Would McNears Pier be a productive spot for kids to fish this weekend?

[Heretic]

Wildfire smoke's finally clearing and the upcoming weekend afternoon high tides are perfect since it takes forever to get my young kids out of the house...

How has fishing been around the SF Bay lately? I haven't been fishing in so long I don't even know what's "in season." Was thinking McNears might be good for the kids to do some C&R of jacksmelt and perch, while also letting me toss a line out for an errant striper.

Any better recommendations for piers closer to the Tri-Valley (coming out from San Ramon)?

Also has anyone gone to Phu Quy in Oakland for bait?

Thanks!

 

[Seth]

The Dumbarton Bridge fishing pier is the closest one I can think of. The catch there is mostly small leopard and smoothhound sharks, could make for a fun day of fishing.

 

[Nblade]

Dumbarton pier has been inaccessible by car for at least couple weeks. The gate leading into Don Edwards Refuge is closed. It's 3 miles from the gate to the pier.

 

[nolandw]

Phu Quy has been closed ever since a fire destroyed the store in early February this year. I'm not sure if it's opened up yet, but I doubt it. The fishing supply chain is screwed (due to international trade) so even if they did re-open I'm not even sure if they'd have stock. It's a shame because it's a great store. If you need bait you can try West Marine in Alameda.

San Leandro Marina might do the trick, the pier is wide and roomy and closer to you. Incoming high tide is almost guaranteed jacksmelt on the pier. I didn't get any bites (even bait stealers) on sardines, squid, or anchovy two weeks ago but a lot of smelt were hitting smaller sardine chunks on a sabiki. Can also fish on the bank on the other side of the marina for other catches, but at that point you are not pier fishing.

Emeryville Pier has been garbage this year (even slower than it's usual slowness), so, while it's clean, I wouldn't try that (and yet I keep going back like a fool...)

 

[Heretic]

Phu Quy has been closed ever since a fire destroyed the store in early February this year. I'm not sure if it's opened up yet, but I doubt it. The fishing supply chain is screwed (due to international trade) so even if they did re-open I'm not even sure if they'd have stock. It's a shame because it's a great store. If you need bait you can try West Marine in Alameda.

San Leandro Marina might do the trick, the pier is wide and roomy and closer to you. Incoming high tide is almost guaranteed jacksmelt on the pier. I didn't get any bites (even bait stealers) on sardines, squid, or anchovy two weeks ago but a lot of smelt were hitting smaller sardine chunks on a sabiki. Can also fish on the bank on the other side of the marina for other catches, but at that point you are not pier fishing.

Emeryville Pier has been garbage this year (even slower than it's usual slowness), so, while it's clean, I wouldn't try that (and yet I keep going back like a fool...)

Exactly the info I was looking for. If we ever cross paths post-social distancing world, I owe you a beer! Thanks for saving me on the potential detour to Phu Quy.