Sorry for being so late and not being a better report. Seems like it is harder and harder to get information.
California Pier Report
September 2025 Fishing Report, Southern California (#305)
Southern California Lobster — Lobster season is now closed! No hooping and no keeping lobsters accidently caught on rod and reel.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – The fishing sounds like it’s OK at the pier, not hot but also not dead. Some bonito on some days, some mackerel on some days, some croakers on some days and pretty decent action on sharks including some blue sharks. Visit and you’ll probably catch some fish but don’t expect a full creel. 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 — The bad news is that the pier is closed. The good news is that the pier, one almost annually damaged by winter storms during the past few years, will eventually be replaced with a new improved pier, one better able to withstand the winter storms (and hopefully last for 75 years). 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 – The pier sounds a little like the Imperial Beach Pier, not great action but some fish each day. A mixture of mackerel, croakers, perch and the sharays. 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! Traditionally some kelp bass on the bottom should be available. 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 — We need a reporter. Expect some bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures). And, it sounds like a few mackerel are also hitting. 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) — Locals are reporting a mix of bottom fish—halibut, bass (all three varieties) and a variety of sharays—shovelnose guitarfish, butterfly rays, round stingrays, bat rays and smoothhounds. At night add in the possibility of shortfin corvina and barracuda. 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 — Need a reporter. 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 reports that the bonito finally showed up but it sounds like they are in and out. Mostly small fish and not big numbers. Inshore the croaker fishermen are still showing up but less and less croakers are making an appearance. Mid-pier to where the fence blocks off the pier the herring (queenfish)n anglers continue to fish while fighting with the thresher shark anglers who want to hog the corners by the fence. Apparently no work had been done lately on the end which burned down quite a while ago. A few threshers have been caught but not too many. Got a report from sly tuna on September 1 that said, “Just left Oceanside and saw 2 Bonito caught. Stayed for about 1.5 hours. As for myself, I had 1 follow with no takers. They were pushing up bait occasionally too. A little more lively than San Clemente.” How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — It sounds like the fishing is just so so, an occasional croaker, sargo, bass, or perch on the bottom and an occasional jacksmelt on top. 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.), said the big news lately was on the bonito showing up although it sounded like it was an on again off again situation. She reported continued good catches of perch and croakers inshore along with a few corbina. Some croakers and bass are available mid pier and a variety of small bottom fish show up out at the end. She hasn’t heard of much shark/ray action (although this is usually a good pier for the sharays—leopard sharks, guitarfish, bat rays and others). Got a report from sky tuna on August 25 that said, “I decided to venture down to San Clemente this morning to see if there was any bonito action. Fished the pier from 6-9 this morning for a limit of bonito and countless follows/strikes. I started off by using a splasher + feather but they wouldn’t commit for some reason. Tried a blue feather and a white feather for no takers. Around 7 I switched to a splasher and Lucky Craft smelt. It took 1 cast to get hooked up with this setup. managed to get a limit within a couple hours. Kept 2 and gave the rest to anglers around me. In hindsight if I would have started with the Lucky Craft, I would have had a limit by 7. They were far more active in the early morning. They would come and go for that 3 hour window and I decided to head out after 9am.” Got a report from sly tuna on September 1 that said, “Fished from 10-2. No signs of life like there was on Tuesday and Wednesday. Threw a bubble and feather for hours, not even a follow. Where are the bonito?” Got a report from FishmanFishman on 9/8 that said, “Started my fishing session with my first catch/release being a small lobster. Ended the morning with my last catch/release being a spider crab. In between I caught a variety of fish including 2 Yellowfin croaker, 1 Spotfin croaker, 1 White croaker, 1 Sandbass (short), 1 Sheephead (legal size and released), 2 Halibut (short) and some Topsmelt for bait. I used a variety of bait - mussel, anchovy, shrimp and live smelt. Overall a fun fishing trip. Some Bonito boils and one angler catching a Bonito with a splasher/feather rig. A few Jacksmelt caught by some fishermen. Good luck everyone!” 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 the pier continues to see some croaker and bass action with a halibut showing up once in a great while. She didn’t report any barracuda but traditionally the summer months yield some of the fish to anglers using Kastmasters and similar shiny lures. 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 — Got a report from our reporter Snookie that said, “My daughter has been here and leaves today for Virginia, but we have fished, fished, fished. We have caught lots of halibut, but we only got our keepers Monday. We went to the pier in spite of the holiday, and we were really surprised as to how many fishermen there were. They were all very nice people and we had a great time. We each caught a keeper halibut. Hers was 23-1/2 inches and mine was 22-1/4 inches. We heard there was another halibut caught off the end that was nice sized. We also caught white seabass and more smaller halibut. Yesterday we caught a lot of smaller halibut, bonito, barracuda, and white seabass. We seemed to be the only ones catching anything. I now have 8 keepers for the year. Am trying to pass last years catch which was 10 since I have 4 more months to go to the end of the year. Have seen some perch caught in the surf. There have been some bonitos caught. One of my friends caught an 8-pound halibut early on. He was so excited, and I netted it for him. That seems to be my job lately, which I am happy to do. I don't lift them. I let a nice strong man do that job. My daughter and I have been teaching quite a few people how to catch halibut with live bait. The kids are so excited to learn. Yesterday the wind came up at about 13 mph. We finally had to put our jackets on.” Got a report from Angler67 on August 22 that said, “Balboa water was crazy clear with A lot of smelt massing N side of pier from surf to end. Out at end periodic schools of Bonito breezing through the bait with some small boils, few anglers but Nobody getting any Bonito on Sabiki, spoon or splasher, I finally got one good boil on surface feather but didn't stay hooked. 12”-16” fish.” Got a report from alagami on September 1 that said, “Was at Balboa from around 730-1000 for 2 short bites from bonito and a short halibut. Saw a few splashes early but nothing after the short bites. Decided to check out Belmont but only saw a couple of boils and no bonito caught. Hopefully I didn't miss the fish and they stick around a few more weeks.” 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 (which is very expensive).”
Newport Pier — No report; need a reporter although action typically is about the same as at Balboa. We did get a report from alagami on July 24 who said, “Fished from 1130 to 2 p.m. with little action. 1 kelp fish, 1 blue perch and 1 smelt for halibut bait. Couldn't make any lizardfish for bait - did they leave the area? Guys were catching a few bonito at the end, but they were extremely small. They were biting Sabiki rigs. Didn't bother to fish for them they were so small. Quite a few snaggers here compared to Balboa. Always wondered if this is a legal method of taking fish? Had to fish here because it looked like a lifeguard event going on at Balboa.” How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and precede west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place. Metered parking is available but all the lots fill early and are full much of the day. Basically you almost have to wait until someone else leaves and there’s an empty spot.
Huntington Beach Pier — No report; need a reporter. Given reports from similar piers I would expect surfperch and croakers to still be available inshore while top action (on mackerel and sardines) probably remains hit and miss. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said the pier is pretty much basically seeing the same as last month. Inshore anglers are getting some yellowfin and spotfin croaker along with a few perch. Further out they are getting mackerel in the top waters and herring (queenfish) under the pier. A few sharays—leopard sharks and bat rays—but no halibut reported. No reports on sharays or halibut. Got a report from FishmanFishman on 9/2 that said, “First day fishing for me in the month of September. Tried Seal Beach pier. Big swells and strong undertow for the morning. Fished a rising tide. Used a variety of baits that included, anchovy, squid, mussel, shrimp, mackerel, smelt and lizardfish! Bite was slow throughout the morning. Early morning I caught 5 Roundrays, midmorning I caught 1 Thornback Ray, 3 Sandbass and 1 Scorpionfish. All fish released. Fishing went quiet and the wind picked up so I called it quits. There was one regular fisherman who stayed for about two hours but, he left after catching a Topsmelt and a Lizardfish. Less than a handful of fishermen trying their luck. Didn't notice anyone catching fish. Glad to get on the pier and wet the fishing lines. Good luck everyone.” 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 — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said that anglers are getting the usual, some croakers and corbina inshore, with some mackerel further out on the pier. Anglers are also getting a few small sharks and rays. Got a report from Angler67 on August 22 that said, “After a few hours of nothing at Balboa I gave up and headed to Belmont for the 1st time in over a decade. Water was murky-green as usual and wind was howling. Walking out Mid-pier a guy bounced a Bonito on a jig, kept on to the end which was WINDY and mostly empty. The smelt were THICK hugging the pier on all sides. Nothing attacking bait on shore-facing edge (where poster has been catching) then the guy jigging a few feet away on end hooked a nice 12-13 incher. The masses of smelt at end and bay-facing (facing) edge were getting strafed by small Bonito schools. jig-guy hooked up again looked like a 16” before it came off, while I was plugging away with surface feather on all sides for NOTHING, not a boil not a pass. Eventually around 2:30p I started using Kroc at the magic end where the other guy had been fishing. No visible chasers on Kroc then finally deep-strike! Then a couple casts later another. Nothing for about 30 min then another triple strike in quick succession, lost 1 of the 3, was hoping to get that elusive 5th fish but gave up with 4 in the ice chest, finally get to eat fresh Bonito! 11” – 13.” Got a report from Angler67 on September 2 that said, “Stopped wasting my time hitting Balboa as the Bonito just are not passing the pier in any frequency. WED - 12p-6p - Wind was howling already by noon but the bait was so packed around the pier the I saw boils right away. Started off with the Kroc as it has been the only thing I have been successful with and landed 2 and lost 2 on boils right away before it slowed down. I could only get bit during a boil, nothing between them. Then I heard people hollering on the other side, walked over and the bait was stacked and being constantly attacked by Bonito schools. The bait got even thicker with schools of tiny anchovies covering the surface and the smelt underneath. The bite was still inconsistent but I kept working the bait line and when my kroc was sunk in the water and they boiled at that spot I would get bites. The long full school boils kept going from 1:30-3:30 as the wind died down , then only spot boils and the bite mostly stopped for me. Around 4:30 the wind picked up 15-20 mph and the jigpara folks were o-the only people finally getting bites. I gave up with 15 landed Bonito lost 3-4. Took 5 fat 13-14 inchers home. The weird thing is I was pretty much the only person getting bit until the last part of the session, There were 4-5 jigpara guys casting around me for nothing all session. One guy kept catching short WSB 14-18 inchers. NO mackerel. FRI - 12-4:30 - Wind was howling already by noon but the bait was so packed around the pier. Fished 20min for nothing then saw a boil finally and ran over to it and landed a fat 14 incher then nothing. Walked over to the other finger of the pier and the bait was stacking up with small boils. Started working the bait and got 2 quick in boils, then the bite tanked even though the boils continued. No anchovies today and the boils were tiny compared to Wed action. Slow pick to get to 5, a lot of followers but lethargic in the HOT 73+ water. Both days put in solid time with splasher, but not even 1 bite or pass seen, only on Kroc for me.” 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) — The normal fish should be available—white croaker casting out from the pier and some sargo and perch when fishing the inshore waters. Mackerel seem to come and go. There’s also always a chance on a small shark or ray. 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, small perch and other rock-frequenting species. Got a report from K1n on July 8 that said, “Went out for a quick trip to pier J to see how things are going on Sunday. Got out there at 630 and fished until 11 about. Honestly didn't see too much going on. I was throwing small 3.5” plastics and got a few small sculpin, 1 lizardfish and a small sand bass to show for it. Didn’t see much else come up honestly. Everyone else was fishing bait and trying their luck for nothing to show. Good weather with a lot of small baitfish in the water at least.” 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) — With the closure of the Rusty Hook bait and tackle in San Pedro we now need a new reporter. Hopefully a few croakers, sand bass, perch and an occasional halibut will show up. 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 usual senorita, garibaldi, sheephead, and rock wrasse while some days will also produce ocean whitefish, mackerel and perhaps even opaleye (which most years were very common). 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) — No reports this month but expect the usual—halfmoon, sheephead, kelp bass, garibaldi, blacksmith, and rock wrasse. Mackerel can move in and out anytime while usually a few bonito are available at dawn and sundown. 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 — No report, need a reporter. Not really a report but when I called they said there weren't too many fishermen which at that pier usually means things are slow. 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 — Reports indicated a pretty good bonito bite taking place. How To Get There: From Sepulveda Boulevard, turn west on Manhattan Beach Drive and follow it to the pier.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report, 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 — With the loss of long time reporter Ginny Wylie due to the Palisades fire (which burned down Wylies Bait and Tackle), we are now looking for a new reporter. Any reports from the area would be appreciated. However, I did call the shop at the pier itself and got some information (but no fish report). They said the entire end of the pier is closed to fishing (perhaps due to the store and restaurant?) and they suggested we call the state. Last time I was there I noticed various closures at the end, which of course didn’t make me too happy. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — No report this month. Need a reporter 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 at the pier. Sounds like there are quite a few perch (although on the small size), and quite a few yellowfin croaker. Throw in a few mackerel and some sharays and the anglers seem to be happy. 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 reported that action at the pier is slow. Some perch and the normal croakers but few halibut. About the only thing that sounds good is a variety of sharks and rays. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, says that the crabs continue to make it hard to fish on the bottom. On top some bonito showed up for a few days but apparently they’ve now moved north off of Gaviota. Quite a few thresher sharks continue to be caught, pretty much one to two keepers a day but they are all small pups 3-4 feet long. As usual, if you want crabs this is the place to go. There’s almost a guarantee on a limit of red or rock crabs if that’s your goal and don’t be surprised if a spider crab or two joins in the fun. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said that the fishing has been so so. There has been a pretty steady action from the pipe reef with most of the fish being calico (kelp) bass along with a few rockfish. Bonito were present for about ten days but he thinks they’ve moved north. Sharay action has been steady, especially on leopard sharks, but shovelnose, thornbacks and bat rays are joining in the action. No halibut. 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 — Same report as the last few months—Still counting the days— Government efficiency seems to be a true oxymoronic word in California. The pier, managed by the State Department of Parks (State Parks), has been closed since a winter storm in 2014 (yes, more than a decade ago). Reports over the years have given hope for repair but funding as well as division and disagreement between various groups including the State Parks and the Coastal Commission, have slowed down the needed repairs. Maybe some day. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.
California Pier Report
September 2025 Fishing Report, Southern California (#305)
Southern California Lobster — Lobster season is now closed! No hooping and no keeping lobsters accidently caught on rod and reel.
San Diego County Piers
Imperial Beach Pier – The fishing sounds like it’s OK at the pier, not hot but also not dead. Some bonito on some days, some mackerel on some days, some croakers on some days and pretty decent action on sharks including some blue sharks. Visit and you’ll probably catch some fish but don’t expect a full creel. 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 — The bad news is that the pier is closed. The good news is that the pier, one almost annually damaged by winter storms during the past few years, will eventually be replaced with a new improved pier, one better able to withstand the winter storms (and hopefully last for 75 years). 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 – The pier sounds a little like the Imperial Beach Pier, not great action but some fish each day. A mixture of mackerel, croakers, perch and the sharays. 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! Traditionally some kelp bass on the bottom should be available. 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 — We need a reporter. Expect some bass, croaker and sharays (sharks and rays) on the bottom as well as halibut (most caught on soft plastic lures). And, it sounds like a few mackerel are also hitting. 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) — Locals are reporting a mix of bottom fish—halibut, bass (all three varieties) and a variety of sharays—shovelnose guitarfish, butterfly rays, round stingrays, bat rays and smoothhounds. At night add in the possibility of shortfin corvina and barracuda. 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 — Need a reporter. 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 reports that the bonito finally showed up but it sounds like they are in and out. Mostly small fish and not big numbers. Inshore the croaker fishermen are still showing up but less and less croakers are making an appearance. Mid-pier to where the fence blocks off the pier the herring (queenfish)n anglers continue to fish while fighting with the thresher shark anglers who want to hog the corners by the fence. Apparently no work had been done lately on the end which burned down quite a while ago. A few threshers have been caught but not too many. Got a report from sly tuna on September 1 that said, “Just left Oceanside and saw 2 Bonito caught. Stayed for about 1.5 hours. As for myself, I had 1 follow with no takers. They were pushing up bait occasionally too. A little more lively than San Clemente.” How To Get There: From I-5 take Mission Blvd. west to Pacific, turn left and follow it to the pier.
Oceanside Harbor Pier — It sounds like the fishing is just so so, an occasional croaker, sargo, bass, or perch on the bottom and an occasional jacksmelt on top. 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.), said the big news lately was on the bonito showing up although it sounded like it was an on again off again situation. She reported continued good catches of perch and croakers inshore along with a few corbina. Some croakers and bass are available mid pier and a variety of small bottom fish show up out at the end. She hasn’t heard of much shark/ray action (although this is usually a good pier for the sharays—leopard sharks, guitarfish, bat rays and others). Got a report from sky tuna on August 25 that said, “I decided to venture down to San Clemente this morning to see if there was any bonito action. Fished the pier from 6-9 this morning for a limit of bonito and countless follows/strikes. I started off by using a splasher + feather but they wouldn’t commit for some reason. Tried a blue feather and a white feather for no takers. Around 7 I switched to a splasher and Lucky Craft smelt. It took 1 cast to get hooked up with this setup. managed to get a limit within a couple hours. Kept 2 and gave the rest to anglers around me. In hindsight if I would have started with the Lucky Craft, I would have had a limit by 7. They were far more active in the early morning. They would come and go for that 3 hour window and I decided to head out after 9am.” Got a report from sly tuna on September 1 that said, “Fished from 10-2. No signs of life like there was on Tuesday and Wednesday. Threw a bubble and feather for hours, not even a follow. Where are the bonito?” Got a report from FishmanFishman on 9/8 that said, “Started my fishing session with my first catch/release being a small lobster. Ended the morning with my last catch/release being a spider crab. In between I caught a variety of fish including 2 Yellowfin croaker, 1 Spotfin croaker, 1 White croaker, 1 Sandbass (short), 1 Sheephead (legal size and released), 2 Halibut (short) and some Topsmelt for bait. I used a variety of bait - mussel, anchovy, shrimp and live smelt. Overall a fun fishing trip. Some Bonito boils and one angler catching a Bonito with a splasher/feather rig. A few Jacksmelt caught by some fishermen. Good luck everyone!” 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 the pier continues to see some croaker and bass action with a halibut showing up once in a great while. She didn’t report any barracuda but traditionally the summer months yield some of the fish to anglers using Kastmasters and similar shiny lures. 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 — Got a report from our reporter Snookie that said, “My daughter has been here and leaves today for Virginia, but we have fished, fished, fished. We have caught lots of halibut, but we only got our keepers Monday. We went to the pier in spite of the holiday, and we were really surprised as to how many fishermen there were. They were all very nice people and we had a great time. We each caught a keeper halibut. Hers was 23-1/2 inches and mine was 22-1/4 inches. We heard there was another halibut caught off the end that was nice sized. We also caught white seabass and more smaller halibut. Yesterday we caught a lot of smaller halibut, bonito, barracuda, and white seabass. We seemed to be the only ones catching anything. I now have 8 keepers for the year. Am trying to pass last years catch which was 10 since I have 4 more months to go to the end of the year. Have seen some perch caught in the surf. There have been some bonitos caught. One of my friends caught an 8-pound halibut early on. He was so excited, and I netted it for him. That seems to be my job lately, which I am happy to do. I don't lift them. I let a nice strong man do that job. My daughter and I have been teaching quite a few people how to catch halibut with live bait. The kids are so excited to learn. Yesterday the wind came up at about 13 mph. We finally had to put our jackets on.” Got a report from Angler67 on August 22 that said, “Balboa water was crazy clear with A lot of smelt massing N side of pier from surf to end. Out at end periodic schools of Bonito breezing through the bait with some small boils, few anglers but Nobody getting any Bonito on Sabiki, spoon or splasher, I finally got one good boil on surface feather but didn't stay hooked. 12”-16” fish.” Got a report from alagami on September 1 that said, “Was at Balboa from around 730-1000 for 2 short bites from bonito and a short halibut. Saw a few splashes early but nothing after the short bites. Decided to check out Belmont but only saw a couple of boils and no bonito caught. Hopefully I didn't miss the fish and they stick around a few more weeks.” 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 (which is very expensive).”
Newport Pier — No report; need a reporter although action typically is about the same as at Balboa. We did get a report from alagami on July 24 who said, “Fished from 1130 to 2 p.m. with little action. 1 kelp fish, 1 blue perch and 1 smelt for halibut bait. Couldn't make any lizardfish for bait - did they leave the area? Guys were catching a few bonito at the end, but they were extremely small. They were biting Sabiki rigs. Didn't bother to fish for them they were so small. Quite a few snaggers here compared to Balboa. Always wondered if this is a legal method of taking fish? Had to fish here because it looked like a lifeguard event going on at Balboa.” How To Get There: From the Pacific Coast Highway take the Newport Blvd. turn off and precede west watching for signs directing traffic to the pier. The pier sits at the foot of McFadden Place. Metered parking is available but all the lots fill early and are full much of the day. Basically you almost have to wait until someone else leaves and there’s an empty spot.
Huntington Beach Pier — No report; need a reporter. Given reports from similar piers I would expect surfperch and croakers to still be available inshore while top action (on mackerel and sardines) probably remains hit and miss. How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.” How To Get There: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Huntington Beach and the pier.”
Seal Beach Pier — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said the pier is pretty much basically seeing the same as last month. Inshore anglers are getting some yellowfin and spotfin croaker along with a few perch. Further out they are getting mackerel in the top waters and herring (queenfish) under the pier. A few sharays—leopard sharks and bat rays—but no halibut reported. No reports on sharays or halibut. Got a report from FishmanFishman on 9/2 that said, “First day fishing for me in the month of September. Tried Seal Beach pier. Big swells and strong undertow for the morning. Fished a rising tide. Used a variety of baits that included, anchovy, squid, mussel, shrimp, mackerel, smelt and lizardfish! Bite was slow throughout the morning. Early morning I caught 5 Roundrays, midmorning I caught 1 Thornback Ray, 3 Sandbass and 1 Scorpionfish. All fish released. Fishing went quiet and the wind picked up so I called it quits. There was one regular fisherman who stayed for about two hours but, he left after catching a Topsmelt and a Lizardfish. Less than a handful of fishermen trying their luck. Didn't notice anyone catching fish. Glad to get on the pier and wet the fishing lines. Good luck everyone.” 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 — Nan, at Big Fish Bait & Tackle. 1780-C. Pacific Coast Hwy. said that anglers are getting the usual, some croakers and corbina inshore, with some mackerel further out on the pier. Anglers are also getting a few small sharks and rays. Got a report from Angler67 on August 22 that said, “After a few hours of nothing at Balboa I gave up and headed to Belmont for the 1st time in over a decade. Water was murky-green as usual and wind was howling. Walking out Mid-pier a guy bounced a Bonito on a jig, kept on to the end which was WINDY and mostly empty. The smelt were THICK hugging the pier on all sides. Nothing attacking bait on shore-facing edge (where poster has been catching) then the guy jigging a few feet away on end hooked a nice 12-13 incher. The masses of smelt at end and bay-facing (facing) edge were getting strafed by small Bonito schools. jig-guy hooked up again looked like a 16” before it came off, while I was plugging away with surface feather on all sides for NOTHING, not a boil not a pass. Eventually around 2:30p I started using Kroc at the magic end where the other guy had been fishing. No visible chasers on Kroc then finally deep-strike! Then a couple casts later another. Nothing for about 30 min then another triple strike in quick succession, lost 1 of the 3, was hoping to get that elusive 5th fish but gave up with 4 in the ice chest, finally get to eat fresh Bonito! 11” – 13.” Got a report from Angler67 on September 2 that said, “Stopped wasting my time hitting Balboa as the Bonito just are not passing the pier in any frequency. WED - 12p-6p - Wind was howling already by noon but the bait was so packed around the pier the I saw boils right away. Started off with the Kroc as it has been the only thing I have been successful with and landed 2 and lost 2 on boils right away before it slowed down. I could only get bit during a boil, nothing between them. Then I heard people hollering on the other side, walked over and the bait was stacked and being constantly attacked by Bonito schools. The bait got even thicker with schools of tiny anchovies covering the surface and the smelt underneath. The bite was still inconsistent but I kept working the bait line and when my kroc was sunk in the water and they boiled at that spot I would get bites. The long full school boils kept going from 1:30-3:30 as the wind died down , then only spot boils and the bite mostly stopped for me. Around 4:30 the wind picked up 15-20 mph and the jigpara folks were o-the only people finally getting bites. I gave up with 15 landed Bonito lost 3-4. Took 5 fat 13-14 inchers home. The weird thing is I was pretty much the only person getting bit until the last part of the session, There were 4-5 jigpara guys casting around me for nothing all session. One guy kept catching short WSB 14-18 inchers. NO mackerel. FRI - 12-4:30 - Wind was howling already by noon but the bait was so packed around the pier. Fished 20min for nothing then saw a boil finally and ran over to it and landed a fat 14 incher then nothing. Walked over to the other finger of the pier and the bait was stacking up with small boils. Started working the bait and got 2 quick in boils, then the bite tanked even though the boils continued. No anchovies today and the boils were tiny compared to Wed action. Slow pick to get to 5, a lot of followers but lethargic in the HOT 73+ water. Both days put in solid time with splasher, but not even 1 bite or pass seen, only on Kroc for me.” 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) — The normal fish should be available—white croaker casting out from the pier and some sargo and perch when fishing the inshore waters. Mackerel seem to come and go. There’s also always a chance on a small shark or ray. 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, small perch and other rock-frequenting species. Got a report from K1n on July 8 that said, “Went out for a quick trip to pier J to see how things are going on Sunday. Got out there at 630 and fished until 11 about. Honestly didn't see too much going on. I was throwing small 3.5” plastics and got a few small sculpin, 1 lizardfish and a small sand bass to show for it. Didn’t see much else come up honestly. Everyone else was fishing bait and trying their luck for nothing to show. Good weather with a lot of small baitfish in the water at least.” 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) — With the closure of the Rusty Hook bait and tackle in San Pedro we now need a new reporter. Hopefully a few croakers, sand bass, perch and an occasional halibut will show up. 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 usual senorita, garibaldi, sheephead, and rock wrasse while some days will also produce ocean whitefish, mackerel and perhaps even opaleye (which most years were very common). 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) — No reports this month but expect the usual—halfmoon, sheephead, kelp bass, garibaldi, blacksmith, and rock wrasse. Mackerel can move in and out anytime while usually a few bonito are available at dawn and sundown. 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 — No report, need a reporter. Not really a report but when I called they said there weren't too many fishermen which at that pier usually means things are slow. 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 — Reports indicated a pretty good bonito bite taking place. How To Get There: From Sepulveda Boulevard, turn west on Manhattan Beach Drive and follow it to the pier.
Hermosa Beach Pier — No report, 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 — With the loss of long time reporter Ginny Wylie due to the Palisades fire (which burned down Wylies Bait and Tackle), we are now looking for a new reporter. Any reports from the area would be appreciated. However, I did call the shop at the pier itself and got some information (but no fish report). They said the entire end of the pier is closed to fishing (perhaps due to the store and restaurant?) and they suggested we call the state. Last time I was there I noticed various closures at the end, which of course didn’t make me too happy. How To Get There: The pier fronts on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1) so just drive until you see it.
Paradise Cove Pier — No report this month. Need a reporter 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 at the pier. Sounds like there are quite a few perch (although on the small size), and quite a few yellowfin croaker. Throw in a few mackerel and some sharays and the anglers seem to be happy. 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 reported that action at the pier is slow. Some perch and the normal croakers but few halibut. About the only thing that sounds good is a variety of sharks and rays. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, says that the crabs continue to make it hard to fish on the bottom. On top some bonito showed up for a few days but apparently they’ve now moved north off of Gaviota. Quite a few thresher sharks continue to be caught, pretty much one to two keepers a day but they are all small pups 3-4 feet long. As usual, if you want crabs this is the place to go. There’s almost a guarantee on a limit of red or rock crabs if that’s your goal and don’t be surprised if a spider crab or two joins in the fun. 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, 2259 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, said that the fishing has been so so. There has been a pretty steady action from the pipe reef with most of the fish being calico (kelp) bass along with a few rockfish. Bonito were present for about ten days but he thinks they’ve moved north. Sharay action has been steady, especially on leopard sharks, but shovelnose, thornbacks and bat rays are joining in the action. No halibut. 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 — Same report as the last few months—Still counting the days— Government efficiency seems to be a true oxymoronic word in California. The pier, managed by the State Department of Parks (State Parks), has been closed since a winter storm in 2014 (yes, more than a decade ago). Reports over the years have given hope for repair but funding as well as division and disagreement between various groups including the State Parks and the Coastal Commission, have slowed down the needed repairs. Maybe some day. How To Get There: From Highway 101 simply take the Gaviota State Park turnoff down to the beach and pier.