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California Beach Fishing

Free Fishing Piers, Jetties, and Breakwaters  |  Frequently Asked Questions  |  Guide to Central California Beach Fishing  |  Guide to Southern California Beach Fishing  |  Additional Resources

Free Fishing Piers, Jetties, and Breakwaters

When recreationally fishing from a "public pier" in ocean or bay waters, a fishing license is not required. Public piers have a specific definition in Section 1.88 of Title 14, California Code of Regulations (CCR)(opens in new tab). Public piers must be connected to the shoreline, allow for free, unrestricted public access, and have been built or currently function for the primary purpose of fishing.

Publicly owned jetties and breakwaters may also be "public piers" but, in addition, must form the most seaward protective boundary of an ocean harbor. Jetties and other structures that are not the most seaward boundary are not public piers.

Even though a fishing license is not required on a public pier, all other regulations (including minimum size, bag limits, report cards, and seasons) apply while fishing from a public pier. Additionally, only two rods and lines, handlines, or nets, traps, or other appliances used to take crabs may be used per person on a public pier (CCR Title 14, Section 28.65(b)).

The following list includes California public piers, jetties, and breakwaters as defined by Section 1.88 of Title 14, CCR.

PLEASE NOTE: CDFW cannot guarantee that individual piers, jetties, or breakwaters will be open to the public. The landowner may close these areas for safety, maintenance, or other reasons at any time.

California Public Fishing Piers, Jetties, and Breakwaters

San Diego County

  • Imperial Beach Pier
  • J Street Marina, Chula Vista, Pier
  • Pepper Park, National City, Pier
  • Coronado Fishing Pier
  • Embarcadero Pier
  • Shelter Island Pier
  • Ocean Beach Pier
  • Mission Bay Jetty North *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Crystal Pier (Pacific Beach)
  • Oceanside Pier
  • Oceanside Harbor Pier
  • Oceanside Jetty East *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required

Orange County

  • San Clemente Pier
  • Dana Point Jetty South *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Dana Point Jetty
  • Dana Point Harbor Pier
  • Newport Harbor South Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Newport Harbor North Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Balboa Pier, Newport
  • Newport Beach Pier
  • Huntington Beach Pier
  • Seal Beach Pier

Los Angeles County

  • Avalon Pier, Catalina Island
  • Cabrillo Mole, Catalina Island
  • Alamitos Bay (72nd Street) Jetty West *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Alamitos Bay Jetty East *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Belmont Pier, Long Beach
  • Shoreline Village Pier 3
  • Shoreline Village Pier 2
  • Shoreline Village Pier 1
  • Shoreline Aquatic Park Pier 1
  • Shoreline Aquatic Park Pier 2
  • Pier J Fishing Pier South
  • Pier J Fishing Pier North
  • Warehouse One Pier
  • Cabrillo Beach Fishing Pier *Note, on the adjacent breakwater a fishing license is required
  • Redondo Beach Pier
  • Redondo Beach/King Harbor Breakwater
  • Hermosa Beach Pier
  • Manhattan Beach Pier
  • Marina Del Rey South Jetty
  • Marina Del Rey North Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Venice Pier
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Malibu Pier

Ventura County

  • Port Hueneme Pier
  • Ventura Pier

Santa Barbara County

  • Santa Barbara Breakwater
  • Stearn's Wharf
  • Goleta Pier

San Luis Obispo County

  • Pismo Beach Pier
  • Avila Pier
  • Harford Pier, Port San Luis
  • Port San Luis Breakwater
  • Morro Bay South Jetty
  • Anchor Memorial Park Pier
  • Morro Bay South T-Pier
  • Morro Bay North T-Pier
  • Morro Bay North Jetty
  • Cayucos Pier
  • San Simeon Pier

Monterey County

  • Monterey Municipal Wharf 2
  • Monterey Coast Guard Breakwater
  • Moss Landing Breakwater South *Note: Adjacent rock wall touching land and jetty inside the harbor license is required
  • Moss Landing Breakwater North *Note: Adjacent rock wall touching land and jetty inside the harbor license is required

Santa Cruz County

  • Seacliff State Beach Pier (Seacliff Wharf)
  • Capitola Wharf
  • Santa Cruz Harbor Breakwater West *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Santa Cruz Harbor Breakwater East *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Santa Cruz Wharf

San Mateo County

  • Halfmoon Bay Jetty East
  • Halfmoon Bay Jetty West
  • Pillar Point Harbor Fishing Pier
  • Pacifica Pier
  • Redwood City Pier
  • Coyote Point Pier
  • Oyster Point Pier
  • Sierra Point Pier

San Francisco County

  • Candlestick Fishing Pier (Eastern of two)
  • Islais Creek Pier
  • Agua Vista Pier
  • South Beach Harbor Pier
  • Pier 14
  • Pier 7
  • Pier 45
  • San Francisco Municipal Wharf “Muni” Pier
  • Fort Mason Pier 3
  • Fort Mason Pier 2
  • Saint Francis Jetty
  • Torpedo Wharf (Fort Point) Pier

Alameda County

  • Dumbarton Pier
  • San Leandro Marina Pier
  • Doolittle Drive Pier
  • Arrowhead Marsh/MLK Pier
  • Veteran’s Pier *Note: On the adjacent walking bridge a fishing license is required
  • Alameda Rock Wall
  • Union Point Park Pier
  • San Antonio Pier
  • San Antonio North (Best Western) Pier
  • Estuary Park Pier
  • Webster St. (Jack London) Pier
  • Port View Park Pier
  • Emeryville Marina Pier

Contra Costa County

  • Barbara and Jay Vincent Park Jetty
  • Barbara and Jay Vincent Park Pier
  • John J Sheridan Pier
  • Ferry Point Pier
  • Pt. Pinole Pier
  • Eckley Pier
  • Martinez Marina Pier

Solano County

  • Benicia Point Fishing Pier
  • 9th Street Pier, Benicia
  • Vallejo Launch Ramp Fishing Pier
  • Vallejo Waterfront (Independence Park)
  • Cullinan Ranch Fishing Pier

Napa County

  • Cuttings Wharf

Marin County

  • Acqua Hotel Pier
  • Fort Baker Pier
  • Fort Baker Jetty
  • Elephant Rock Pier
  • Paradise Beach County Park Pier
  • McNears Beach County Park Pier

Sonoma County

  • Shollenberger Pier
  • Bodega Bay South Jetty
  • Bodega Bay North Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Spud Point Public Pier

Mendocino County

  • Point Arena Pier
  • Noyo River Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required

Humboldt County

  • Humboldt Bay South Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Humboldt Bay North Jetty *Note: On the adjacent rock wall touching land a fishing license is required
  • Del Norte Street Pier
  • Adorni Center Pier

Del Norte County

  • B St. Pier
  • Crescent City Harbor Lighthouse Jetty

Frequently Asked Questions: Pier and Shore-Based Sport Fishing

Do I need an ocean enhancement stamp while fishing from a public pier?

No. An ocean enhancement stamp is required when fishing anywhere in the ocean south of Point Arguello (Santa Barbara county) where a fishing license is required. This stamp is not required to fish from a public pier.

While fishing from a public pier without a fishing license, am I allowed to go down onto the beach to land a big fish that I hooked on the pier?

No. A fishing license is required when fishing everywhere except for a public pier. Even if you hooked the fish on the pier and only came down onto the beach to land the fish, you would need a valid license to avoid a potential citation. Purchasing an annual fishing license will make this a non-issue; or you may want to buy a pier net to help you land bigger fish from the pier.

How many rods can I actively use while fishing from a public pier?

You may use no more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs. Species-specific gear restrictions (such as for rockfish, lingcod and salmon) do apply when fishing from a pier.

How many rods can I actively use while fishing from a public pier inside San Francisco Bay?

On public piers in San Francisco and San Pablo bays between the Golden Gate Bridge and the west Carquinez Bridge, you may only use two lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs. Species-specific gear restrictions (such as for rockfish, lingcod and salmon) do apply when fishing from a pier.

How many rods can I use while fishing from the shore where a fishing license is required?

Any number of hooks and lines may be used to take finfish in all ocean waters and bays except in San Francisco and San Pablo bays between the Golden Gate Bridge and the west Carquinez Bridge, where you may only use one line with no more than three hooks. Species-specific gear restrictions (such as for rockfish, lingcod and salmon) do apply when fishing from the shore.

How many rods can I actively use while fishing from the shore inside San Francisco Bay?

While fishing from the shore in San Francisco and San Pablo bays between the Golden Gate Bridge and the west Carquinez Bridge, you may only use one line with no more than three hooks; you may also use up to 10 crab traps. Species-specific gear restrictions (such as for rockfish, lingcod and salmon) do apply when fishing from the shore.

If I have two rods and lines in the water on a public pier, can I also put a baited hoop net in the water?

No, you may use no more than two rods and lines, two hand lines, or two nets, traps or other appliances used to take crabs.

Can I have more than two rods with me while I'm on a public pier?

Yes, as long as you are actively using no more than two rods at any one time.

Can I keep a crab or lobster if I catch it on a hook with bait?

No, hook and line is not a legal method of take for crustaceans. Any lobster or crab taken on hook and line shall be returned to the water immediately.

Do I have to use barbless circle hooks while fishing with a lure for salmon in the ocean from a public pier?

Yes and no. Hooks attached to lures must be barbless, but they do not have to be circle hooks. You must use barbless circle hooks when fishing with bait in the ocean from a public pier for salmon.

Can I use two rods while fishing for salmon in the ocean from a public pier?

No. Salmon may be taken by angling with no more than one rod in ocean waters.

Is the monkeyface prickleback (eel) considered rockfish, and included in rockfish seasonal and emergency closures?

No. The term "rockfish" in the sport fishing regulations refers to members of the genus Sebastes. While the monkeyface prickleback is considered a "nearshore fish stock" under Section 1.90 of the regulations, it is not a nearshore rockfish, or any other kind of rockfish.

Guide to Central California Beach Fishing

Guide to Central California Beach Fishing

View a printer-friendly version of this brochure (PDF).

Getting Started

A few simple practices and gear choices can greatly enhance your enjoyment of Central California's year-round surfperch fishing. Anglers also enjoy seasonal opportunities for striped bass, California halibut, jacksmelt and surf smelt, among others.

When to Go Fishing

You are more likely to catch fish:

  • In the early morning or an hour before dusk
  • On an incoming high tide. The rising water level dislodges small invertebrates in sand bars, stimulating fish to feed.
  • During mild to moderate surf

EXCEPTIONS: Surf smelt and night smelt fishing are best in the daytime and evening respectively, on a falling high tide. Both species usually spawn on coarse-grained sandy beaches when the surf is mild.

Peak months for some favorite species in Central California

Peak Months October-June April-September May-August April-August February-August
Species Surfperch Striped Bass California Halibut Jacksmelt Night/Surf Smelt

Casting Tips

  • When you are beach fishing, cast to the edges of sand bars and drop-offs and be on the lookout for fish "highways," or channels with transiting fish in search of food.
  • If you are surfperch fishing, try casting near sand crab beds.
  • If you are striped bass or halibut fishing, look for signs of baitfish, such as feeding birds and marine mammals, and cast into these areas.
Commonly Caught Central California Surf Species

Rod and Reel Tips

  • If you are heavy bait fishing or "plugging," use a 10- to 12-ft rod rated for 2- to 8-oz casting, with spinning or conventional reels capable of holding 150 to 200 yds of 20- to 30-lb monofilament line.
  • If you are fly-fishing, try a 9- to 11-ft rod, rated for a 6- to 8-weight line, with matching reel and sink-tip or shooting head lines. Stripping baskets help manage line in the surf.
  • If you are light bait fishing or using Carolina-rigged grubs, try a 7- to 9-ft rod, with either a spinning or bait casting reel. Use a 6- to 12-lb test line that can comfortably cast a 1/2- to 1-oz egg sinker, depending on surf conditions.

Net Fishing

  • For surf smelt fishing along San Mateo County beaches, try cast or "throw" nets in the 6- to 8-ft range, with 1 to 1 1/2 lbs of lead per foot and 3/8-in webbing.
  • For night smelt fishing, try "A-frame" nylon webbing nets constructed of two rigid poles and a cross-member.

Equipment Checklist

  • Waders, hat, polarized sunglasses and sunblock. Besides protecting your eyes, polarized sunglasses will help you see fish in the shore break and run-up. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device if wading.
  • Pack for fish, tackle, tape measure, and needle-nose pliers for removing hooks
  • Bucket and scale to weigh catch, if fishing for night or surf smelt

Guide to Southern California Beach Fishing

Guide to Southern California Beach Fishing

View a printer-friendly version of this brochure (PDF).

Getting Started

A few simple practices and gear choices can greatly enhance your enjoyment of Southern California's year-round fishing for surfperches, croakers, California corbina, and California halibut, among others.

When to Go Fishing

You are more likely to catch fish:

  • In the early morning or an hour before dusk
  • On an incoming high tide. The rising water level dislodges small invertebrates in sand bars, stimulating fish to feed.
  • During mild to moderate surf

Peak months for some favorite species in Southern California

Peak Months September-May June-September July-September July-September June-October
Species Surfperch Yellowfin Croaker Spotfin Croaker California Corbina California Halibut
Commonly Caught California Surf Species

Rod and Reel Tips

  • For heavy bait fishing or "plugging," try a 10- to 12-ft rod rated for 2- to 8-oz casting, with spinning or conventional reels. The reel should be capable of holding 150 to 200 yds of 20- to 30-lb test line.
  • For fly-fishing, try a 9- to 11-ft rod, rated for a 6- to 8-weight line, with matching reel. Use a sinktip or shooting head lines. Stripping baskets help manage line in the surf.
  • For light bait fishing or when using Carolina rigged grubs, try a 7- to 9-ft rod, with either a spinning or bait casting reel. Use 6- to 12-lb test line that can comfortably cast a - to 1-oz egg sinker, depending on surf conditions.

Equipment Checklist

  • Waders, hat, polarized sunglasses, sunblock. Besides protecting your eyes, polarized sunglasses will help you see fish in the shore break and run up. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device if wading.
  • Pack for fish, tackle, tape measure, and needle-nose pliers for removing hooks.