Since it is a public pier, a fishing license is not required on the Huntington Beach Pier. Anglers no longer need to display their license, but it must be in their immediate possession while fishing.
What can you catch off Huntington Beach Pier?
The warm-water year of 2015 saw quite a few of the small yellowtail caught. Most are caught on live bait. The pier is noted for sharks and rays and most nights will see anglers trying for the sharays, especially the larger leopard sharks (to 4-5 feet in length), soupfin sharks (to six feet in length), and bat rays.
Is it legal to fish from a pier in California?
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.
Do you need a fishing license to fish off a pier in California?
Anyone 16 years and older must have a fishing license to take any kind of fish, mollusk, invertebrate or crustacean in California, except for persons angling from a public pier for non-commercial purposes in ocean or bay waters.
What is the best bait for pier fishing?
Bait: Popular types of pier fishing bait include bloodworms, shrimp, squid, anchovies and sardines. These should all be available at your local pier or bait shop. Note: Live bait is ideal so try to find a shop that offers this option.
What is the best time to pier fish?
Generally speaking, the best time to fish from a pier is either early morning or sundown. This is when moving tides attract a lot of baitfish to the area, which in turn, brings out the big and hungry of the fish world, too.
Where can you fish for free in California?
Free Fishing Piers in California
- Antioch Pier, San Joaquin River – Catfish, striped bass.
- Avila Pier, Avila Beach – Mackerel, white croaker, surfperch.
- Balboa Pier, Newport Beach – Surfperch, corbina, jacksmelt, bonito.
- Berkeley Fishing Pier, Berkeley – Staghorn sculpin, surfperch, jacksmelt.
How much is the fine for fishing without a license in California?
between $100.00 to $1,000.00
If you are found guilty of fishing without a license in the state of California, the punishment is a fine of between $100.00 to $1,000.00. If this is your second offense in the last five years, the penalty is a fine of between $250.00 or $1,000.00.
How much is a California fishing license for 2022?
$54
Starting Saturday all fishermen in California are required to have a 2022 fishing license. The basic license will cost $54 in 2022 and that doesn’t include $17.02 for a second-rod stamp.
How much is a CA fishing license?
The current California annual fishing license fees for 2021 are $52.66 for a resident and $142.05 for a nonresident. For short-term licenses, the fees are as follows: One-day Sport Fishing License: $17.02. Two-Day Sport Fishing License: $26.49.
What is the best pier to fish in California?
Santa Monica Pier
One of the most iconic fishing piers in California, the Santa Monica fishing pier is a “pier rat’s” favorite. The 2,000-foot-long pier features two decks.
What are the free fishing days in California for 2021?
Fish Responsibly on Free Fishing Day Saturday July 3
The first of two 2021 Free Fishing Days in California occurs Saturday, July 3, when no sport fishing license is needed.
Can you fish at night in California?
Answer: There are no time restrictions when fishing in the ocean unless you are fishing from a beach with a curfew. In most inland waters, salmon may only be taken between one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. (See CCR Title 14, section 3.00.)
What size hooks for pier fishing?
4 to 2/0
Fishing Hooks
For most of the baits you’ll use, sizes 4 to 2/0 will work. Remember to select hook size based on the size of your bait.
Can I use lures for pier fishing?
Casting spoons and jigging spoons.
These usually bright metal products are among the best saltwater lures for pier fishing for several reasons. Thick-bodied casting spoons work well for covering a lot of territory as well as distance and can be retrieved at varying depths and speeds.
What weight should I use for pier fishing?
It depends on the sea and weather conditions and the strength of the current. For a calm ocean and weak current, 1 to 2 ounces is usually all you need to stay stable in the strike zone. However, in more choppy waters you may need to use up to 6-8 oz to avoid being pushed around all the time by the water movement.
Is it better to fish at night or day?
Fish generally prefer early morning and evening sun to the bright midday rays. In midday, the surface temperature of the water is also hotter, forcing the fish to move deeper.
How do you land a fish from a pier?
As to pulling a large fish up, you have two choices… work the line and your pole down the pier to the beach and land it on the sand. Or, many fishermen have a “gaff hook” on a long rope. Drop the rope, hook the fish, pull it up.
Is fishing with corn illegal in California?
Answer: Corn is permitted as bait for carp – and any other species of fish and in any type of inland waters where bait is allowed.
Do you need a saltwater fishing license in California?
No; but it must be a public fishing pier. (a) A sport fishing license is not required to take fish for any purpose other than profit by means of angling from a public pier in the ocean waters of the state.
How many rods can you fish with in CA?
two rods
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.