 50 Lbs. — Avalon Long Wharf, December 1896. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 20, 1897
≈ 50 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier (San Diego), November 2015. Source: Robert, Ocean Beach Pier Bait & Tackle
48.5 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Tony Troncale, August 6, 2012. Source: James Barrick, Crystal Pier Bait Shop & Tony Troncale
46 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Thomas Shinsato, August 2015. Source: Source: Crystal Pier Bait Shop & Thomas Shinsato
42 Lb. 1 oz. — Oceanside Pier, Elmo Nealoff, July 1955. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
42 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), October 2004. Source: James Barrick, Crystal Pier Bait Shop
42 Lbs. — Avalon wharf, Lee Wilson, June 9, 1897.Source: Los Angeles Herald, June 10, 1897
40 Lb. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Angel Hernandez, June 14, 2017. Source: Personal communication
≈ 40 Lbs. — Redondo Beach Pier, October 2008. Source: bloodydecks.com
40 Lbs. — Avalon wharf, W. M. LeFavor, May 21, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, May 22, 1908
40 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), Japanese fisherman, August 1907. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 18, 1907
40 Lbs. — Wharf No. 1 (Redondo Beach), Seth Owens, August 22, 1897. Source: Los Angeles Herald, August 22, 1897
40 Lbs. — Avalon wharf, Mrs. Boyce, June 9, 1897. Source: Los Angeles Herald, June 10, 1897
≈ 40 Lbs. — Hotel del Coronado Pier, September 21, 1899. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 22, 1899
≈ 40 Lbs. — Avalon Long Wharf, December 1896. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 20, 1897
36 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), August 2016. Source: Crystal Pier Bait Shop
35 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), August 2012. Source: James Barrick, Crystal Pier Bait Shop
35 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, Aaron, November 1, 2003. Source: PFIC
35 Lbs. — Avalon Wharf, November 1899. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 8, 1899
34 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Angel Hernandez, August 2016. Source: Angel Hernandez
34 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), Hallman, August 2012 . Source: James Barrick, Crystal Pier Bait Shop
34 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), William Codie, September 26, 1910. Source: The Redondo Reflex, September 29, 1910
34 Lbs. — Avalon Wharf, Al Delaney, August 17, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 16, 1908
33 ½ Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), August 24, 1910. Source: Santa Ana Register, August 25, 1910
33 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, E. P. Deffley, May 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, May 22, 1909
32 ½ Lbs. — Redondo Wharf (Wharf No. 1), August 23, 1891. Source: Los Angeles Herald, August 24, 1891
32 ½ Lbs. — Avalon Wharf, W. M. LeFavor, May 20, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, May 22, 1908
32 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, May 21, 1908. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 22, 1908
32 Lbs. — Playa del Rey Pier, August 1903. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1903
31 Lbs. — Ocean Park Pier, Mrs. J. O. Jaquess, September 25, 1902. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 25, 1902
30 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, Earl Nelson, May 7, 1934. Source: Santa Ana Register, May 8, 1934
30 Lbs.— Hotel del Coronado Pier, Joe Larnel, August 31, 1898. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 1, 1898
White Sea Bass—Most, but not all, large white sea bass are taken from boats although a tremendous number were caught from the Ocean Park Pier in the ‘20s and ‘30s.
83 Lbs. — Newport Pier, 1920s. Source: Personal communication, Patrick Kennedy, Baldy’s Tackle (1990)
65 Lbs.* — Hotel del Coronado Pier, July 25, 1898. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 26, 1898.*Reported as a “silver salmon” — probable white seabass
61 Lbs. — Newport Pier, Roger Jackson, December 1, 1927. Source: Santa Ana Register, December 1, 1927
60 Lbs.* — Hotel del Coronado Pier, Gen. W. E. Webb, September 2, 1898. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 3, 1898 * Reported as sea trout, a common name for white seabass at the time
50+ Lbs. — Imperial Beach Pier, “Oyuki”, October 2014. Source: sdfish.com (October 28, 2014) and Oceanic Angler (oceanicangler.com), November 11, 2014
50+ Lbs. — Newport Pier, June 6, 1933. Source: Santa Ana Register, June 8, 1933
48 Lbs. — Newport Pier, June 1, 1934. Source: Santa Ana Register, June 2, 1934
47 1/2 Lbs. — Belmont Pier (Long Beach), October 28, 1959. Source: Long Beach Independent, October 30, 1959
47 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf, Charles McGehee, May 19, 1914. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 19, 1914
45 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, September 2000. Source: Capitola Wharf Bait Shop
45 Lbs. — Seacliff State Beach Pier, August 2000. Source: Capitola Wharf Bait Shop
45 Lbs. — Avalon Pleasure Pier, Pat Casey, May 5, 1936. Source: Catalina Islander, May 14, 1936
45 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf No. 3, August 5, 1919. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 8, 1919
42 Lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, 1957. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait Shop, Newspaper & CA DF&G
42 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf No. 1, J. V. Henry, May 18, 1914. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 18, 1914
42 Lbs. — Wharf No. 1 (Redondo Beach), N. Row, August 31, 1890. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 31, 1890
41 ¼ Lb. — Pacifica Pier, July 1992. Source: Pacific Bait Shop
41 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, Snagger, June 15, 2017. Source: PFIC and Verona Fath
41 Lbs. — Point Mugu Pier, Charles S. Leonard, August, 1959. Source: Oxnard Press-Courier, August 5, 1959
≈ 40 Lbs. — Monterey Wharf No.2, October 2009. Source: PFIC
40 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, Frank Lopez, July 19, 1959. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 23, 1959
40 Lbs. — Avalon Pleasure Pier, A. E. Eaton, July 3, 1916. Source: Catalina Islander, July 4, 1916
40 Lbs. — Newport Wharf, November 1911 (several). Source: Santa Ana register, November 6, 1911
40 Lbs. — Hueneme Wharf, Charlie Chambers, October 1895. Source: Los Angeles Herald, October 27, 1895
36 ½ Lbs. — Balboa Pier, Ed Steif, May 30, 1928
Source: Santa Ana Register, May 31, 1928
35 Lbs. —Wharf No. 1 (Redondo Beach), Harold Rempe, June 3, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, June 6, 1909
32 Lbs. — Hueneme Wharf, Charlie Chambers, October 1895. Source: Los Angeles Herald, October 27, 1895
30 Lbs. — Wharf No. 3 (Redondo Beach), A. J. Bell, May 25, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 26, 1909
Pacific Bonito —
11 ¾ Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, Data lost on person and date. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle
10 Lb. 7 oz. — Balboa Pier, Joe Imbriano, May 5, 1996. Source: Joe Imbriano/PFIC
10 Lbs. — Ocean Park Pier, I. L. Noyes, May 31, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, May 31, 1908
≈ 10 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, September 2018. Source: Snookie/PFIC
9 Lbs. 14 oz. — Belmont Pier, Jerry Summerfelt, September, 1966. Source: Long Beach Independent, September 22, 1966
9 Lbs. 13 oz. — Seal Beach Pier, Howard F. Laston, September, 1966. Source: Long Beach Independent, September 22, 1966
9 Lbs. 8 oz. — Seal Beach Pier, September 1966. Source: Long Beach Independent, September 22, 1966
Bluefin Tuna — Recorded at the Hermosa Beach Pier (summer ’74), Malibu Pier and San Clemente Pier
Albacore — Recorded at Pine Avenue Pier in Long Beach 1905, Malibu Pier 1938
Skipjack —
20 Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, David Nelson, April 18, 1960. Source: San Bernardino County Sun, April 19, 1960
6 Lbs. 2 oz. — Manhattan Beach Pier, Bill Lapes, May 14, 1959. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 15, 1959
Black Skipjack — Imperial Beach Pier, 2015 (Three-day run) and possibly 1996. Source: Mav/PFIC
Sierra Mackerel — Imperial Beach Pier, 2015. Source: Mav/PFIC. [Also reported from the Hotel del Coronado pier in the early 1900s.]
Marlin — Hooked/Lost, Manhattan Beach Pier, Wicker Veen, October 28, 1965. Source: Los Angeles Times, October 29, 1965
Dorado (aka mahi mahi and dolphinfish) —
≈ 5 Lbs. and ≈ 30 inches, Oceanside Small Craft Harbor Pier, unknown angler, August 28, 2018. Source: Personal communication Peter Phu, Angler’s Tackle, Oceanside; catch witnessed by employee Ben Howard.
Unknown weight — Several dorado reported from the Ocean Beach Pier in September 2014. Source: Rosalie, Ocean Beach Pier Bait Ship
Striped Bass — Common at Bay Area piers and piers in the central coast.
52 Lbs. — San Mateo Pier, mid-80s. Source: PFIC
41 ½ Lbs. — San Francisco Municipal Pier, June 8, 1954. Source: San Rafael Daily Independent, June 9, 1954
41 Lbs. — Dowrelio Pier (Crockett), Amel Ligienghal, March 4, 1962. Source: The Fishin’ Fool, Ralph Stevens, San Rafael Daily Independent, March 6, 1962
40 Lbs. — Berkeley Pier, Dan Haller, May 28, 1962. Source: The Fishin’ Fool, Ralph Stevens, San Rafael Daily Independent, May 29, 1962
35 Lbs. — Pacifica Pier, April 1998. Source: Community Bait & Tackle (Pacifica)/PFIC
34 Lbs. 9 Oz. — Carquinez Bridge Bass Club Pier (Crockett), Jerome L. Thompson, July 1, 1937. Source: Oakland Tribune, July 3, 1937
34 Lbs. — Marin Rod and Gun Club Pier, Louis Moffdo, September 1975. Source: Fish and Game, Al Giddings, San Rafael Independent Journal, September 12, 1975
34 Lbs. — Marin Rod and Gun Club Pier, May 27, 1959. Source: San Rafael Independent Journal, May 27, 1959
33 Lbs.— Santa Cruz Wharf, 1996. Source: Santa Cruz Wharf Bait Shop
33 Lbs. — Dowrelio Pier (Crockett), Charles Schmelz, October 15, 1966. Source: Andy Morgensen, Oakland Tribune, October 18, 1966
33 Lbs. — Center Pier, Carquinez Bridge, April 12, 1934. Source: Oakland Tribune, April 13, 1934
32 Lbs. 12 oz. — Berkeley Pier, Manuel Gutievrez, April 13, 1959. Source: Line On The Sportsman, Mike Dwyer, Oakland Tribune, April 14,1959
31 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, September 1995. Source: Capitola Wharf Bait Shop
30 Lbs. 1 oz. — Berkeley Pier, Shig Akagi, February 25, 1958. Source: Line On The Sportsman, Mike Dwyer, Oakland Tribune, February 26, 1958
30 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Wharf, July 2019. Source: Santa Cruz Boat Rental
30 Lbs. — San Mateo Bridge Pier, Kevin Fiske, June 18, 1973. Source: San Mateo Times, June 20, 1973
30 Lbs. — Berkeley Pier, November 9, 1967.Source: Outdoors Dateline, Jim Freeman, Fremont Argus, November 10,1967
Kelp Bass —
11 Lbs. — Gaviota Pier, July 24, 2004. Source: Pier Fishing In California Message Board (Seabass_Seeker)
9 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, September 2002. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
7 Lbs. — Redondo Sportfishing Pier, June 2009. Source: Redondo Sportfishing
6 ¾-Lb.— Brighton Beach Pier (Terminal Island), July 29, 1901. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 31, 1901
Sand Bass —
12 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, Dan Hoar, February 1997. Source: Buddy Hanks, Shelter Island Bait & Tackle
9 Lbs. — Venice Pier, October 1998. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle/PFIC
8 Lb. — Redondo Sportfishing Pier, May 2009. Source: Redondo Sportfishing
6 Lb. — Santa Monica Pier, June 1997. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle/PFIC
Corbina—The first reported fish is far, far above the listed state record, which adds a little mystery to the catch.
11 Lbs. 2 oz. — Redondo Beach Wharf, A. White, August 30, 1904. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1904
9 Lbs. 4 oz. — Huntington Beach Pier, Fred Woolover, May 27, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, May 28, 1908
8 ½ Lbs. — Huntington Beach Wave Motor Pier, August 27, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, August 28, 1909
7 ¼ Lbs. — Playa del Rey Pier, Ruth Engelka, August 1, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, August 1, 1909
7 ¼ Lbs. — Manhattan Beach Pier, Dionisio Botilier, August 1907. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 18, 1907
7 Lbs. — Venice Pleasure Pier, Louis Miller, July 17, 1910. Source: Los Angeles Herald July 18, 1910
6 Lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, July 13, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 18, 1909
Spotfin Croaker
13 Lbs. — Seal Beach Pier, July 18, 1940. Source: Timely Tips on Outdoor Life, Paddy Driskel, Santa Ana Register,
13 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, 1922. Source: Santa Ana Register, June 27, 1922
9 Lbs. 1 ½ oz. — Belmont Pier, W. S. Perrin, January 20, 1941. Source: Long Beach Independent, January 21, 1941
9 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, April 1997. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle/PFIC
≈ 9 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, March 2019. Source: Let’s Go Fishing B&T/PFIC
≈ 8 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, June 2010. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait and Tackle/PFIC
6 Lbs. 3 Oz. — Ventura Pier, Joseph Hoffman, 1982. Source: California Fish and Game Depatyment
Yellowfin Croaker—
5 Lbs. 10 oz. — Huntington Beach Pier, Fred Woolover, May 27, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, May 28, 1909
5+ Lbs. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), July 20, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 24, 1909
5 Lbs. — Playa del Rey Pier, (several), July 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, August 1, 1909
4 Lbs. 9 Oz. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), John Beckwith, July 13, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 14, 1908
4 Lbs. 8 Oz. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), Robert Pottinger, July 14, 1908. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 15, 1908
4+ Lbs. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), July 23, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 24, 1909
4 Lbs. — Peck's Pier (Manhattan Beach), Prof. R. B. Emery, July 30, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, July 31, 1909
=3 ¾ Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, B. H. Shaw, January 23, 1915. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 25, 1915
3 ¾ Lbs. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), Max Loewenthal, November 20, 1910. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 7, 1911
3 ¾ Lbs. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), T. F. Phillips, June 1, 1907. Source: Los Angeles Times, June 2, 1907
3 Lbs. 10 Oz. — Hermosa Beach Pier, B. H. Shaw, January 23, 1915. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 25, 1915
3 Lb. 6 Oz. — Peck’s Pier (Manhattan Beach), O. E. Forsyth, April 21, 1911. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 7, 1911
Sargo
5 Lbs. 6 Oz. — Huntington Beach Pier, Marcia Wilson, November 9, 1969. Source: Long Beach Independent, November 12, 1969
5 Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), “French bloke”, July 12, 1998. Source: Russell Grossbard/PFIC
Starry Flounder
12 Lbs. — Pacifica Pier, April 1997. Source: Pacific Community Bait & Tackle/PFIC
Sheephead—Although sheephead are not one of the most common pier fish, quite a few are caught from piers located near rocky areas, reefs or kelp.
30+ Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, July 2010. Source: PFIC
29.7 Lb. — Redondo Sportfishing Pier, February 2008. Source: Redondo Sportfishing
27 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, April 1998. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
25 Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, June 2015. Source: PFIC
22.5 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, Jose, April 30, 2017. Source: Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop
21 Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, August 2009. Source: PFIC
21 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, February 2007. Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait Shop
21 Lb. — Redondo Sportfishing Pier, February 2001. Source: Redondo Sportfishing
20+ Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, January 2003. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
20 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, November 2002. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
18 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, February 2002. Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait & Tackle
17 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, June 2019. Source: Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop
16 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, February 2002. Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait & Tackle
15 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, October 2009. Source: Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop
14 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, December 2000. Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait Shop
14 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, December 2000 (second nearly identical fish). Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait Shop
13 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, June 2019. Source: Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop
12 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, March 2001. Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait Shop
12 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, April 1998. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
11 Lbs. — Shelter Island Pier, January 2001. Source: Shelter Island Pier Bait Shop
Monkeyface Eel
8 Lbs. — Monterey Coast Guard Pier, July 30, 2005, Mrs. Pinoy. Source: Pinoy/PFIC
King Salmon —
51 Lbs. — Pacifica Pier, July 2002. Source: Pacifica Bait Shop/PFIC
≈ 50 Lbs. — Pacifica Pier, September 1998. Source: Community Bait & Tackle (Pacifica)/PFIC
38 Lbs. — Paradise Park Pier (Tiburon), Steve Hay, July 28, 1975. Source: Fish and Game, Al Giddings, San Rafael Daily Independent, July 29, 1975
35 Lbs.* — Oakland Long Wharf, “Porky” Thomas, December 29, 1911. Source: Oakland Tribune, December 31, 1911 * Reported as a “Steelhead Salmon” — probable king salmon
≈ 30 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf #3, Sam Porter, October 24, 1925. Source: Los Angeles Times, October 25, 1925
25 Lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, September 1997. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle/PFIC
25 Lbs.—Santa Cruz Wharf, June 22, 1915, H. W. March. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, June 23, 1915
25 Lbs.— Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, H. W. March, June 23, 1915. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, June 23, 1915
17 Lbs. — Berkeley Pier, June 1997. Source: Berkeley Marina Sports Center/PFIC
11 Lb. — Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara, “Sitting Bill” Schenk, October 19, 1994.Source: KJ, PFIC
Silver Salmon —
18 Lb. — Redondo Pier, Bill Whitely, May 4, 1940. Source: Los Angeles Times, May 7, 1940
16.5 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, June 2003. Source: Capitola Wharf Bait Shop
11 Lb. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier (Silverside Salmon), Frank Jackson, December 2, 1939. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 3, 1939
10 ½ Lbs.—Santa Cruz Wharf, “Monk” Avilla, October 8, 1930. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, October 9, 1930
Steelhead
16 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, November 17, 1936. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, November 18, 1936
13 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, Malio Gale, November 14, 1940. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 15, 1940
13 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, Karl Sneath, November 1, 1932. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, November 3, 1932
13 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, Scorp Evans, December 16, 1931.Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, December 16, 1931
12 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, Tom Leonard, September 19, 1953. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, September 20, 1953
12 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, November 19, 1952. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 20, 1952
12 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, Herb Leibbrandt, November 17, 1936. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, November 18, 1936
11 1/4 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, Tony Heple, November 26, 1951. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 27, 1951
11 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, November 17, 1947. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 18, 1947
11 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, Herbert Mee, November 18, 1939. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, November 20, 1939
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, November 13, 1954. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 14, 1954
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, December 19, 1953. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 20, 1953
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, December 1, 1951. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2, 1951
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Pleasure Pier, Louis Tara, November 18, 1939. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, November 20, 1939
Steelhead Salmon?
35 Lbs. — Oakland Long Wharf, “Porky” Thomas, December 29, 1911. Source: Oakland Tribune, December 30, 1911
White Sturgeon —
≈ 250+ Lbs. — Antioch Wharf, Bud Leonard, October 26, 1939. Source: Oakland Tribune, October 27, 1939
194 Lbs. — Vallejo Public Pier, George Gano, 1980. Source: Many
130 Lbs. — Dowrelio Pier (Crockett), John Gamba, March 16, 1964. Source: The Fishin’ Fool, Ralph Stevens, San Rafael Daily Independent, March 17, 1964
130 Lbs. — Dowrelio Pier (Crockett), week of November 27, 1962. Source: San Rafael Daily Independent, November 27, 1962
92 Lbs. — Joseph’s Fishing Pier, Rodeo. Source: Norman Jacobs (husband of Frank Joseph’s granddaughter)
Opaleye —
6 Lbs., 4 oz. — Santa Monica Pier, David Douglas. Source: Pasadena Independent, January 16, 1964
Lingcod —
40 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Ray Springer, November 19, 1922. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, November 20, 1922
25 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Emile Benett, August 8, 1930. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, August 9, 1930
24 Lbs. — Moss Landing Pier, E. P. Briggs, April 15, 1940. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, April 16, 1940
23 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, June 27, 1930. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, June 28, 1930
22 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, “Monk” Avila, September 22, 1932. Source: Oakland Tribune, September 23, 1932
18 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Tony Vierra, August 5, 1940. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 6, 1940
Cabezon —
25 Lbs. —Seacliff Pier, February 1933. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 1, 1933
15 Lbs. —Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, J. L. Schoebech, March 17, 1919. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, March 17, 1919
14 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Jim Saylor, April 27, 1955. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 28, 1955
13 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, C. Van Oiney, December 9, 1951. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 10, 1951
12 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, E. W. Hughes, January 6, 1927. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, January 6, 1927
12 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Joe Perry, January 31, 1926. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 1, 1926
11 3/4 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Owner Dock Bait & Tackle, January 27, 1955. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 28, 1955
11 ½ Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Andy Andre, January 27, 1955. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 28, 1955
11 1/4 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Ben Lathem, January 27, 1955. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 28, 1955
11 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, January 12, 1953. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 13, 1953
11 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Jack Swezey, December 9, 1951. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 10, 1951
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Sam Lopez, July 5, 1952. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 6, 1952
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Tony Polinos, June 14, 1952. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 15, 1952
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Leo Kisicki, December 9, 1951. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 10, 1951
10 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, John W. Brown, January 9, 1946. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 10, 1946
9 Lbs. —Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Frank Guilbert, February 16, 1952. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 17, 1952
8 ½ bs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Sunny Boy Morehouse, June 17, 1952
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 18, 1952
8 Lbs. — Point Arena Pier, October 1998. Source: Bill Pettigrew/Harbormaster at the Point Arena Pier
8 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, John Suhl, June 14, 1952. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 15, 1952
Sharks —
Thresher Shark —
125 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, May 2009. Source: Let’s Go Fishing, Huntington Breach Pier
100+ Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, Inez Chavarin, September 2006. Source: PFIC
100+ Lb. — Santa Monica Pier, October 2007. Source: Santa Monica Bait Shop
Leopard Shark —
36 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, September 1997. Source: Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop/PFIC
Great White Shark—Although now illegal to take, that wasn’t always the case.
≈ 1800 Lbs., Newport Pier, Frank Claudenia, October 23, 1923. Source: Santa Ana Register, October 30, 1923
≈ 250 Lbs. — Manhattan Beach Pier, David Bird, October 1987. Source: Los Angeles Times, October 29, 1987
≈ 200 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, 2003. Source: PFIC
≈ 150 Lbs. — Manhattan Beach Pier, Mike Walker, October 1987. Source: Los Angeles Times, October 29, 1987
140 Lbs. — Scripps Pier (San Diego), Arthur O. Flechsig, October 31, 1955. Source: San Bernardino Sun, November 1, 1955
120 Lbs. — Scripps Pier (San Diego), November 4, 1955. Source: Los Angeles Times, November 5 1955
Hammerhead Shark—Although generally only seen in warm-water years, several large ones have been caught.
≈ 500 Lbs. — White Star Pier/Hollister St. Pier (Ocean Park), J. M. Edelin, September 25, 1906. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 24, 1906
200+ Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, Max Gray, September 8, 1949. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
≈ 200 Lbs. — Manhattan Beach Pier, Dennis Austin, early ‘70s. Source: Mola Joe/PFIC
≈ 175 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, 1970s. Source: Mola Joe/PFIC
10 feet, nine inches — White Star/Hollister Ave. Pier (Santa Monica), October 5, 1906. Source: Los Angeles Herald, October 5, 1906
Oil Shark (Soupfin Shark) — Typically Soupfin Sharks were called “Oil Sharks” back in the day. However, soupfins are only supposed to reach a length of about 6.5 feet so I am not sure what the first fish was.
9 Feet 6 inches (estimated 350-400 pounds), T. J. Spencer, Ocean Park Pier, October 10, 1909. Source: Los Angeles Herald, October 10, 1909
≈ 100 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, June 15, 2018. Source: Ocean Beach Pier Bait & Tackle/PFIC
74 Lbs. 4 oz. — Huntington Beach Pier, Harvey Walker, July 15, 1924. Source: Santa Ana Register, July 16, 1924
50+ Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, September 1999. Source: Just Fishing by Pete Bait & Tackle/PFIC
Grouper Shark (??) — I have no idea what this was; 7-gill shark, basking shark, white shark, mako — no idea.
285 Lbs., Avalon Pleasure Pier, John Kassar, December 1918. Source: The Catalina Islander, December 8, 1938
Angel Sharks—An uncommon shark that when caught are often good size.
65 Lbs. — Cayucos Pier, August 2004, Source: Source: Glenda, The Tidepool B&T, Cayucos
50 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, July 1999. Source: Capitola Wharf Bait Shop
50+ Lbs. — Rainbow Pier (Long Beach), James Borchers, May 19, 1948. Source: Long Beach Independent, May 20, 1948
≈ 40 Lbs. — Ventura Pier, August 19, 2012. Source: Jigmaster30/PFIC
36 Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, April 2008. Source: PFIC
30-pound, 43-inch — Cayucos Pier, April 1997. Source: Glenda, The Tidepool B&T, Cayucos
7-Gill Shark—Although most common in the Bay Area, several have been caught from SoCal piers.
≈ 185 Lbs. Santa Monica Pier, 1996. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait Shop
≈ 180 Lbs. Cayucos Pier, November 1998. Source: Glenda, The Tide Pool B&T, Cayucos
≈ 150+ Lbs. — Crystal Pier (San Diego), March 2012. Source: PFIC
112 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, May 2006. Source: PFIC
≈ 100 Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, December 23, 2017. Source: Hogan’s Bait and Tackle (Dana Point)/PFIC
≈ 100 Lbs. — Venice Pier, Paul Vasques, February 4, 1979. Source: Los Angeles Times, February 6, 1979
9.5-Feet-Long (No weight) — Ocean Beach Pier, December 22, 2021. Source: Shirley, Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop
Blue Shark
58 Lbs. — Newport Pier, Jay Brewer, August 6, 1975. Source: Tustin News, August 7, 1975
7-Foot-Long (No weight) — Ocean Beach Pier, August 2010. Source: Billy Burns, Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop.
Shovelnose Guitarfish
29.5 Lbs. — Ventura Pier, Boyd Grant (Pierhead), December 12, 2002. Source: KJ/PFIC (Helped net and weigh the fish)
19 Lbs. — Goleta Pier, Robert Karapet, January 16, 1998. Source: Robert Karaper (personal comm.)
Butterfly Ray
26 Lbs. — Balboa Pier, November 2018. Source: Snookie/PFIC
Bat Ray—Many large bat rays are caught every year.
≈ 220 Lbs. — Ventura Pier, early ‘80s. Source: PFIC
203 Lbs. — Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara), James Elledge, April 24, 2004. Source: Personal comm. Boyd Grant; PFIC
200 Lbs. — Carpinteria Pier, Bill Hinckley, September 18, 1955. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 19, 1955
≈ 200 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, May 2014. Source: Let’s Go Fishing, Huntington Beach Pier
≈ 200 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, December 2009. Source: Let’s Go Fishing, Huntington Beach Pier
≈ 200 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, April 2006. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
≈ 200 Lbs. — Seal Beach Pier, March 2001. Source: Big Fish Bait & Tackle, Seal Beach
≈ 200 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, August 1998. Source: PFIC
≈ 200 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, “Mola Joe”, 1980s. Source: PFIC
≈ 200 Lbs. — Redondo Wharf No. 1, June 25, 1888. Source: Los Angeles Herald, June 27, 1888
181 Lbs.* — Huntington Beach Pier, Bradley. A. Dew, July 24, 1978. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 28, 1978 & California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife * = Official state record fish
175 Lbs. — Aliso Beach Pier, August 1984. Source: Aliso Beach Pier Snack Shack
≈ 170 Lbs. — Seal Beach Pier, May 2001. Source: Big Fish Bait & Tackle, Seal Beach
169 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach (pier?), July 30, 1912. Source: Oakland Tribune, July 30, 1912
160 Lbs. — Ocean Beach Pier, May 24, 2008. Source: Billy Burns, Ocean Beach Pier Bait Shop
≈ 160 Lbs. — Seal Beach Pier, March 2001. Source: Big Fish Bait & Tackle, Seal Beach
150+ Lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, May 2008. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait Shop
150 Lbs. — Santa Monica Pier, May 2002. Source: Santa Monica Pier Bait Shop
150 Lbs. — Rainbow Pier (Long Beach), David Feske, June 17, 1960. Source: Long Beach Independent, June 18, 1960
≈ 150 Lbs. — Oceanside Harbor Pier, August 2009. Source: PFIC
≈ 150 Lbs. — Oceanside Pier, April 2001. Source: Oceanside Pier Bait Shop
≈ 140 Lbs. — Seal Beach Pier, March 2001. Source: Big Fish Bait & Tackle, Seal Beach
135 Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, June, November 1999. Source: PFIC
125 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, Greg Taite, April 1999. Source: Let’s Go Fishing, Huntington Beach Pier
125 Lbs. — Rainbow Pier (Long Beach), Paul Harmon, May 13, 1964. Source: Long Beach Independent, May 15, 1964
123 Lbs. — Huntington Beach Pier, Robert Gerber, March 1999. Source: Let’s Go Fishing, Huntington Beach Pier
120 Lbs. — Ocean Park Pier, Stuts Baida, July 1927. Source: Los Angeles Times, July 31, 1927
110 Lbs. — Pine Avenue Pier (Long Beach), William Crowder, June 2, 1907. Source: Los Angeles Herald, June 2, 1907
106 ½ Lbs. — Belmont Pier (Long Beach), Bill Kerny, October 13, 1960. Source: Long Beach Independent, October 14, 1960
104 Lbs. — Rainbow Pier (Long Beach), Dave Feske, October 13, 1960. Source: Long Beach Independent, October 14, 1960
100+ Lbs. — San Clemente Pier, December 23, 2017. Source: Hogan’s Bait and Tackle (Dana Point)/PFIC
100+ Lbs. — Embarcadero Marina Pier (San Diego), June 24, 2002. Source: Harbor Bait & Tackle
100+ Lbs. — Stearns Wharf (Santa Barbara), June 1997. Source: Mike’s Bait & Tackle, Stearns Wharf, June 1997
100 Lbs. — Seal Beach Pier, April 1958. Source: Long Beach Independent-Press Telegram, April 13, 1958
≈ 100 Lbs. — Newport Pier, Isador Greenbaum, August 1992. Source: Tustin News, August 27, 1992
≈ 100 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, Walter Cartwright, April 11, 1934. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 12, 1934
Big Skate—Although fairly uncommon, the ones that are caught are often large in size.
≈ 200 Lbs. — Redondo Pier No. 2, Il Sherard, January 12, 1918. Source: Los Angeles Times, January 13, 1918
≈ 150 Lbs. — Hotel Del Coronado Pier, Harry de Carli, December 18, 1898. Source: Los Angeles Times, December 19, 1898
130 Lbs. — Capitola Wharf, Early 2000’s. Source: Capitola Wharf Bait Shop
109 Lbs. — Hermosa Beach Pier, Osborne Schmidt, August 8, 1936. Source: Los Angeles Times, August 9, 1936
≈ 100+ Lbs. — Cayucos Pier, July 2004 (100+ pounds, 5” wide and 5’ long). Source: Glenda, The Tidepool B&T, Cayucos
≈ 100+ Lbs. — Trinidad Pier, Rosie, March 1997 (100+ pounds, 4 ½’ wide and 5 ½’ long). Source: Salty’s Bait and Tackle, Trinidad
≈ 100+ Lbs. — Princeton Pier, Ray Blair & Albert Frush, October 23, 1932. Source: San Mateo Times, October 25, 1932
≈ 100+ Lbs. — Santa Cruz Wharf, Nick Bosano, June 30, 1932. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 1, 1932
≈ 100+ Lbs. — Santa Cruz Wharf, C. H. Rogers, May 16, 1932. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 1, 1932
≈ 100+ Lbs. — Santa Cruz Wharf, March 26, 1931. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, March 27, 1931
≈ 100 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, E. W. Hughes, January 6, 1927. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, January 6, 1927
≈ 100 Lbs. — Railroad Wharf (Santa Cruz), W. R. Manning, November 19, 1900. Source: Santa Cruz Evening Sentinel, November 20, 1900
95 Lbs. — Morro Bay North T-Pier, December 1999. Source: Pier Fishing In California
93 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, April 1926. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 10, 1926
85 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, W. G. Scovel, July 12, 1915. Source: Santa Cruz Evening News, July 13, 1915
75 Lbs. — Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, February 14, 1932. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 15, 1932
75 Lbs. — Seacliff Pier, J. Bligh, March 1931. Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 25, 1931
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