San Fran pier rats info needed

D

Dragon

Guest
#1
Thursday I'm taking the family down to see a show at the Orpheum theater. My son and I are thinking about getting into town at sunrise and getting a few hours fishing in beforehand.

I'm thinking of fishing pier 7, is that best and closest option?

Going to carry minimal supplies, due to nature of our visit. What should we target?

Bait and rigging recommendations?
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#2
Bring money (high parking expenses) and make sure you do not leave anything visible in your car (too many broken windows and thefts). As for Pier 7, take a look at the Pier 7 article since it should give you some hints. Let's see if any locals reply as to what's currently happening there. This time of the year should see some stripers and halibut but I don't know if any pelagics (mackerel, sardine, etc.) are showing up. Be careful in the downtown area, there's a lot of crazy druggies walking around.
 
D

Dragon

Guest
#3
I've read the article, love those, but yes was hoping for some local Intel on what's hitting now.

Definitely sucks that we have to worry about theft going to have good times with our families. But that's exactly why I want to bring minimal supplies.
 
#4
Why not consider going out to Ft Point Pier - although it's a good jaunt? I think the parking on weekdays is free, weekends is metered, I don't think it's too bad but not sure I remember what they charge. Orpheum is pretty far from the Embarcadero where Pier 7 is but parking in that area is rough, right near major attractions like exploratorium. Indeed that area right near Powell and City Hall is pretty sketchy. You probably want to be in a garage with security for the show anyways.
 
Last edited:
D

Dragon

Guest
#5
So it is sounding to me like I should just hit Ft Point or Ft Baker (fished there a couple times) and just give myself extra time to get to the theater.
 
#6
Another option worth considering is the Municipal Pier which is closer than Ft Point. If you get super lucky there is free 4 hour parking near it, but more reliable but further out parking along Bay St right along Ft Mason.

If you still want to go for Pier 7, there should be parking near Levi Plaza. I have seen some cars smashed in the area, most Luxury models, not that that probably matters. I tell my kids someone on drugs can mistake a napkin for an iPhone 10..

I've caught Perch at Muni Pier, and Rock Crabs at all the piers under consideration. Jacksmelt I've got at both Ft Point and Ft Baker with the bobber rig. I've seen Halibut caught at Ft Point and tried it but no luck.. I did see someone get a Salmon at Ft Baker years ago. It's perhaps possible. Saw a few in Pacifica weeks back but last time I went seemed pretty dead so perhaps they are starting their run upstream and might be reachable from the Bay Piers.

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!
 
D

Dragon

Guest
#7
Thanks for the input wildman. I am definetely using a garage up by the theater. Not the best area around there, we found a couple years ago when we went.

I was not stuck on Pier 7, but based on looking at google maps it appeared to be the "closest" I am considering Ft Point over Baker as it is already across the bridge for heading to the show. I have not looked inot the Muni Pier yet, but will tonight.
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#8
I was in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago. Pier 7 is nice but parking in that area is expensive, it's probably cost you $20-$35 dollars. At Fort Point there is some free parking but only about six spaces next to the pier itself so you would need to get there early. There is additional parking down by the fort and it's not too long of a walk to the pier. As for the Muni Pier, I think there is some free parking at the bottom of the street although it may be metered now. Like most of the areas you need to get there early. I parked two days in a garage which I thought it would be safe but Rita mentioned to me that she parked at Pier 39 and someone still broke into her car. Wherever you park try not to leave anything visible in the car that would be worth taking. The number of car break-ins, including broken windows, is somewhat amazing in SF right now.
 
D

Dragon

Guest
#9
I am planning to get there about 6-6:30am. Should have no issues with early bird on the parking spaces. As it sounds the garages are not as safe as I would have thought they were, I think I will stick with Ft Baker. I know I can see my car from there and if we catch, we catch. If we don't, we don't. Be nice to just get into cooler weather that is not all smoke filled.
 

Ken Jones

Administrator
Staff member
#14
Pier 7. I need to take some updated pictures of several of the SF and SF Peninsula piers (as well as fish each of the piers for a few hours). Was planning to make a trip to the bay a couple of months ago but one thaing after another has prevented the journey.
 
#16
It was great meeting you guys out in Tiburon (Elephant Rock) last night!! Redfish and Ken are such amazing guys and y’all really got to get out on these piers!!! Have a wonderful day at the kids event!!!