San Clemente Pier Fishing

Vince

New member
#1
I am from Northern Ca and will be in San Clements from Oct. 18-25 and hope to do some fishing. Can anyone give me some advice on gear, what to fish for, how to fish for them. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Vince.
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#2
If you haven't already, you might start with the article on the San Clemente Pier.

https://www.pierfishing.com/san-clemente-pier/

I would also head over to Hogan's Bait And Tackle — 34320 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA. Pick up some live bait and don't be afraid to ask them for some advice, they normally are a good source of information.

By the way, light to medium tackle is all you need unless you're seeking out the sharks and rays at the end.
 

josh

New member
#3
Hogan's is great, they've been very helpful when I fish the harbor down there. I might make a trip there around that time frame, if you want, let me know when you're going to be fishing and I'll be happy to fish with you if the schedule works.

I usually fish the harbor so my info on the big pier might not be very useful. But a lot is transferable across the piers around here.
 

Vince

New member
#4
Hogan's is great, they've been very helpful when I fish the harbor down there. I might make a trip there around that time frame, if you want, let me know when you're going to be fishing and I'll be happy to fish with you if the schedule works.

I usually fish the harbor so my info on the big pier might not be very useful. But a lot is transferable across the piers around here.
I won't know my fishing schedule till I get there, but I'll let you know once I have a plan. Thanks for the offer. I fished Crystal pier last June and found most anglers on the piers are pretty friendly and willing to help.
 
#5
I fish 1 rig with 4-6 lb test with a 1/4 to 1/2 oz carolina rig from the surf out to the T . Fresh mussels are key on this pier . If you can't scratch up your own , Ralphs sometimes has black eastern mussels for sale although pricey .I would call them ahead for availability. The croaker bite very light on this pier , so keep a close eye on your rod .Market shrimp cut small like the size of a small sand crab on a small sharp hook can work if you don't have mussels. If course you can get lug worms although I never fish them as the mussel works best .You can also fish a live smelt for halibut .Towards the end, of the pier, your can catch mackeral at times on the shrimp fished mid depth an at times if you drop the shrimp to the bottom , you may catch sheepshead, bass , croaker or sculpin although most are small . Good luck.
 

Mahigeer

Senior Member
#6
Try avoiding weekend fishing there. There are several groups of shark hunters with no regards to rules with their 20 rods. Loud music and profane language. They are not local, thus mostly see them on weekends.

The liquor store by the foot of the pier has some frozen bait and small collection of terminal tackle.

If you know for sure what date you will be fishing (19-23) and with advance notice, I may be able to make it.

It has been a long time that I fished that pier.

Now also there is a possibility of lobsters at night.
 
#7
Try avoiding weekend fishing there. There are several groups of shark hunters with no regards to rules with their 20 rods. Loud music and profane language. They are not local, thus mostly see them on weekends.

The liquor store by the foot of the pier has some frozen bait and small collection of terminal tackle.

If you know for sure what date you will be fishing (19-23) and with advance notice, I may be able to make it.

It has been a long time that I fished that pier.

Now also there is a possibility of lobsters at night.
We got in last night. I will fish each morning Tue-Sat. Depending on what we have planned for the day, I may be able to do some afternoons or evenings. I will have a gray Nevada hat and if it's chilly a black jacket, hoody, or both. I usually get there early while wife sleeps in. Hope to see you.
 

Fishman Fishman

Well-Known Member
#9
Try avoiding weekend fishing there. There are several groups of shark hunters with no regards to rules with their 20 rods. Loud music and profane language. They are not local, thus mostly see them on weekends.

The liquor store by the foot of the pier has some frozen bait and small collection of terminal tackle.

If you know for sure what date you will be fishing (19-23) and with advance notice, I may be able to make it.

It has been a long time that I fished that pier.

Now also there is a possibility of lobsters at night.
I contacted City of San Clemente regarding unruly fisherman. The city official passed info to the San Clemente Marine Safety Staff, City Park Ranger's and Orange County Sheriff's Department. In addition, the following telephone number was provided (949) 289-3527. The number is to Park Ranger's. Public encouraged to call when issues arise at the pier. Hope this helps all the good fisherman on the pier!
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#11
Those shark fisherman are always pretty much confined to the end area so unless you're targeting that area you will not have any problem. I've never had any problems.